Research the whole kit and cavoodle, vet costs can bite
Rising pharmaceutical costs continued to outpace broader rises, according to insurer PetSure's latest Pet Health Monitor.
Some owners are diligent researchers, the company's chief veterinary officer Simone Maher told AAP.
"But then there are others who unfortunately are caught out because there are some underlying predispositions that they're not aware of and not prepared for," she said.
According to the insurer's data, from more than 700,000 insured pets across Australia, the average dog owner claimed $1047 in vet bills in 2024.
No longer relegated to "outside", dogs are now allowed at many cafes, pubs and offices.
Virgin Australia has announced plans to allow them on domestic flights.
Owners were willing to spend more and plan for vet costs amid the increasing the "humanisation" of dogs, Dr Maher said.
The popular cavoodle accounted for 10 per cent of the insured breeds and were second in costs only behind border collies, with owners claiming less than $800 a year.
Traditional working dogs such as collies and kelpies are less prone to obesity and related diseases, and less likely to need corrective surgeries than dogs bred for exaggerated anatomical features.
The same can't be said for flat-faced dogs such French bulldogs and pugs, which sometimes require complex treatments.
French bulldogs had an average annual claim of $1641.
They also had great personalities, Dr Maher said.
But as with any breed it helps to research, and financial costs aren't the only ones to consider.
"We do need to be mindful that if we are selecting for those features, they do come at a welfare cost," Dr Maher said.
The report also provided some insight into pet name trends.
Whether it's a certain generation of first-time pet owners' enduring affinity for Harry Potter, or perhaps the canine tendency to howl at the moon, Luna is once again the most popular name for female dogs.
It proved similarly popular for cats.
Teddy was most popular for male dogs, while Milo topped the list for for male cats.
Dr Maher advised prospective owners to put some thought into what they call their dog.
"Just make sure it's something you're comfortable yelling out for the next 15 years or so."
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