Head trauma is the most costly medical mishap to treat for pets hurt at dog parks, according to Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.
The average expense is $591 for such an injury, which can occur when a dog crashes into an object or another pet, the Columbus, Ohio, insurer said Wednesday. That compares with $361 for the category of lacerations or bite wounds, and $143 for insect bites. Hypothermia or heat stroke costs $579.
Nationwide, which is better known for insuring cars and homes, has been expanding into pet coverage and seeking to highlight the offerings as people with more disposable income spend on animals that are often considered family members. Last year, Nationwide members spent more than $10 million on dog park-related medical conditions, the company said. The injuries can be more common in warmer weather.
“The dog park is a great place for dogs to socialize and exercise, but there are safety measures dog owners need to be aware of,” said Carol McConnell, Nationwide’s chief veterinary medical officer. “Many of the medical conditions on our dog park-related injury list can be avoided by taking necessary precautions.”
Soft tissue injuries and sprains were the most common mishap, affecting almost 24,000 Nationwide-insured dogs in 2015, the company said. They cost $225 on average.
The insurer recommends that people keep large and small dogs separated at parks and bring water and a bowl for their pets. Owners should also look for signs of overheating such as bright red tongues, thick drooling saliva, glassy eyes and a lack of coordination.
Policyholder-owned Nationwide is among the 10 largest home and auto insurers in the U.S. The company covers creatures including dogs, cats and birds against risks such as accidents, illnesses and injuries. Nationwide insures more than 575,000 pets.
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