Research the whole kit and cavoodle, vet costs can bite

25-05-2025

Inflation has not spared the family pet, and the costs of keeping them healthy has outstripped some other increases.
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."
Inflation has not spared the family pet, and the costs of keeping them healthy has outstripped some other increases.
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."
Inflation has not spared the family pet, and the costs of keeping them healthy has outstripped some other increases.
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."
Inflation has not spared the family pet, and the costs of keeping them healthy has outstripped some other increases.
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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Millions struggle to afford personal hygiene products

The Advertiser

10 hours ago

The Advertiser

Millions struggle to afford personal hygiene products

Millions of Australians could be living in hygiene poverty, with many struggling to afford basic items such as soap, toothpaste and deodorant. About one in eight people recently skipped buying personal hygiene or cleaning products to afford other essentials, according to research conducted on behalf of charity Good360 Australia. "Our research has uncovered the heartbreaking reality that millions of Australians are struggling to afford everyday basics," managing director Alison Covington said. Hygiene poverty occurs when people are unable to afford everyday essential products such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, household cleaning products and feminine hygiene products. "Hygiene poverty can cause feelings of low self-esteem, embarrassment and shame, and make it difficult for people to maintain their health," Ms Covington said. "It takes a devastating toll on people's mental and physical wellbeing." People unable to afford basic needs often avoid social events or commitments such as work and school, Ms Covington added. "There should not be millions of Australians, including children, going without the basics they need to thrive," she said. The survey, involving a nationally representative sample of 1000 people, also found that one in seven respondents struggled to afford cleaning products in the last six months, while one in eight experienced hygiene poverty for the first time. A further 19 per cent feared they would soon be unable to afford hygiene or cleaning products and 12 per cent of people were experiencing hygiene poverty for the first time. Women and young people were more likely to be impacted by the issue, with almost a third of young people and 21 per cent of women concerned about affording essential hygiene and cleaning products, compared to 16 per cent of men. Liverpool Women's Health Centre, in Sydney's southwest, helps more than 5000 women per year and has found personal items such as soap, deodorant and feminine hygiene products to be in high demand. "Everyday women that you wouldn't necessarily expect to need a deodorant or a packet of soap are taking it," chief executive Kate Meyer told AAP. "They're thrilled. They come and they check our freebie table that we have set up in the reception area and their eyes light up. "They're so grateful to have these things that they thought that they were going to have to make do without." Ms Meyer said one of the centre's elderly clients was "over the moon with gratitude" when she was given incontinence products. "That's horrifying for us because these are things that she needs for her everyday living," she said. "They shouldn't be something that gives her such joy. "They should be things that she's able to get in her groceries every week." Good360 channels unsold consumer goods to charities and disadvantaged schools to help people in need, preventing the surplus goods from going to landfill. Millions of Australians could be living in hygiene poverty, with many struggling to afford basic items such as soap, toothpaste and deodorant. About one in eight people recently skipped buying personal hygiene or cleaning products to afford other essentials, according to research conducted on behalf of charity Good360 Australia. "Our research has uncovered the heartbreaking reality that millions of Australians are struggling to afford everyday basics," managing director Alison Covington said. Hygiene poverty occurs when people are unable to afford everyday essential products such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, household cleaning products and feminine hygiene products. "Hygiene poverty can cause feelings of low self-esteem, embarrassment and shame, and make it difficult for people to maintain their health," Ms Covington said. "It takes a devastating toll on people's mental and physical wellbeing." People unable to afford basic needs often avoid social events or commitments such as work and school, Ms Covington added. "There should not be millions of Australians, including children, going without the basics they need to thrive," she said. The survey, involving a nationally representative sample of 1000 people, also found that one in seven respondents struggled to afford cleaning products in the last six months, while one in eight experienced hygiene poverty for the first time. A further 19 per cent feared they would soon be unable to afford hygiene or cleaning products and 12 per cent of people were experiencing hygiene poverty for the first time. Women and young people were more likely to be impacted by the issue, with almost a third of young people and 21 per cent of women concerned about affording essential hygiene and cleaning products, compared to 16 per cent of men. Liverpool Women's Health Centre, in Sydney's southwest, helps more than 5000 women per year and has found personal items such as soap, deodorant and feminine hygiene products to be in high demand. "Everyday women that you wouldn't necessarily expect to need a deodorant or a packet of soap are taking it," chief executive Kate Meyer told AAP. "They're thrilled. They come and they check our freebie table that we have set up in the reception area and their eyes light up. "They're so grateful to have these things that they thought that they were going to have to make do without." Ms Meyer said one of the centre's elderly clients was "over the moon with gratitude" when she was given incontinence products. "That's horrifying for us because these are things that she needs for her everyday living," she said. "They shouldn't be something that gives her such joy. "They should be things that she's able to get in her groceries every week." Good360 channels unsold consumer goods to charities and disadvantaged schools to help people in need, preventing the surplus goods from going to landfill. Millions of Australians could be living in hygiene poverty, with many struggling to afford basic items such as soap, toothpaste and deodorant. About one in eight people recently skipped buying personal hygiene or cleaning products to afford other essentials, according to research conducted on behalf of charity Good360 Australia. "Our research has uncovered the heartbreaking reality that millions of Australians are struggling to afford everyday basics," managing director Alison Covington said. Hygiene poverty occurs when people are unable to afford everyday essential products such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, household cleaning products and feminine hygiene products. "Hygiene poverty can cause feelings of low self-esteem, embarrassment and shame, and make it difficult for people to maintain their health," Ms Covington said. "It takes a devastating toll on people's mental and physical wellbeing." People unable to afford basic needs often avoid social events or commitments such as work and school, Ms Covington added. "There should not be millions of Australians, including children, going without the basics they need to thrive," she said. The survey, involving a nationally representative sample of 1000 people, also found that one in seven respondents struggled to afford cleaning products in the last six months, while one in eight experienced hygiene poverty for the first time. A further 19 per cent feared they would soon be unable to afford hygiene or cleaning products and 12 per cent of people were experiencing hygiene poverty for the first time. Women and young people were more likely to be impacted by the issue, with almost a third of young people and 21 per cent of women concerned about affording essential hygiene and cleaning products, compared to 16 per cent of men. Liverpool Women's Health Centre, in Sydney's southwest, helps more than 5000 women per year and has found personal items such as soap, deodorant and feminine hygiene products to be in high demand. "Everyday women that you wouldn't necessarily expect to need a deodorant or a packet of soap are taking it," chief executive Kate Meyer told AAP. "They're thrilled. They come and they check our freebie table that we have set up in the reception area and their eyes light up. "They're so grateful to have these things that they thought that they were going to have to make do without." Ms Meyer said one of the centre's elderly clients was "over the moon with gratitude" when she was given incontinence products. "That's horrifying for us because these are things that she needs for her everyday living," she said. "They shouldn't be something that gives her such joy. "They should be things that she's able to get in her groceries every week." Good360 channels unsold consumer goods to charities and disadvantaged schools to help people in need, preventing the surplus goods from going to landfill. Millions of Australians could be living in hygiene poverty, with many struggling to afford basic items such as soap, toothpaste and deodorant. About one in eight people recently skipped buying personal hygiene or cleaning products to afford other essentials, according to research conducted on behalf of charity Good360 Australia. "Our research has uncovered the heartbreaking reality that millions of Australians are struggling to afford everyday basics," managing director Alison Covington said. Hygiene poverty occurs when people are unable to afford everyday essential products such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, household cleaning products and feminine hygiene products. "Hygiene poverty can cause feelings of low self-esteem, embarrassment and shame, and make it difficult for people to maintain their health," Ms Covington said. "It takes a devastating toll on people's mental and physical wellbeing." People unable to afford basic needs often avoid social events or commitments such as work and school, Ms Covington added. "There should not be millions of Australians, including children, going without the basics they need to thrive," she said. The survey, involving a nationally representative sample of 1000 people, also found that one in seven respondents struggled to afford cleaning products in the last six months, while one in eight experienced hygiene poverty for the first time. A further 19 per cent feared they would soon be unable to afford hygiene or cleaning products and 12 per cent of people were experiencing hygiene poverty for the first time. Women and young people were more likely to be impacted by the issue, with almost a third of young people and 21 per cent of women concerned about affording essential hygiene and cleaning products, compared to 16 per cent of men. Liverpool Women's Health Centre, in Sydney's southwest, helps more than 5000 women per year and has found personal items such as soap, deodorant and feminine hygiene products to be in high demand. "Everyday women that you wouldn't necessarily expect to need a deodorant or a packet of soap are taking it," chief executive Kate Meyer told AAP. "They're thrilled. They come and they check our freebie table that we have set up in the reception area and their eyes light up. "They're so grateful to have these things that they thought that they were going to have to make do without." Ms Meyer said one of the centre's elderly clients was "over the moon with gratitude" when she was given incontinence products. "That's horrifying for us because these are things that she needs for her everyday living," she said. "They shouldn't be something that gives her such joy. "They should be things that she's able to get in her groceries every week." Good360 channels unsold consumer goods to charities and disadvantaged schools to help people in need, preventing the surplus goods from going to landfill.