Half of all pet owners reduced spending on vet care last year, according to a survey by PetSure, while more than one-fifth delayed a vet visit or reduced the frequency of routine check-ups.

Another 13% skipped routine flea, tick and worm treatments to cut costs, PetSure’s annual Pet Health Monitor report says. 

The trend comes as the insurer’s claims data indicates paralysis ticks are now active longer and related claims are being submitted throughout the year; the cost of tick disease treatment can climb to $25,000.

PetSure CEO Alexandra Thomas says early diagnosis and preventative treatment is key to the overall cost of care.

“Collaboration between pet owners and vets is vital for proactive pet health management, and in the long run, prevention is better than treatment,” she said.

Skin infections/allergies, gastrointestinal disease and ear infections remain the top three health conditions among dogs across all ages, according to PetSure claims data. Treatment costs can top $20,000. 

One-quarter of dogs will require cancer claims in their lifetimes; PetSure’s cancer claims for dogs and cats totalled $31.5 million last year.

Arthritis affects nearly 40% of pets over the age of eight, and annual treatment costs range from $600 to $1600, while heart disease treatment costs range from $2000 without surgery to more than $20,000 with surgery.

“The outcomes and chances of recovery are vastly improved with lifelong healthy habits, early detection and proactive health management,” PetSure said.

See the report here.