Dachshunds have been increasing in popularity over the past few years, making it into the top ten breeds in the past four years. Along with their spunky little personalities comes the unfortunate potential for several costly health issues. The best insurance coverage for the small Dachshund may not be the best option for a larger dog breed. And like all other purebreds, they are prone to more health concerns than mixed breeds, making pet insurance an excellent investment. This is why I’ve dedicated this insurance guide to Dachshunds.
As a pet insurance expert for over a decade, I can assist you in finding the best pet insurance for your Doxie. I also share this breed’s potential health problems and their associated costs. It’s important to note that not all pet insurance policies are the same, each dog is unique, and every owner’s budget is different. So, I’ll help you narrow down your options to find the most suitable insurer based on you and your Dachshund’s individual needs.
Best Pet Insurance For Dachshunds
I conducted extensive research to find the best pet insurance for Dachshunds based on their breed-specific needs. What did I take into account? To make my determinations, I examined many factors, including the dog’s age, premium pricing, coverage, specific health conditions, and more.
Best Value: Pets Best
- Policy Options: Accident-Only, Accident & Illness, Wellness
- Deductible Options: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
- Annual Payout Options: $5,000, Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
Why I Picked Pets Best
Pets Best consistently offers extremely competitive pricing for extensive coverage for Dachshunds. It also gives you some excellent customizable options to tailor your coverage, benefits, and your budget. Pets Best is one of the few pet insurance companies to offer an accident-only plan, a convenient option if your budget is tight. A wellness plan add-on is available at an affordable monthly cost — this can help you manage routine vet care costs like annual exams and vaccinations.
Another feature that makes Pets Best a superb value is that it provides coverage for curable pre-existing conditions (e.g., broken bones, dental fractures, etc.) once healed or cured. It’s a benefit that’s not widely offered by pet insurance providers. Additionally, Pets Best has no upper age limits, so you can enroll an older Doxie; however, due to their hereditary conditions, it’s best to enroll your pup earlier in life.
Expert Price Analysis
When I ran quotes for various Dachshund ages and locations, Pets Best premiums fell on the lower range of the pricing spectrum for the same payout, deductible, and reimbursement rates compared to its competitors. Pets Best also offers a 5% multi-pet discount, making it a fantastic option if you’re insuring more than one pet.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Offers a budget-friendly accident-only policy | Claim processing is longer than average at 18-30 days |
Optional wellness coverage add-on | No coverage for alternative therapies |
Customizable annual deductible, reimbursement, and annual payout options | |
Ability to upgrade accident and illness plans for exam fees, rehab, acupuncture, and chiropractic coverage | |
No upper age limits or reduced coverage based on age |
In-Depth Review Of Pets Best
My comprehensive review of Pets Best gives you more details about this insurer’s coverage, waiting periods, reimbursement process, and much more.
Best Customizable Plans: Embrace
- Policy Options: Accident-Only, Accident & Illness, Wellness
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
- Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
Why I Picked Embrace
Embrace is one of the very few pet insurers that offer accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness plans, along with many customization options for your annual deductible, annual payout, and reimbursement. Its accident and illness policies are among the most comprehensive, with the fewest exclusions. Of special note to Dachshund owners, policies include $1,000 for dental illness coverage annually. Doxies are extremely prone to dental problems due to the overcrowding of teeth.
Embrace also includes coverage for behavioral therapy, and alternative therapy in all plans. Some other companies require an add-on for these types of coverage. It also boasts fast claim reimbursement, with an average of five days. Embrace is an excellent insurer for parents wanting nose-to-tail coverage for their Doxie.
Expert Price Analysis
Analyzing the multiple quotes I obtained for Dachshunds, Embrace fell in the middle of the pack compared to other top insurers, but it also offers some of the most comprehensive coverage. However, for one of the many Doxie quotes I ran, Embrace offered no coverage. The quote was for a 5-year-old Dachshund residing in Sacramento, CA.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Many different customization options for deductibles, reimbursement, and payouts to fit your budget and needs | Dogs enrolled after their 15th birthday are restricted to accident-only coverage |
10% multi-pet discount (the largest in the industry) | Some Doxies are uninsurable, depending on age and location |
Each year you don’t get a claim payment, your deductible goes down $50 | Wellness plans aren’t the best value due to higher-than-average fees vs benefits you get |
Excellent comprehensive dental coverage | Exam fees and prescription drugs for covered conditions are add-ons |
In-Depth Review Of Embrace
Check out my full review of Embrace to learn more about this provider’s coverage, reimbursement process, plusses and minuses, FAQs, and more.
Best For Unique Benefits: Fetch
- Policy Options: Accident & Illness, Wellness
- Deductible Options: $300, $500, $700
- Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000
- Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
Why I Picked Fetch
Fetch stands out among the pet insurance provider pack for its unique features. Some include coverage for virtual vet appointments with no copay or deductible, your pup’s boarding fees if you’re hospitalized, and vacation cancellation should your pet become ill. And if your pet gets lost, this insurer will cover advertisement and reward fees, plus up to $1,000 if you don’t reunite with your furry friend.
Fetch also includes coverage for several conditions, like sick vet exam fees and gum disease, that require add-ons for many other providers. This is appealing for Doxie owners because the breed is highly prone to dental problems. Other notable features include coverage for curable pre-existing conditions after one year and pre-approval of estimates/procedures in advance of treatment.
Expert Price Analysis
When I ran quotes for various Dachshund ages and locations, I found that Fetch’s premium pricing really varied by age compared to other insurers. For example, for puppies and younger Doxies, Fetch was sometimes on the lower end but more often in the mid-range. For older Doxies, Fetch tended to fall on the higher end. These quotes all used the same deductible, reimbursement, and payout rates for comparison to other pet insurance providers.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Sick visit exam fees, gum disease, behavioral therapies, alternative therapies, and C-sections are included in coverage | Longer than average accident waiting period (15 days) |
Covers curable pre-existing conditions after 1 year | Excludes coverage for IVDD in some cases* |
Optional wellness plans available | |
Can enroll puppies as young as 6 weeks old |
In-Depth Review Of Fetch
See my comprehensive review of Fetch to learn more about this provider’s coverage, exclusions, unique benefits, reimbursement process, FAQs, and much more.
Best For Unlimited Payouts: Healthy Paws
- Policy Options: Accident & Illness
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
- Annual Payout Options: Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
Why I Picked Healthy Paws
If you’re considering a policy with unlimited annual payouts, Healthy Paws is a strong contender. All of its policies have unlimited payouts — and its premium pricing is often more affordable compared to insurers with the same deductible, reimbursement, and unlimited payouts. Because Doxies are prone to many costly health conditions, a plan with unlimited payouts, like Healthy Paws, is a smart choice.
Healthy Paws also has a stellar reputation for exceptional customer service and much lower-than-average claim processing time. This insurer is a good choice if you don’t want to worry about going over an annual cap and want reimbursement quickly after you pay your vet bill.
Expert Price Analysis
Healthy Paws only offers unlimited annual payouts for all plans, so it’s hard to compare costs for the same coverage for other insurers. However, in some of the quotes I ran, Healthy Paws’ premiums were only a few dollars more than a $5,000 annual payout. Still, Healthy Paws has many policy coverage restrictions for Dachshunds. For example, a 5-year-old Doxie residing in Buffalo, NY, wasn’t insurable through Healthy Paws. Also, several other Dachshund pet insurance quotes had no customizations available (mostly limited to a $500 deductible and 70% reimbursement).
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Unlimited payouts for all plans | Limited customization options based on your pet’s age |
Low pricing compared to many competitors for plans with unlimited payouts and comparable coverage | No coverage option for exam fees |
Very fast claim processing, averaging 2 days | Pets enrolled after 6 years old aren’t eligible for hip dysplasia coverage |
In-Depth Review Of Healthy Paws
Want more details about what this provider covers, its reimbursement process, other pros & cons, and more? Be sure to see my complete review of Healthy Paws.
Best For Dachshund Puppies: Figo
- Policy Options: Accident & Illness, Wellness
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750
- Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Why I Picked Figo
Figo has some of the lowest premium pricing for Dachshund puppies compared to other top insurers. You can enroll your little Doxie as early as eight weeks old. It offers extensive coverage, excellent customer service, and fast claim processing (averages three days). Figo has fantastic customizations and is one of the few providers to offer 100% reimbursement as an option.
It also covers curable pre-existing conditions if there have been no signs or symptoms within the last year and offers two wellness plans to help you with routine vet costs to keep your pup as healthy as possible.
Expert Price Analysis
When I ran quotes for various Dachshund puppies, Figo was often the least expensive compared to other insurers. For older Doxies, Figo falls in the lower to mid-range for premium pricing, making it an excellent value for your pup’s lifetime coverage.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Lowest pricing for Dachshund puppies | Must pay extra for exam fee coverage |
5% multi-pet discount | |
Shorter than average accident waiting period (1 day) | |
Your deductible decreases by $50 each year without a claim payment | |
Alternative therapies are included in coverage |
In-Depth Review Of Figo
Be sure to read my comprehensive review of Figo for more details on this provider and its coverage, claims processing, pros, cons, FAQs, plus my personal experience with Figo.
Most Affordable: Lemonade
- Policy Options: Accident & Illness, Wellness
- Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500
- Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
- Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%
Lemonade Pet Insurance Is NOT Available In: AK, AZ, DE, HI, ID, KS, KY, LA, ME, MN, MT, WV, WY
Why I Picked Lemonade
For Dachshunds, Lemonade is often one of the most affordable insurers for a comprehensive accident and illness policy. If price is a primary concern for you, this provider is a solid choice. It’s highly customizable for annual deductibles, annual payouts, and reimbursement. The basic plan is among the least expensive you’ll find, but you’ll have to pay a few extra dollars per month to add coverage for exam fees, physical therapy, or more extensive dental coverage.
It’s important to point out that Lemonade, which began offering pet insurance in 2020, isn’t as well-established as the other insurers I include in this article. Still, it gets excellent customer reviews, has a speedy claim processing time (in many cases within minutes), and offers 10% off if you bundle with your Lemonade renters, homeowners, or auto insurance.
Expert Price Analysis
Lemonade consistently had some of the lowest pet insurance premiums for Dachshunds when using the same deductible, annual payout, and reimbursement. Even with the addition of exam fee coverage, Lemonade still fell below average for premium pricing.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Among the lowest prices for the Dachshund quotes I ran | Unavailable in 13 states |
Lots of customization options to fit your budget | Must purchase add-ons for exam fees, physical therapy, and higher dental coverage |
5% multi-pet discount | No accident-only plan |
Shorter than average claim processing (2 days) | |
Optional wellness plans available |
In-Depth Review Of Lemonade
My full review of Lemonade gives you more details on this provider and its coverage, reimbursement process, pros and cons, FAQs, and more.
Best For Bilateral Conditions: Trupanion
- Policy Options: Accident & Illness
- Deductible Options: $0 – $1,000 (in $5 increments)
- Annual Payout Options: Unlimited
- Reimbursement Options: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Why I Picked Trupanion
Dachshunds are prone to several bilateral conditions (conditions or diseases that could affect both sides of the body), including hip dysplasia, patella luxation, cataracts, and glaucoma. These bilateral conditions can be very costly, but with Trupanion’s coverage, you can save significant money. Why? Trupanion’s policies have no bilateral exclusions. Most pet insurance providers have bilateral exclusions, which means if your Doxie is diagnosed with hip dysplasia, for example, on the left side before the policy’s effective date, coverage for the right side will be excluded.
Expert Price Analysis
Comparing the quotes I ran, Trupanion has the highest premiums for Dachshunds by far. In many cases, Trupanion’s premiums were twice as expensive for the same dog.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Unlimited payouts and 90% reimbursement with most plans | No coverage available for exam fees |
May be able to pay your vet directly to avoid waiting for reimbursement | Consistently more expensive for Dachshunds than other insurers |
$0 deductible available, and 100% reimbursement available in some states | |
One of the only providers that doesn’t exclude pre-existing bilateral conditions for the other side of the body |
In-Depth Review Of Trupanion
For more details on this provider’s coverage, reimbursement process, waiting periods, and more, check out my complete review of Trupanion.
What Type Of Pet Insurance Plan Is Best For Dachshunds?
Pet insurance providers offer two types of plans: accident-only and accident and illness. Some providers also offer optional wellness plans for an additional fee, but it’s important to point out that wellness plans are not insurance products. Still, they’re often offered as an option during enrollment, so I’ve included them below to give you a better idea of your options for your Doxie.
Accident-Only | Accident & Illness | Wellness | |
---|---|---|---|
Injuries (broken bones, IVDD, eye trauma, etc.) | |||
Diseases (progressive retinal atrophy, diabetes, epilepsy, periodontal disease, etc.) | |||
Preventative (annual exams, vaccinations, dental cleaning, etc.) |
What Are Accident-Only Pet Insurance Plans?
Accident-only plans cover the cost of emergencies due to accidents and injuries. Some common examples include wounds, broken bones, foreign body ingestion, eye trauma, cranial cruciate ligament tears, and more. These plans don’t cover any illnesses or inherited diseases, only emergency accidents and injuries. This can be a good option for a pet with many pre-existing conditions that wouldn’t be covered. However, not all pet insurance providers offer accident-only plans.
Pricing Tip – Because these plans don’t cover illnesses, they’re usually more affordable than accident and illness plans.
What Are Accident & Illness Pet Insurance Plans?
Accident and illness plans can be a better choice if you want the most comprehensive coverage for your pup. Not only do they cover injuries resulting from being hit by a car or accidental poisoning, for example, but they also cover illnesses, such as ear infections and diarrhea, and inherited conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), epilepsy, cancer, and more.
What Are Wellness Plans?
You can purchase a wellness policy as an add-on to your insurance plan or as a standalone product. By paying a monthly or annual fee, you can have a portion of the costs for preventative care covered. Wellness plans typically cover annual exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, professional dental cleanings, and more. They help you budget for the necessary routine care of your Doxie to keep them as healthy as possible.
Wellness plans are not considered pet insurance and don’t cover any costs related to illnesses or accidents.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover & Exclude?
Most accident and illness pet insurance plans cover the following items when deemed medically necessary. However, coverage varies based on the provider you choose and your type of policy. It’s also important to keep in mind that specific item coverage can have limitations and certain exclusions, so it’s crucial to read the fine print before signing up for any policy.
Covered | Excluded |
---|---|
Blood tests | Boarding |
Cancer (chemo & radiation) | Cremation & burial costs |
CT scans | Elective procedures (e.g., declawing, ear cropping, spaying/neutering, tail docking, etc.) |
Chronic conditions | Food & supplements |
Congenital conditions | Grooming |
Emergency care | Pre-existing conditions* |
Euthanasia | Pregnancy & breeding |
Hereditary conditions | Vaccines |
MRIs | |
Non-routine dental treatment | |
Prescription medications | |
Rehabilitation | |
Specialized exams & care | |
Surgery & hospitalization | |
Ultrasounds | |
X-rays |
What Determines The Cost Of Pet Insurance For Dachshunds?
Pet insurance pricing for Dachshunds, as for other purebred dogs, can be complex. Every pet insurance policy’s premium is based on many factors, including your Doxie’s age, location, each company’s underwriting criteria, and more. However, here’s a general overview of the most common factors that influence premium pricing:
- Not surprisingly, age plays a significant role in pet insurance pricing. For example, young Dachshunds are typically at a lower risk of illness, so insuring older Doxies is more expensive.
- Purebreds, including Dachshunds, are likely to have more health problems than mixed breeds due to inbreeding. Therefore, pet insurance pricing for purebreds can be more expensive than a Doxie mixed breed.
- Male dogs can be more expensive to insure compared to females. Why? With many breeds, males are typically larger, so they require higher doses of medication, larger medical equipment, and additional medical supplies than females. This disparity isn’t always the case with every insurance provider.
- The cost of living in your area is a significant factor in the pricing of pet insurance premiums as it is for home prices, rent, groceries, and more. Veterinarians in your area are also subject to higher prices for office rentals, staff salaries, equipment, etc. So if the cost of living is high in your area, then chances are your pet insurance premium and vet bills will be higher, too.
While you can’t control your dog’s age, breed, gender, and where you live (unless you move), you can customize your policy pricing to help it better meet your budget. Some providers give you more customization options than others, but most allow you to adjust your deductible and reimbursement rates to find a premium that fits your budget. Read below to see how this works.
Customization Options Affect Cost & Benefits
With many pet insurance providers, you have several customizable options to fit your needs and finances. Your first option is to choose between accident-only and accident and illness pet insurance policies. Then, you can customize your maximum payout, deductible, and reimbursement percentage, but it’s important to know how all of these details affect your benefits. I’ll explain below.
What Is The Maximum Payout & Why Does It Matter?
Pet insurance companies offer either annual or lifetime payouts, but a vast majority have annual payouts. A lifetime payout is the highest amount the insurer will reimburse over the entire time a pet is insured. An annual payout is the maximum amount the insurance provider will reimburse during the policy’s annual period. The most common annual payout options are $5,000, $10,000, and unlimited.
Pricing Tip – Consider your maximum annual limit carefully. While choosing a lower payout lowers your premium, this means you’ll be responsible for more out-of-pocket expenses if your Dachshund requires expensive vet treatment.
Is The Deductible Annual Or Per-Incident?
A deductible is the set amount you’re responsible for paying before the insurer covers your vet costs. It’s important to know if the insurer offers an annual or per-incident deductible — this varies by company. However, most pet insurance companies have annual deductibles, with the most common options being $100, $250, and $500.
What’s the difference between the two? With an annual deductible, you’re only required to pay the amount you choose for your policy once per year, regardless of how many treatments your pup needs that year. Annual deductibles make budgeting your pup’s health care costs easier.
With a per-incident deductible, you’re required to pay the deductible amount for each new emergency or condition your pet encounters. Per-incident deductibles can get expensive if your Dachshund has multiple unrelated health issues that occur in a year. However, if your Doxie is diagnosed with a chronic condition, like arthritis or IVDD, you’re only responsible for paying the deductible once for that condition over your pup’s entire insured lifetime.
Pricing Tip – Choosing a higher deductible can reduce your monthly premium, but you’ll have to pay more out-of-pocket at the time of treatment.
What’s The Reimbursement Percentage?
The reimbursement rate is the percentage of the total cost of your vet expenses that the insurance provider will cover after you pay your deductible. You’ll be responsible for paying the remaining amount (called the copay). For example, if you choose a 70% reimbursement rate, you’ll pay 30% of the total costs of veterinary care (after you meet your deductible). Reimbursement percentage options vary by provider, with the most common being 70%, 80%, and 90%.
Pricing Tip – A lower reimbursement percentage reduces your monthly premium but results in higher out-of-pocket expenses for treatment.
Learn More About Pet Insurance Costs
Read my comprehensive guide on pet insurance costs for more details on how all of these factors affect your premium and benefits.
How Much Is Pet Insurance For A Dachshund?
The best way to get an accurate idea of what you can expect to pay for your Doxie is to run quotes yourself. Simply enter your zip code and your dog’s information in the quote form below, and we’ll provide you with personalized insurance quotes from many providers. Although I provide some sample quotes below for several different ages and U.S. zip codes, remember that the cost of pet insurance varies depending on your individual situation.
According to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association), the average monthly premium for an accident and illness dog insurance policy in the U.S. is $56.30 ($31.94 for cats).
I ran multiple quotes to give you a general idea of policy costs for Dachshunds of varying ages and locations. The following are monthly premium costs from some of the best pet insurance companies. Note: These quotes are for standard-sized Dachshunds rather than Miniature Dachshunds.
Dachshund Insurance Cost: Lowest & Highest Amounts
I also gathered the lowest and highest monthly costs for Dachshund pet insurance from these top companies, factoring in annual payout, deductible, reimbursement, and add-on options (excluding wellness plans). I included two different ages to demonstrate how premiums vary based on a dog’s enrollment age.
Company | 2mo old 95818 (Sacramento, CA) |
5yr old 95818 (Sacramento, CA) | 2mo old 14211 (Buffalo, NY) |
5yr old 14211 (Buffalo, NY) |
2mo old 33604 (Tampa, FL) |
5yr old 33604 (Tampa, FL) |
2mo old 79404 (Lubbock, TX) |
5yr old 79404 (Lubbock, TX) |
2mo old 07108 (Newark, NJ) |
5yr old 07108 (Newark, NJ) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$16-$104 | $21-$131 | $11-$70 | $13-$88 | $11-$72 | $13-$83 | $10-$58 | $11-$67 | $11-$70 | $14-$89 | |
$26-$66 | $44-$113 | $21-$43 | $35-$76 | $23-$51 | $39-$90 | $21-$29 | $23-$49 | $21-$43 | $34-$75 | |
$25-$66 | $37-$74 | $25-$52 | Uninsurable | $28-$67 | $45-$117 | $23-$60 | $34-$54 | $26-$53 | $38-$60 | |
$18-$146 | Uninsurable | $22-$136 | $22-$139 | $14-$69 | $19-$90 | $13-$65 | $18-$85 | $19-$92 | $26-$121 | |
$15-$89 | $19-$115 | $11-$107 | $35-$134 | $9-$71 | $13-$104 | $8-$62 | $11-$90 | $15-$102 | $20-$132 | |
$15-$115 | $19-$125 | $18-$103 | $19-$110 | $12-$86 | $15-$108 | $13-$70 | $13.70-$73 | $16-$87 | $18-$95 | |
$41-$165 | $69-$295 | $41-$167 | $69-$297 | $83-$154 | $177-$329 | $36-$145 | $68.30-$291 | $44-$181 | $87-$38 |
How Does Pet Insurance For Dachshunds Work?
Pet insurance helps cover the cost of vet treatment for your insured Dachshund’s condition. Before your coverage kicks in, you’ll first need the waiting periods to be over, which vary by each company. Fortunately, using pet insurance is super simple.
- Take your Dachshund to the vet and pay the bill at the time of service.
- Submit a completed claim form and an itemized receipt to your insurance company. Some companies require a signature from your vet, so it’s a good idea to take a printed copy of your claim form to your visit.
- Once the claim is approved, the insurance provider will send your reimbursement* via your chosen payment method (check, direct deposit, etc.).
*The reimbursement timeline can vary from a few minutes to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of your claim and the promised processing time.
What Are Waiting Periods For Dachshund Pet Insurance?
Waiting periods are the time between enrolling in a pet insurance policy and starting coverage. Each pet insurance provider has different waiting periods, but most have them for accidents (usually ranging from 0 to 15 days) and illnesses (usually 14 days). Additionally, some companies require waiting periods (up to one year) for orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia, which Dachshunds are prone to.
*Waiting periods for California, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Washington are as follows:
- Accidents – 0 days
- Illnesses – 14 days
- Cruciate Ligament Conditions – 30 days
- Routine Care – 0 days
Learn More About Waiting Periods
Gain a deeper understanding of why waiting periods exist and other important information regarding pet insurance waiting periods.
What Are Common Health Issues In Dachshunds?
Here are some of the most common health issues diagnosed in Dachshunds, along with their potential costs.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the discs between a dog’s vertebrae move into the spinal canal. Diagnosing and treating IVDD can include X-rays, CT, MRI, medication, surgery, frequent vet visits, alternative therapy, hospital stays, and more. You could face $3,000 to $8,000 in vet bills.
- Dachshunds, like many smaller breeds, are prone to periodontitis, endodontics disease, tooth extractions, and overbites due to their small jaws and overcrowded teeth. Establishing a dental cleaning routine is crucial to help prevent gum disease, costing over $1,000.
- Patella luxation is a condition in which the kneecap doesn’t sit correctly and can slip out of place. If it happens once, it’s likely to happen again. Surgery is often needed to prevent recurring issues, and it can cost&;between $1,500 and $3,000 per knee.
- Hip dysplasia is a chronic condition that occurs when the head of the femur bone doesn’t fit correctly into the hip socket, causing pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. Surgery, which ranges from $1,700 to $4,500 or more, is often needed to improve the quality of your Doxie’s life.
- Arthritis is a chronic, degenerative joint disease that can be costly to treat. Treatment options include medication, which can cost up to $100 per month, and physical or alternative therapies, costing around $50 per session. In severe cases, surgery may be required and cost thousands of dollars.
- Dachshunds have an increased risk of developing diabetes, a condition that occurs when the body is unable to appropriately process sugar. Diagnostic testing can be as high as $500. All diabetic dogs require daily insulin injections, which average $40 to $80 per month for Doxies. Dogs with diabetes also need 2-4 vet visits per year and regular blood and urine testing, and they may need prescription dog food.
- Epilepsy is an inherited disorder in which your dog experiences uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain, which causes seizures. Medication is often prescribed to dogs with epilepsy to help control seizures. Unfortunately, many of those medications can cause serious side effects for some dogs. And even with medication, 30-40% of dogs continue having seizures. Depending on the drug choice, you could be facing around $500 a year or more on medication alone. Initial diagnostic testing is also an expense to consider.
- Canine bloat is a life-threatening illness in dogs. It occurs when they eat too much or too fast, causing the stomach to expand and twist. Immediate treatment is necessary, or death could occur within hours. The treatment cost can be as high as $3,000 or more.
- Eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma, are common in Dachshunds. You may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist for a PRA test called an electroretinogram (ERG), costing around $400. Genetic testing may also be ordered for an additional fee. Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for PRA. However, diagnosis can be costly and can be covered by insurance. Surgery for cataracts and glaucoma can range from $1,000 to $4,000, not to mention the cost of the initial vet visit for diagnosis and any medication required.
- Ear infections are common in Doxies due to their floppy ears, which easily retain moisture. Diagnostic testing, initial and follow-up vet visits, and medication can cost from $250 to $500 or more for just one ear infection.
- Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. It’s a severe chronic disease that requires life-long medication and testing. Initial diagnostic testing costs $50 to $150, and monthly medication costs average $20 to $50. To ensure that medication continues to work, annual re-testing is required and ranges from $50 to $100.
- Dachshunds also have a higher risk of kidney and bladder stones, crystalized minerals that become lodged in the organ. In cases of multiple or large stones (and the location), surgery may be required and can cost up to $3,000.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Dachshunds?
Doxies are often included in lists of popular breeds that are prone to many health conditions, so it’s important to consider pet insurance for your pup. Given this breed’s propensity to high-cost health problems, getting pet insurance when your Dachshund is young can help you get the care your pup needs without worrying about how you’re going to pay for high vet bills.
5 Steps To Find The Best Pet Insurance For Dachshunds
When searching for the best pet insurance for your Dachshund, keep in mind that this breed has a typical life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. Given their long lifespan, choosing the right insurance plan that meets your pet’s current and future potential needs is essential. Here are the most important factors to consider when selecting the best insurance policy for your Doxie.
- Learn about the insurance companies’ reputations. Companies with years of experience are more stable than brand-new insurers.
- Consider the health issues Dachshunds are predisposed to and familiarize yourself with the terms associated with coverage for those conditions.
- Decide if you want accident-only or accident and illness coverage.
- Know how claim reimbursement occurs and the average processing time.
- Get pet insurance quotes from at least three companies to compare pricing.
Methodology
To determine the best pet insurance for Dachshunds, we analyzed more than 40 pet U.S. insurance companies to provide an unbiased breakdown of how providers compare against one another. Our in-depth research includes:
- Running thousands of price quotes
- Reading hundreds of customer reviews
- Scrutinizing every policy from top to bottom and reading all the fine print
- Scoping out the purchase process
- Speaking with customer service representatives
- Having firsthand experience submitting claims with companies
- Comparing plan customization details
- Examining how long it takes to receive reimbursement
- Factoring in company history and years in the pet insurance marketplace
- Meeting with company representatives to discuss changes related to the industry, their company, and their offerings
- Requiring national experience for companies
Unlike many other review sites, we refuse to let pet insurance companies pay for the top spot in our rankings. Companies must earn their position in our comparisons by performing well in the marketplace. We also point out each company’s pros and cons in light of their competitor’s strengths. In doing so for over a decade, we’ve helped pet parents make more educated decisions among the top pet insurance options. Pet insurance providers read our reviews, regularly check them for accuracy, and value our input to help create positive industry changes and better protect your pets. We only recommend the best of the best because it’s what our readers deserve.
Additional Pet Insurance Resources
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Canine Journal has been covering the topic of pet insurance since 2012, well before other conglomerates discovered the rising popularity of health care for our pets. Many of our authors have personal experience with pet insurance, including Kimberly Alt, who has been Canine Journal’s go-to writer for pet insurance for over a decade, having written about nearly every possible facet related to pet insurance. Kimberly knows the subject so well that she can answer a breadth and depth of pet insurance questions immediately. And on the rare occasion she doesn’t know the answer off the top of her head, she can find it within minutes due to her vast list of resources. Kimberly also has extensive knowledge of dog health conditions, which can help her recommend pet insurance providers to pet owners with specific breeds.
Kimberly collaborated with Sally Jones, a seasoned health sciences communications professional with decades of experience. Sally specializes in dog health and is adept at producing content on technical topics such as pet insurance. Her wealth of knowledge and insight was crucial to this article’s thorough research and composition.
Kimberly also consulted with Michelle Schenker, Canine Journal’s in-house licensed insurance agent, for additional expertise to ensure accuracy and give Canine Journal the authority to write about and assist readers in purchasing policies that are accurately represented.