Like humans, pets also require insurance. The insurance helps to keep medical expenses under control and prevent the chances of economic euthanasia. In a nightmare scenario, your big dog falls gravely ill. The treatment may require you to pay thousands of dollars, which you do not have. In such a case, you may have to put your dog down to end its suffering.
However, with pet insurance from the best companies, like Spokk, you do not need to worry about the cost of medical care. Is it a good idea to invest in pet insurance if you have a big dog? The answer to that is definitely yes. Below we expound more on why pet insurance is a wise decision if you have a large breed.
What kinds of dogs fall within the category of “big breeds?”
Generally, dog experts consider dogs that weigh more than 55 pounds to fall in the big breed category. Also, dogs taller than 20 inches at the shoulder fall into the large dog category. Some of the big dog breeds in the world include:
- Great Dane
- Great Pyrenees
- Rottweilers
- St. Bernards
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Bulldog
- Boxer
- Golden retriever
- Australian Shepherd
- Irish Wolfhound
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Collie
- Chow Chow
- Bloodhound
- Bullmastiff
What is the average cost of keeping a big dog?
Taking care of large-breed dogs requires a long-term financial commitment. Generally, dog-keeping expenses fall into either the recurring or upfront category. Research by Rover Press Room shows that 38% of dog owners believe that the average cost of pet insurance is around $500.
However, the actual initial costs range between $1050 and $4,480. The initial expenses may include dog adoption costs, registration, neutering, bed, vaccination, leash, toys, and car restraint.
When it comes to recurring expenses, taking care of large dogs will be more expensive than smaller ones. The ongoing costs may include insurance, toys, vaccinations, health checks, regular worm and flea treatments, and grooming. An estimated yearly cost for recurring expenses is about $480 to $3,470.
What common health problems affect large dog breeds?
Big dogs have a shorter lifespan than smaller or medium dogs. You can find that medium-sized dogs have a life span of 10 years, while big dogs’ lifespan is eight years. Big dogs are also more prone to health issues.
The primary health concerns in large-breed dogs differ from those in medium and small-sized dogs. Thus, you must know what you will be up against as a big dog owner. Here are some of the common health problems large dogs are susceptible to:
Arthritis
Even though all dogs are susceptible to arthritis, big dogs and senior dogs are at a higher risk. The weight and growth patterns of the dogs play a vital role in their higher risk rates. Some arthritis symptoms include difficulty in exercising, limping pain, and stiffness.
Elbow and hip dysplasia
Elbow and hip dysplasia often occurs because of elbow and hip joint malformations. It means your dog will be in pain as the bones in the joint will not operate seamlessly. Elbow and hip dysplasia can lead to lameness, joint inflammation, arthritis, joint degeneration, and challenges in jumping or climbing stairs. The health issues are common in Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, St. Bernards, and Great Danes.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition due to the thyroid gland’s low production of T3 and T4 hormones. The condition often leads to recurring skin infections, hair loss, excessive scaling, weight gain, mental dullness, and lethargy.
Bloat
Bloat is a life-threatening health concern that can prevent blood from reaching the stomach. It may cause the stomach walls to tear up. If your big dog has bloat, make sure to visit a vet as soon as possible.
Are larger dogs more costly to insure?
Size is a vital factor when it comes to the cost of dog insurance. Larger dogs are more expensive to insure than smaller breed dogs. The main reason for the higher cost is that large dogs take up more vet bills than smaller ones.
For instance, the cost of things like anesthetics and surgery is higher in big dogs as they will require higher medicine doses. Thus, the insurance coverage will help you cover the extra costs of keeping big dogs. You can find that the best insurance companies provide an average cost of pet insurance for big dogs to be about $22-$46 a month.
Where can large-breed dogs obtain the best pet insurance?
The best pet insurance for your large breed dogs is at Spokk. Spokk will help cover your big dog’s illnesses, red tape accidents, and other unexpected costs. We aim to remove the financial burden of unplanned and planned vet bills. Spokk also offers customizable coverage options that cater to the specific needs of your big dog. With our flexible plans, you can choose the coverage that fits your budget and gives you peace of mind.
In conclusion
Big dogs are more susceptible to illnesses like arthritis than small ones. Thus, pet insurance is vital if you are a big dog owner. It will help cover unexpected illnesses and accidents, reducing your financial burden.
