Southern Cross Pet Insurance data shows it paid out more claims for sick or injured Labradors last year in Canterbury than any other breed.
Former vet nurse and Southern Cross Pet Insurance business development manager, Kerri Murray, said Labradors are the most popular breed in New Zealand so it is not surprising they top the claims list in Canterbury.
"Labradors are far and away the most popular dog in Aotearoa New Zealand with approximately 42,000 registered, so it probably comes as no surprise they top the ‘most treated’ lists in veterinarian practices up and down the country.
"Labs are popular as guide dogs, drug detection dogs, therapy dogs and, of course, pets. And in the last calendar year alone (2023) SCPI paid more than $1.8 million in claims for illnesses, injuries and accidents involving New Zealand’s favourite dog."
The second-highest number of claims in Canterbury were made for Golden Retrievers, followed by German Shepherds (3), Miniature Schnauzers (4), Border Collies (5), Labrador Crosses (6), Spoodles (7), Labradoodles (8) and Cavoodles (9).
"They total 50 per cent of the top nine breeds in terms of SCPI total insurance claims paid (including domestic cats)."
“Labradors devote themselves to their families, and they deserve our love, attention and care in return.
"However, they are also highly energetic and have big appetites, so they are prone to eating things they shouldn’t and getting into trouble if they are bored."
Murray said most illnesses and injuries in Labradors are a result of:
- Beach-related mishaps, such as swallowing fishhooks sinkers, seaweed, shells or bait; fishhooks embedded in paws, tongues and lips; cuts to paws.
- Eating clothing such as socks and underwear.
- Ingesting stones, including peach stones, gravel, grass or seeds.
- Eating poison, the most popular being rat poison.
Other claims related to swallowing rubber gloves, pieces of broken crockery, toys, tea towels, skewers, cans, plastic, compost and medicines, Murray said.
"Owners can reduce the chances of this happening by taking preventive measures so their Labrador doesn’t get access to items that might seem appealing but are actually unsuitable for eating.
"Labradors are not always good at telling the difference. Make sure they have other safe things to play with and occupy their time, enough exercise, plenty of interaction with people and other dogs, and always monitor what they are picking up in their mouths.”
The surgical removal of foreign objects, knee repairs, rashes, grass seeds and bait consumption can add up to thousands of dollars for uninsured owners.
Most expensive dogs by region (total SCPI claims paid)
What about cats?
The top sport goes to domestic short-hair cats, with SCPI paying out $2.5 million in insurance claims for them during 2023.
There are thought to be about 1,134,000 companion cats in NZ. Murray said.
"Cat injury and illness claims seen by SCPI over the last few years include having paint removed from clogged fur, spikes removed from adventurous paws, repairs thanks to collisions with cars, plus helping the odd puss recover from lily poisoning and infected wounds from cat fights.
"Treatment for skin conditions, bites, wounds and tendon problems can often cost much more than owners might expect and may require more than one trip to the vet. Our records show an average visit can cost nearly $350 for cats and $500 for dogs – highlighting the costs that an owner can incur for even the most routine issues.”
