Business
truInsights into Lake Day Hazards: Trupanion Shares Data & Prevention Tips for Pet Parents
truInsights is a data focused initiative introduced by Trupanion and designed to deliver valuable health-related data and insights to pet parents,
About this update from Trupanion, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\ntruInsights is a data focused initiative introduced by Trupanion and designed to deliver valuable health-related data and insights to pet parents, veterinarians and pet lovers alike\n\n\n SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nAs the weather improves and pet parents look to bring their furry companions on outdoor adventures, the fun in the sun brings with it some potential hazards to be aware of for our four-legged friends. With over 20 years of pet health data, Trupanion, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRUP), the leading provider of medical insurance for cats and dogs, has investigated its veterinary invoice data, which shows an increase in claims for foxtails and Leptospirosis in the summer months (June, July and August).\n\n\nThe Dangers of Foxtails\n\n\nFoxtails are a barbed, spikelet grass that can become embedded in pets’ fur, paws, or even inhaled. They are found in a wide range of outdoor environments and can be especially problematic for pets in the summer months when dried out and hardened. Once embedded, foxtails travel in only one direction, inward toward the body, and can cause pain, wounds, abscesses, punctured lungs, and even death.\n\n\nAccording to Trupanion North America data, foxtail related claims are over 275% higher in the summer months (June, July, and August) than all other months. And while some believe that long-hair breeds are more prone to foxtail injury, it’s notable that among the top ten breeds claiming for foxtail injury, four of them are short hair breeds:\n\n\nTop 10 Breeds\n\n\n\nLabradoodle\n\n\n\nDoberman Pinscher\n\n\n\nPoodle-Standard\n\n\n\nGerman Shorthaired Pointer\n\n\n\nAmerican Pitbull Terrier\n\n\n\nBoxer\n\n\n\nWest Highland White Terrier\n\n\n\nGolden Retriever\n\n\n\nAustralian Labradoodle\n\n\n\nAustralian Shepherd\n\n\n\n“There are no dog breeds that are immune to foxtail injuries,” says veterinarian and Trupanion General Manager, Dr. Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1) M Infotech CVA ACVCHM. “Protective clothing for pets such as summer shoes are an excellent way to ward off foxtails when hiking or exploring in fields, with the added bonus of offering protection against hot sand and pavement.”\n\n\nThe costs can be significant. Trupanion found that while the average claim amount for a foxtail injury was approximately $387, the highest claim amount was $13,675 for a German Shepherd named Knight in 2017. Knight had...