If we lived in Heaven, dogs would be just all love and cuddles, but in the real world, real responsibility comes with being a dog owner.
Keeping your dogs healthy is what all owners want, and regular vet visits help with that. However, there are certain dog breeds that can dry up your bank with their proneness to certain health issues. Adopting from a reputable breeder can help you end up with a healthier pet.
Wondering if you are going to need pet insurance? Let us walk you through 7 dog breeds that will need more cash in their owners’ wallets than others.
Dog Breeds with Expensive Vet Bills
1. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are beautiful working dogs known for their loyal and calm nature. These high-energy dogs love to stay active and are generally healthy. However, they’re prone to certain health issues that will need repeated visits to the vet.
Rottweilers are large dogs with a short, smooth coat. While grooming them is comparatively easier, taking care of their health is essential.
PetMD notes that the common issues they’re prone to are Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), and Osteosarcoma (a form of bone cancer). Managing their weight can help with joint problems. In any case, regular vet checkups are a must with these pups.
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2. Great Dane
Called the “Apollo of Dogs” due to its majestic size, the Great Dane makes an affectionate and fun family dog. Every dog lover dreams of a Great Dane with their versatile traits. Awesome watchdogs, they’re alert, smart, and protective of their families.
These tough boys or girls are also prone to some illnesses that can empty your pocket. According to the American Kennel Club, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is the number one killer of this dog breed. In case of this illness, surgical procedures might be required to save this pup’s precious life.
Getting pet insurance is a smart move if you want to adopt or already have a Great Dane. Other health conditions they are at high risk of are hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Beautiful furry besties, and lovable as puppies, Bernese Mountain dogs are big in both size and personality. They’re affectionate and intelligent pets with a strong personality. Sadly, this breed is also at risk of certain health conditions and can be one of the most expensive dog breeds due to the vet bills.
A huge number of Bernese Mountain Dogs die while they’re still puppies. Sorry for breaking your heart! Lack of genetic diversity and their predisposition to catching some health conditions are the common culprits, as per WebMD.
The leading cause of death is breed is cancer; regular screening will be required. Other common health risks are: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloating, cruciate disease (a ligament damage), Degenerative myelopathy, and obesity.
Treatment of obesity can help with joint problems. Since you may have to deal with the highest vet bills with this breed, it’s wise to look up some good pet insurance companies in time.
4. French Bulldog
Frenchies are a pocket-sized package of cuteness, friendliness, and calmness. These compact dogs are cherished because of their adorable looks and temperament. Even this bundle of happiness comes with a tendency to catch certain health problems, and you will need pet insurance.
They have a tiny body, and that’s quite muscled up. This makes them prone to some health problems you’ll need to watch out for.
One of the conditions is Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, which is common in flat-faced breeds. This is a syndrome caused by some abnormalities that attack the respiratory system. This issue can risk your Frenchie’s life.
They’re also quite prone to catching skin allergies. French bulldogs have sensitive skin, and their skin problems can mostly be managed with good pet care products. In case of severe allergies, you’ll need to see a vet for its treatment.
Other common problems are: back injuries, ear infections, and birthing problems.
5. Labrador Retriever
One of America’s favorite pups, the Labrador Retriever, can also be an expensive option due to the healthcare bills they can cause to rack up. These gorgeous and strong dogs are normally healthy, especially if bred by a responsible breeder. Some health threats are still expected.
Getting your Lab screened for some health-related threats can save you some serious dollars and stress. Common illnesses are: elbow and hip dysplasia, eye conditions, hereditary myopathy, heart conditions, and exercise-induced collapse (EIC) common in younger Labs.
6. Boxer
Boxers are high-energy and loving dogs that look like slightly worried cinnamon rolls. These adorable canines are agile and pretty great at dog sports, making them a perfect fit for active owners. Even this generally healthy breed is at risk of getting sick and make your wallet tremble at the vet bills.
Preventive strategies after talking to your vet matter a lot if you want to adopt this breed. Some common problems related to health in these pups are: cancers (the most common threat in Boxers), Dilated Cardiomyopathy (a heart disease), Boxer Arrhythmia, and bloat.
Timely veterinary care can help you keep your doggo and your finances safe.
7. German Shepherd
Perfection is one word when we think of the German Shepherd. AKC calls them “dogkind’s finest all-purpose workers” as they’re large, agile, and smart. These beautiful and sturdy dogs are not without their own health challenges.
German Shepherds are mostly a healthy breed; the breeder’s capabilities can matter a lot in defining their health. While the threats against their health are less than the other breeds we mentioned, it’s important to watch out for a few.
Bloat, the common killer of our loved furries, is also a villain in the German Shepherd’s story. A sudden attack of this condition can be life-threatening for your pet. Make sure they get quick veterinary care if it happens.
They’re also prone to degenerative myelopathy, a neurological disorder that can attack the spinal cord. This illness cannot be treated, but physical therapy can help make the dog’s muscles strong. Elbow and hip dysplasia is also a possibility; many German Shepherds face this disease.
Cancer, allergies, and health diseases are some other threats you need to have screened against.
Conclusion
A healthy and happy dog can keep its owner fulfilled and stress-free. We all want our bags of happiness to hop around the house, wagging their tails. To keep them healthy for most of their lifetime, it’s important to get them screened for the illnesses they’re most prone to.
When adopting a dog, get information about the breed’s health from the rescue center or pet store. This will help you prepare, both mentally and budget-wise, for taking care of your best friend in the best possible way.
