Australian cattle dogs are reportedly one of the dog breeds with the most anxiety claims, according to a data report by Trupanion. New data from Trupanion reveals a sharp rise in anxiety-related health claims among dogs and cats over the past six years. Since 2019, these claims have increased by 93 percent nationally, with some states—such as Louisiana, Washington, and North Carolina—seeing spikes of 129 percent to 150 percent. In 2023 alone, Trupanion reportedly received more than 25,000 anxiety-related claims. Breed-specific trends also emerged, with Australian cattle dogs topping the list for dogs, followed by terriers, Portuguese water dogs, Shetland sheepdogs, and American pit bull terriers. Among cats, Siamese, Bengal, and Siberian breeds led the claims. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to consider anxiety as a growing chronic condition. Signs vary widely but can include behavioral changes, excessive grooming or vocalization, appetite shifts, and elimination outside the litter box or house. Subtle signs—such as clinginess or hyperexcitability—can also point to anxiety. Veterinarians play a key role in diagnosing and managing pet anxiety. Common strategies include behavioral modification, enrichment, consistent routines, and creating safe environments. Clinical input is essential for tailoring interventions. The increase in claims may reflect not only a rise in cases, but also improved awareness and care access. The findings are part of Trupanion’s truInsights initiative, which analyzes claims data from more than two million insured pets to identify health trends and inform veterinary practice. For more information, visit the Trupanion website.
