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Some people may find the physique and power of a Doberman intimidating, but those who have a Doberman know they’re more than they seem. This breed was not only bred to protect humans but also to be fiercely loyal companions. They absolutely aim to please, and they have a soft side to them.
Unfortunately, like with most dogs, the Doberman breed is predisposed to certain medical conditions. While these health issues can be expensive to treat, you may be able to cover the high costs if you invest in pet insurance for your dog early.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right pet insurance plan for your beloved Doberman. This guide will help you select a plan that covers everything you want it to, so you can be there for your dog when they need you most.
Compare The Top 9 Pet Insurance Plans for Your Doberman 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 Doberman Cost?
Below are some sample pet insurance plans for a 1-year-old male Doberman using the zip code 75001 (Texas) as an example.
- Pets Best – $66.86 per month
- Embrace – $57.07 per month
- Healthy Paws – $81.34 per month
- ManyPets – $61.14 per month
Ultimately, your plan’s premium will depend on several factors, including your dog’s age, size, and breed, as well as where you live. You also want to know what type of coverage your plan has and if it will help with Doberman-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 Dobermans
Hip Dysplasia in Dobermans
Hip Dysplasia is one of the most common problems in larger breed dogs like the Doberman. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, and hip dysplasia causes malformation of the two components. That makes it difficult for your dog to walk, and the chronic laxity can cause abnormal wear, which leads to osteoarthritis.
The earlier you have your dog diagnosed, the better their outcome will be. Pet insurance often covers annual exams. If the condition worsens, it may require surgery.
Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD) in Dobermans
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder where a vital protein involved in blood clotting is absent. Some dogs carry the trait without experiencing symptoms. Others may suffer spontaneous bleeding from the nose, mouth, or digestive or urinary tracts. Teething or infections may also cause bleeding.
Dogs with this condition should not take drugs that affect normal blood clotting. There is no cure, but the condition can be managed to reduce the likelihood of severe complications.
Wobbler Syndrome in Dobermans
Also known as cervical spondylomyelopathy, this is a neurological condition of the spinal cord and neck. Dogs with Wobbler Syndrome experience compression of the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots, which causes nervous system issues and/or neck pain.
Afflicted dogs might have a “wobbly” gait and walk with their head down (a sign of pain.) In more advanced stages of the disease, all four limbs can be affected, and your Doberman may have difficulty getting up or staying standing.
According to a survey of the Veterinary Medical Database, 5.5% of Dobermans have this disease.
Here’s our List of the Best Pet Insurance for Dogs!
Cardiomyopathy in Dobermans
When the heart muscles can’t contract properly, the heart can’t pump out as much blood. Building pressure inside the heart can enlarge it, which could lead to heart failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of heart failure in large breeds like Dobermans. It could even cause sudden death.
Signs of the condition vary but may include:
- Rapid breathing when resting
- Weakness
- Restless sleeping
- Coughing or gagging
- Decreased appetite
Typical Costs Of Treating Health Issues In Dobermans and How Pet Insurance Can Help
If left untreated, many of the health conditions listed above can result in long-term consequences and even require surgery, which ultimately makes them more expensive to manage. Selecting a pet insurance plan suited for your Doberman’s particular needs might save you tons of money on medical costs.
Here are just some sample veterinary expenses for Dobermans:
- Hip Dysplasia Costs: The cost of surgery for hip dysplasia can range from $4,000 to $6,000 per hip. Surgical options include Triple Pelvic Osteotomy, Femoral Head Osteotomy, and Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis, all costing thousands of dollars. Without surgery, your dog will suffer discomfort and eventually severe pain.
- Von Willebrand Disease Costs: While there’s sadly no cure for this disease, dogs with vWD can live perfectly normal lives with management and avoidance of risky activities. If your dog has severe bleeding due to an injury, it may require a blood transfusion. This typically costs $100 to $300 per unit.
- Wobbler Syndrome Costs: If your Doberman has this condition, they’ll need medical management for the rest of their life. Non-surgical treatments involve activity restriction and pain medications to reduce inflammation. They might need physiotherapy to maintain muscle mass. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to fuse the unstable segments of the cervical spine. This surgery costs $5,000 – $6,000 on average.
- Cardiomyopathy Costs: Echocardiograms, which your vet will need to diagnose your dog, can be expensive (~$500-$600). Your dog will then need to take a variety of drugs, like diuretics for removing fluid and beta-blockers, depending on their condition. These drugs are relatively affordable, but the costs add up when your dog needs several.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions common in Dobermans can help you catch them early, saving your dog and your money. When in doubt, take your pup to the vet to have them diagnosed.
What Is Pet Health Insurance And Why Do I Need It For My Doberman?
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 $15-$129 per month as a pet parent.
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 breed, 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. Learn more about how pet insurance works here.
Pet Insurance Carrier Comparisons
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- Prudent Pet Vs. ManyPets Pet Insurance
- Prudent Pet Vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance
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- ManyPets Vs. Lemonade Pet Insurance
- Lemonade Vs. FIGO Pet Insurance
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