I’m a pet paramedic – the 6 breeds that rack up the most expensive vet bills and the ‘safe’ dog to buy for a low budget
HAVING a pet can be expensive, but there are some dog breeds which can cost you way more.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance dog which won’t break the bank, a vet has revealed their top recommendations.
PDSA Vet Lynne James told Fabulous: “It goes without saying that any dog no matter what their breed can have illnesses or injuries at any point during their life.
“However, it’s a sad fact that certain dog breeds are more likely to suffer from serious and sometimes lifelong health problems.”
Here are the six types of breeds Lynne claims can rack up the largest bills, and the one type of dog which can be cheapest…
1. Flat-faced breeds
Examples – French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs and Boston Terriers
Dogs with flat-faces, also known as ‘brachycephalic’ will often suffer from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
This is a range of health problems all caused by their shorter snout and narrow airways.
The most obvious sign of BOAS is difficulty breathing.
Not every flat-faced pet will suffer from the worst symptoms of BOAS but many will have some symptoms that affect their health and welfare.
Unfortunately, flat-faced dogs are also prone to many other serious and potentially costly problems, including eye conditions, dental problems, and skin conditions.
2. Giant breeds
Examples – Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands and Leonbergers
Due to their sheer large size, these dogs are more likely to suffer from heart disease, bone and joint problems.
They are likely to have a shorter lifespan than non-giant sized dogs.
As larger dogs, their medication costs can also be considerably higher than for smaller breeds.
3. Breeds with excessive skin folds or wrinkles
Examples – Shar Peis, Dogue de Bordeaux, and English Bulldogs
Wrinkly faces mean that these dogs can struggle to communicate using normal facial expressions.
The folds of skin are also prone to infections, which may need life-long treatment and management, or surgery to correct if they are affecting your dog’s quality of life.
Additionally, skin folds around a dog’s eyes can lead to an array of eye issues, including direct damage to the surface of the eye if the skin rubs on it.
4. Breeds with long backs
Examples – Dachshunds, Corgis and Bassett Hounds
Dogs that have long backs are more likely to suffer from conditions affecting their spine, so owners have to be mindful their long slinky bodies may need some extra TLC.
Many owners with these breeds will make adjustments at home to reduce the risk of spinal injury, including preventing the use of stairs, installing ramps so dogs can access furniture, installing non-slip flooring, and restricting the amount and type of exercise and play.
However, even with these measures in place, dogs with long backs can still suffer from painful spinal disc problems.
5. Breeds with long ears
Examples – Bloodhounds, Bassett Hounds, and Cocker Spaniels
Dogs with long ears historically have had success in hunting and tracking – their long ears are thought to enhance their incredible sense of smell by swelling scents from the ground up towards the nose!
Regardless of how cute these dogs are, their ears can unfortunately cause lifelong health issues.
Due to their length, the inside of the ear can get very moist which makes ear infections more likely.
As the ears usually drag along the floor, there is also a risk of injury and wounds to the ear tips.
6. Purebred dogs
Purebred dogs are more likely to suffer from breed related health problems as they are often more closely bred than other dogs.
If purchasing a purebred puppy, it’s really important to ensure the parents have been health tested, to help you make an informed decision.
How much do dogs cost over their lifetime on average?
- Small dog breeds: At least £5,200 – £10,000
- Medium dog breeds: At least £7,500 – £11,800
- Large dog breeds: At least £6,900 – £15,700
Safer breeds
Lynne said: “Whilst all breeds can develop health problems, mix breed dogs can be less likely to inherit a breed-related health concern, due to their diverse breed make-up.
“However, it’s still important to ensure their parents have been health tested.
“Always do your research – make sure your pup’s parents have had all the relevant tests and screening, and also ask about any health problems in related dogs.
“You should expect a dog to cost you at least £5,200 (not including the purchase price) but, depending on the breed of the dog, their cost could be a minimum of £15,700 over their whole lifetime.”