Millions of households in the UK own a dog. However, sadly some breeds are at risk of more serious health issues than others and a vet has shared which five have the most costly bills
A vet has revealed five dog breeds that he says tend to be the most expensive for owners when it comes to pet care costs. Dogs remain Britain’s favourite pet choice, with countless breeds available for potential owners to consider.
Each breed comes with its own distinct needs, including different exercise requirements and space demands based on their sizes. There are also certain breeds that suit family life better than others but all dogs and pets require veterinary attention at various points. This can prove expensive for owners, with some dog varieties being susceptible to more severe health complications than others. These issues could result in more regular veterinary visits and heftier bills.
Amir Anwary works as a veterinarian in South Africa and regularly shares pet guidance on social media, where he’s offered extensive advice particularly regarding dogs.
In a recent TikTok clip, he identified the “top five dog breeds with the highest vet bills.”
He outlined why these particular dogs generate such expensive veterinary costs in his post’s caption.
As ever, conduct your own thorough research before selecting any specific breed.
1. French Bulldog
Leading the rankings is the French Bulldog, with the primary causes of expensive veterinary bills for this breed being Brachycephalic airway disease, spinal complications and skin or ear troubles, according to Anwary.
The canine specialist explained that their short snouts make them vulnerable to Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can trigger serious breathing difficulties and frequently requires surgical intervention.
Anwary observed: “Add in recurrent ear infections, skin fold dermatitis, eye ulcers and spinal disc disease (IVDD), and Frenchies top [the] most ‘highest vet bill’ lists worldwide.”
Skin fold dermatitis occurs when the skin within their wrinkles becomes inflamed and painful or even infected, whilst intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) happens when the discs that cushion the vertebrae swell or rupture, putting pressure on spinal nerves.
2. Rottweiler
The second canine breed with the most expensive veterinary costs is rottweilers, as they can develop skeletal issues and particular cancers, as per Anwary.
The vet describes this breed as “heavy, active dogs with a high risk of cruciate ligament rupture.”
Cruciate ligament damage involves a torn ligament in the knee, and he pointed out that surgical repairs come at a significant cost.
He added that rottweilers are susceptible to osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, meaning they are likely to require limb amputation and chemotherapy.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherd is the following dog breed on Anwary’s list, and he explained that the primary causes are skeletal and degenerative conditions.
The animal expert elaborated: “They’re notorious for hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries and degenerative myelopathy.
“Surgeries like hip replacements or TPLOs (cruciate repair) are major expenses and degenerative conditions often mean long-term management and physio.”
PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity, shares that German Shepherds fall into a group of breeds categorised as ‘Category Three’ by The Kennel Club, indicating the highest level of health concerns due to their physical structure.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Anwary points out that Miniature Schnauzers are prone to pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, and metabolic issues.
He notes that this breed tends to have high blood triglycerides, which can trigger acute or recurrent pancreatitis.
This condition typically necessitates hospitalisation, IV fluids, pain relief and sometimes repeat admission, which becomes “very expensive”, according to him.
Pancreatitis is a painful condition that can range from mild to severe and frequently causes vomiting.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The last dog breed on the animal expert’s list of those with the highest vet bills is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which is prone to heart disease, particularly myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).
He states that this is “one of the most common inherited heart conditions in dogs.”
Anwary advised that this breed often requires regular cardiology visits, echocardiograms, lifelong medication and occasionally interventions like pacemaker interventions, so the vet bills can accumulate over the years.
Having a pet dog is a lifelong commitment so prospective owners should conduct thorough research before selecting a breed.
