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There are plenty of reasons to choose to adopt a smaller dog over a larger one, and small mixed breed dogs exhibit the adorable traits of their combined breeds. We love our little mixes, but the other side of the coin is the health problems these dogs are predisposed to.
While you avoid some medical issues more commonly associated with purebred dogs, mixed breed dogs and smaller dogs generally have their own health problems. These health issues can be expensive to treat, but you may be able to cover the high vet costs if you invest in pet insurance early.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing the right pet insurance plan for your beloved mixed breed dog. This guide will help you select a plan that covers everything you want it to, so you can be there for your pup when they need you most.
Compare The Top 9 Pet Insurance Plans for Your Small Mixed Breed Dog Using Our Free No-Obligation Quote Tool below
The simplest way to compare pet insurance prices is to use our tool below. The comparison tool will show you quotes from the top 9 pet insurance carriers, including Trupanion, Pets Best, Lemonade, ManyPets, FIGO, HealthyPaws, Prudent Pet, Spot, and Embrace pet insurance.
How Much Does Pet Insurance For A Small Mixed Breed Dog Cost?
Below are some sample pet insurance plans for a 1-year-old male small mixed breed dog using the zip code 75001 (Texas). In this instance, a small dog is defined as weighing up to 22 pounds.
Ultimately, your plan’s premium will depend on several factors, including your dog’s age and primary breeds, as well as where you live. You also want to know what type of coverage your plan has and if it will help with small dog-specific health problems.
Let’s get more into those medical conditions and how much you can expect to pay to treat them.
Common Health Problems Associated With Small Mixed Breed Dogs
Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) In Small Mixed Breed Dogs
This condition is most common in small dogs, particularly those with shorter legs like Basset Hound or Dachshund mixes. When a disc between the vertebrates in a dog’s spinal column deteriorates and calcifies, it can rupture with too much movement. Without cushioning, a diseased or ruptured disc can press on your dog’s spinal column, leading to extreme pain and even paralysis.
Pancreatitis In Small Mixed Breed Dogs
The inflammation of the pancreas can be caused by a number of things, including obesity, infection, trauma, and metabolic disorders. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, so it’s easy to misdiagnose without a full exam. While pancreatitis can occur in any breed, it’s more common in small dogs.
Patellar Luxation In Small Mixed Breed Dogs
The most common orthopedic condition for small dogs, patellar luxation, occurs when the knee is dislocated. Some of the most commonly affected breeds include Miniature Poodles, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Boston and Yorkshire terriers.
Mitral Valve Disease In Small Mixed Breed Dogs
Also called “Endocardiosis,” MVD occurs when the valve separating the two left heart chambers fails to form a tight seal. This means the heart has to work harder to pump blood through your dog’s body. Dogs with advanced mitral valve disease may also experience symptoms consistent with heart failure.
Periodontal Disease In Small Mixed Breed Dogs
Beyond just causing pain and even tooth loss, untreated dental disease can lead to other serious health problems like heart disease.
Your mixed breed dog may also develop some medical issues common in one of their breeds. For example, if you have a Puggle (Pug/Beagle mix), they may still be genetically predisposed to the same conditions Pugs and Beagles suffer from.
Typical Costs Of Treating Health Issues In Small Mixed Breed Dogs and How Pet Insurance Can Help
If left untreated, certain conditions can result in long-term consequences, which ultimately make them more expensive to manage later. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions common in small mixed breed dogs can help you catch them early. When in doubt, take your pup to the vet to have them diagnosed.
Many of the health issues listed above can be very costly to treat, especially when surgery is required. Here are just some sample veterinary expenses:
- IVDD Costs: Caught early enough, IVDD can be treated with non-invasive treatments like pain medication and exercise control. In severe cases, however, surgery can cost between $1,500 and $4,000. Those costs also don’t include the price of X-rays and other imaging techniques, which can add hundreds to thousands of dollars onto your bill.
- Pancreatitis Costs: Treatment for pancreatitis depends on the severity of the condition. The average claim by pet insurance policyholders is $482.
- Patellar Luxation Costs: Treatment for patellar luxation depends on the “grade” of dislocation. If it’s Grade 2 and above, surgery may be needed to correct the issue. That orthopedic surgery could cost thousands of dollars.
- Mitral Valve Disease Costs: Diagnosing MVD may require X-rays or a cardiology specialist. Your veterinarian will want to put your dog on medications to manage the condition. These include diuretics for fluid removal and beta-blockers for central blood pressure reduction. Ultimately, MVD will cost you at least hundreds of dollars in medical bills.
- Periodontal Disease: Often, if dental disease is severe, your vet will want to give your dog a deep cleaning. Since they often require anesthesia, canine teeth cleaning procedures average between $500 and $1,000. You’ll end up paying even more for oral surgery if your dog needs decayed teeth removed.
When you choose a plan specific to your small mixed breed dog’s needs, Pet insurance can help cover these high costs. Get a free, no-obligation quote with our easy pet insurance comparison tool and find out much you can save.
What Is Pet Health Insurance, And Why Do I Need It For My Dog?
Pet health insurance works very similarly to human health insurance. Your policy quote will range in monthly price, depending on your dog’s breed, age, and where you live. Typically, you’ll spend around $25-$45 per month as a pet parent. Most policies will let you visit the veterinarian of your choice and refund you later.
Pet insurance is mainly about peace of mind, knowing you won’t be totally overwhelmed in case of an emergency. Enrolling even when your dog is young and healthy will ensure you have plenty of coverage when they need expensive medical care later. If you choose a plan more suited to your dog’s particular breeds, you’ll be more prepared when something happens later on in their life.
Some plans cover accidents and illnesses, while others only cover accidents. Certain plans do cover breed-specific illnesses, and others do not. It all depends on what type of coverage you choose. With our free pet insurance comparison tool, you can get quotes from multiple insurance companies with no obligation to commit.
Whatever plan you choose, you’ll feel better knowing you can take care of your dog when they need you most. Plus, you won’t have to suddenly shell out thousands of dollars to save your baby’s life. Learn more about how pet insurance works here.
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