Brea, Calif. (May 2, 2007) — An analysis of claims filed in 2006 by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) policyholders shows that those submitted for allergic skin, pyoderma and benign skin cancer accounted for three-quarters of all skin condition claims received by VPI, the country’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance.

Of the nearly 847,000 total claims received by VPI in 2006, almost 65,000 (7.7 percent) were for atopic/allergic dermatitis (itchy or inflammed skin), about 36,000 (4.3 percent) for pyoderma/hotspots (lick lesions or moist sore spots) and nearly 37,000 (4.4 percent) for neoplasia, or benign skin cancer. Skin conditions accounted for nearly 21 percent of all claims made by VPI’s policyholders.

Dr. Carol McConnell, director of veterinary education for VPI, attributes the prevalence of these ailments to everything from parasites to pollen to food allergies. “Skin conditions in pets are very common, due to a multitude of factors,” she explains. “The most common reason for allergic skin problems is external parasites, such as fleas. It is very important for pet owners to keep their pets on annual flea control; one bite from a flea can send an allergic dog into a frenzy, much like mosquito bites for a human.”

Other causes for allergic skin conditions are pollens/grasses or foods. Your pet may become so itchy from these allergens that an overly moist patch of skin develops (pyoderma), according to McConnell. Pets can become so allergic that they obsessively lick or scratch in one location, and actually create a lesion or wound on their skin.

Fortunately for pet owners, the following methods may help prevent both dogs and cats from experiencing dermatological annoyances such as itching or inflammation: routine flea control; monitoring your pet’s scratching tendencies associated with a change in season or change in diet; regular bathing (avoid bathing your pet too often, as this can dry out skin); and periodic visits to the veterinarian to catch metabolic causes for skin illness.

McConnell stresses the importance of pet owners taking their pet to the veterinarian if they notice excessive scratching or a moist lesion, not only to administer adequate medical treatment, but also to ensure secondary skin infections do not occur. “Obtaining medical treatment for skin problems at an early stage of the disease reduces the risk of inflammation and infection, as well as promotes faster healing,” she explains.

An additional step pet owners can take to ensure skin ailments are detected early is bringing their pet to the veterinarian for regular examinations. “Preventive care is key, and it is the best way veterinarians can make sure that conditions are discovered and treated as early as possible,” McConnell says. “Pet insurance can not only help defray costs related to the testing and treatment of skin ailments, but also helps with expenses associated with routine veterinary examinations that are critical to your pet’s overall health. The costs for wellness visits and medical treatments can be considerable, and pet insurance helps make proper veterinary care affordable for all pet owners.”