All dogs and dog breeds are susceptible to particular health issues. Here's why you should get pet insurance for small mixed breed dogs
It’s a commonly held belief that mixed-breed dogs are less likely to suffer inherited health issues than pure breeds, due to breeding from a small genetic pool. This is only true to an extent – to a very negligible one, in fact – so it’s equally important for pet parents to get pet insurance for small mixed breed dogs.
Small mixed breeds are, after all, blends of those pure breeds and therefore can have similar genetic dispositions. It’s even been suggested that they could be at risk from disorders associated with both parents (or all their ancestors!).
Obviously, because of this, health issues in small mixed breed dogs can vary greatly, but here are a few common examples. Don’t worry, though, pet insurance will pay for all or most veterinary costs.
Respiratory issues
A lot of small and flat-nosed dog breeds, like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs – and therefore small mixes that include these breeds – suffer from respiratory issues. These can lead to serious, even life-threatening, conditions like tracheal collapse or brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can lead to a painful cough only treatable with surgery – and land you with a bill of up to $6,500. There’s not much you can do to prevent it but keeping your dog fit will help, with a good diet and as much exercise as they can cope with.
Obesity
Related to the respiratory problems, pups who struggle to breathe can’t do much exercise. It doesn’t affect their appetites, though, so if you feed them too many treats, meals that are too large, or too many scraps off the table, it can lead to an overweight dog and numerous health issues, not least diabetes which costs up to cost $2,000 per year to treat.
Dental issues
Tiny faces mean tiny mouths – like you’ll see on Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes – and so small dogs’ teeth can sometimes lack enough space. This can cause a build-up of tartar and increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay – and a very large vet bill. Bacteria from this can then spread to the liver and kidneys, causing even more problems. It can cost anywhere from $250-$3,000 to diagnose and treat dental issues, so a wellness plan that includes regular dental checks is a smart investment. And don’t forget to regularly clean your dog’s teeth!
Hypoglycaemia
Small breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers, and their mixes are prone to this nasty condition which can affect them from puppyhood and strike at any time. Their blood sugar levels drop suddenly and can lead to a stay in the ICU – and a bill of $500-$3,000. The good thing is, it’s often preventable, as causes include poor quality or insufficient food, dehydration, and stress. Pet parents sometimes forget that, like humans, diet and mental health are big factors in a dog’s overall wellbeing. Another reason to get a wellness plan with regular vet check-ups.
Dislocating kneecap
This painful condition, known as ‘luxating patella’, is found in a lot of smaller breeds and, if left untreated, can lead to arthritis, which is incurable. It’s best to diagnose it early, so look out for any signs of discomfort in your pet and give them age-appropriate exercise. Otherwise you could end up with a surgery bill of up to $5,000 or arthritis treatment costing $2,000 per year.
