Top 9 pet insurance plans for Australian Shepherds (2022)

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Once the lover of the Australian Shepherd, always the lover of the Australian Shepherd. This athletic, active and intelligent breed gives people countless reasons to love them. Even though they have herd in their genesthey are happy to participate in whatever sporting activity you are doing.

Unfortunately, like most dogs, the Australian Shepherd breed predisposition to certain medical conditions. While these health problems can be expensive to treat, you can cover the high costs by investing early in pet insurance for your dog.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right pet insurance plan for your dear Aussie. This guide will help you choose a plan that includes everything you want, so you can be there for your dog when they need you most.

Compare your Top 9 Australian Shepherd Pet Insurance Plans Using our Free Optional Quotation Tool below

The easiest way to compare pet insurance prices is to use our tool below. The comparison tool will show you quotes from the top 9 pet insurers, including Trupanion, Pets Best, Lemonade, ManyPets, FIGO, HealthyPaws, Prudent Pet, Spot and Embrace pet.

How Much Does Australian Shepherd Pet Insurance Cost?

Here are some sample pet insurance plans for a 1-year-old male Australian Shepherd using zip code 75001 (Texas) as an example.

Ultimately, your plan’s premium will depend on a number of factors, including your dog’s age, size, and breed, as well as where you live. You also want to know what kind of coverage your plan has and if it helps with specific Australian Shepherd health problems. Let’s learn more about those medical conditions and how much you might pay to treat them.

General health problems associated with Australian shepherds

Elbow dysplasia in Australian Shepherds

Duration Elbow dysplasia represents a number of disabilities relative to the elbow socket. This condition occurs when the three bones that make up the elbow joint do not fit together properly, causing pain and progressive arthritis.

Elbow dysplasia can be difficult to detect initially because some dogs show no symptoms. In others, it may manifest as a slight limp or limp limbs.

RELATED: Dysplasia – Veterinarian shares ways to ease the pain

Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDS) in Australian Shepherds

This genetic mutation affects the dog’s blood-brain barrier. Shepherd with Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDS) is unable to pump some drugs out of her brain, which causes neurotoxicity. Whether the affected dog responds to the medication is dose dependent, but reactions to commonly prescribed veterinary medications can be severe.

Dogs with MDS receiving this drug are hypersensitive to consists of:

• Ivermectin (found in heartworm medication)
• Chemotherapy and other cancer drugs such as Doxorubicin and Vinblastine
• Imodium AD
• Anesthesia such as Acepromazine (Ace)

Sadly, MDS is quite common in Australian Shepherds. As much as one in two Australians carry at least one copy of this gene. Puppies of dogs known to have been bred with this gene should test for their safety.

Hemangioma in Australian Shepherds

Hemangiomas, a type of hemangioma, are one of two hereditary cancers in Australian Shepherd. Tumors usually form in a dog’s spleen, but they can also appear in other organs, including the heart and liver.

With hemangiomas, the tumors rupture, causing internal bleeding. Symptoms will depend on which organs are affected, but dogs with this condition can experience collapse and even death. Treatment depends on the location of the tumor, but sadly the prognosis is often poor.

Idiopathic Epilepsy in Australian Shepherds

Idiopathic epilepsy is a notable concern in Australian Shepherds. Epilepsy is a neurological (brain) disorder that results in intermittent seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy is epilepsy of unknown cause.

A seizure is an increase in electrical activity in the brain that causes involuntary spasms, tremors, or convulsions. In some cases, dogs with epilepsy may collapse or lose consciousness. Another possibility is urination or defecation.

Typical costs of treating health problems in Australian shepherds and how Pet Insurance can help

If left untreated, many of the health conditions listed above can lead to long-term consequences and even surgery, which makes it more expensive to manage. Choosing a pet insurance plan tailored to your Australian Shepherd’s specific needs can save you a lot of money on medical costs.

Here are just some sample veterinary costs for Australian Shepherd:

• Cost of elbow dysplasia: Orthopedic surgery to correct this problem is very expensive, $1,500 to $5,000 on average. Depending on the severity of the condition, your dog may not need surgery. However, treating arthritis and other joint problems can be expensive. Your dog will likely need ongoing pain relievers (~$20 – $50 per month) and joint supplements. Veterinarians can also prescribe physical therapy, which can cost $50 per session.
• Cost for multiple drug sensitivities (MDS): Examining your dog to determine if they have MDS will tell you if you must avoid known dangerous drugs, thus avoiding serious injury or death. A test will cost you about $45. If your dog is taking a medication to which they are hypersensitive, the effects can vary but can be serious and require immediate medical intervention. One night’s stay at the vet averages $1,200.
• Cost of hemangioma: This is a difficult issue to discuss because this particular form of cancer is very aggressive and treatment is not always successful. Diagnosis, which usually does not occur until late in the disease, can cost $500-$5,000. Surgery (if possible) costs thousands of dollars, and the post-operative costs are also very high. Bills for both standard chemotherapy and heart rate monitor therapy range from $500 to $3,000 per month. These costs are obviously very high, and many parents have chosen sympathetic welfare to alleviate suffering. However, it’s hard to let your dog go if given the chance (your vet will know), so you’ll definitely need the help of pet insurance to cover the costs. this.
• Cost of idiopathic epilepsy: Treatments for epilepsy are based on the severity of the condition. Your veterinarian will usually conduct laboratory tests such as blood and urine tests or an EKG (according to the severity of the seizure). Treatment may include a special diet, long-term or permanent medication, and nerve stimulation. Ultimately, the goal of epilepsy treatment is to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of seizures. In simple cases, this treatment plan can cost you $200 to $500 per year. However, you may have to pay up to $15,000 in surgery costs in severe cases.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions that are common in Australian Shepherds can help you spot them early, saving your dog and money. When in doubt, take your puppy to the vet for a diagnosis.

What is pet health insurance and why do I need it for my Australian Shepherd?

Pet health insurance works very similarly to human health insurance. Your policy quote will fluctuate on a monthly basis, depending on your dog’s breed, age, and where you live. Typically, you will spend around $15-$69 per month as a pet parent.

Pet insurance is primarily for peace of mind, knowing you won’t be completely overwhelmed in the event of an emergency. Enrolling even if your dog is young and healthy will ensure you have plenty of coverage when they need expensive medical care later on. If you choose a plan that’s better suited to your particular breed of dog, you’ll be better prepared when something happens later in their life.

Some plans cover accident and illness, while others only cover accidents. Some plans cover breed-specific diseases, and others do not. It all depends on the type of insurance you choose. With our free pet insurance comparison tool, you can get quotes from multiple insurance companies with no obligation to commit..

Whichever option you choose, you’ll feel better knowing you can take care of your dog when he needs you most. Plus, you won’t suddenly have to shell out thousands of dollars. Learn more about How does pet insurance work here?.

iHeartDogs powered readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn you a free affiliate commission.