The surprises of puppy and kitten season

Growing up isn’t always easy—as these Hambone-nominated pets discovered

With spring comes the start of “puppy and kitten season,” when numerous newborn pets find their fur-ever families. Like many baby animals, both puppies and kittens are curious creatures known for getting into mischief as they learn the ropes of familial life—mischief that sometimes is so surprising, it’s Hambone nomination-worthy.

Here are some of our youngest Hambone Award nominees and their surprising stories that prove it’s never too early to get pet insurance (in fact, the earlier the better).

Hambone babies

Over the years, our Hambone Award junior achievers created some interesting situations for their pet parents with their chewing, leaping and exploring.

• Ryder, the Lab puppy who got over enthusiastic about chewing a toy one day and swallowed a big-dog chunk of it.
• Stark, the high-flying feline who leapt four-paws-first into trouble (and got stuck in the window blinds).
• Belle, the Jindo pup who, in a misguided attempt to make friends with local wildlife, found herself beneath the hooves of an unhappy deer.

Luckily, all our Hambone nominees got the care they needed, and their eligible veterinary bills were covered by Nationwide pet insurance.

Most common medical conditions for puppies

These Hambone mishaps are unique, but most conditions that affect baby pets are exceedingly everyday in nature. Combing through Nationwide claims data, we found some veterinary care trends that stood out for puppies in their first year.

The top three conditions are issues that will crop up occasionally throughout a dog’s life: Gastroenteritis—more commonly known as an upset tummy—followed closely by ear infections and skin allergies. Recurring conditions like skin allergies may require ongoing prescription care to keep dogs (and cats!) free from itchiness and scratchiness.

Bodily trauma, which includes cuts and bruises as well as more serious injuries like sprains and broken bones, is an unusually common condition in younger dogs due to their high energy and youthful curiosity. Puppies also tend to need treatment for respiratory illness at a young age.

Most common medical conditions for kittens

Like their canine counterparts, kittens tend to get upset tummies that require veterinary care as they grow and develop.

Kittens are also extra susceptible to infections at a young age: Respiratory, ear, urinary tract, and eye infections round out the top 5 most common kitten conditions.

Some infections in kittens can be difficult to spot, especially urinary tract issues. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious complications, such as kidney infections, severe discomfort and a partial or complete blockage of the urethra. Get into the habit of tracking your cat’s litter box habits early, and see a veterinarian if you notice unusual changes.

A lifetime of good health and happiness

You may not know how your pet is going to grow up, but we've compiled millions of data points from our 40-plus years of pet health experience to help you prepare. The Nationwide Pet HealthZone® is a free resource for pet families that creates a customized pet profile using data collected from millions of pet insurance claims. It’s easy to use and offers valuable insights into health expectations for your pet based on age, breed and more.

As you and your new pet get to know each other, keep in mind that it may take a while to understand their quirks—some of which may be unusual or concerning. The Nationwide VetHelpline® app makes it quick and easy to make sure things are normal with your new friend. Nationwide pet insurance members get 24/7 access to videochat with licensed veterinary professionals via the app at no additional cost. Members can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store.

Not a member yet? Get a no-obligation quote today at petinsurance.com today.