The clever dachshund originated in Germany around the 15th century. Originally bred to hunt badgers, the dachshund name was derived from the German words dachs (badgers) and hund (dog). Today, the dachshund is more often found on a city sidewalk than chasing down badgers in the countryside but these hounds still love to follow a scent!
Sadly, the loving and loyal dachshund can suffer from a variety of health conditions stemming from their breed. Many conditions that affect dachshunds can be quite costly to treat. Some even require surgery or lifelong medications. Getting pet insurance for your dachshund can be one of the best things you can do to keep them healthy.
Common Health Problems in Dachshunds
Like many purebred dogs, dachshunds have several health conditions that stem from the very characteristics they were bred for. Their signature elongated bodies that earned them the nickname “hotdogs” are unfortunately very susceptible to spinal injuries.
They are also prone to many other conditions, here are some of the most common dachshund health problems and average treatment costs.
| Dachsund Health Issue | Average Treatment Costs |
|---|---|
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (damage to spinal discs) | $2,000 to $10,000 |
| Luxating Patella (dislocated kneecap) | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Cushing’s Disease(overactive adrenal glands) | $500 to $2,500 (plus lifelong medication costs) |
| Liver Disease | $1,000 to $3,000 (plus lifelong medication costs) |
| Heart Disease | $1,000 to $3,000 (plus lifelong medication costs) |
| Allergies | $100 to $1,000 |
| Ear Infections | $100 to $500 |
| Eye Problems(glaucoma, cataracts, etc) | $300 to $3,000 |
| Cancer | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| Neurological Disorders(epilepsy, seizures, etc) | $2,000 to $10,000 |
| Obesity (increases risk for heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems) | $100 to $2,500*(*costs associated with treating obesity-related diseases) |
| Dental Issues | $500 to $3,000 |
The Best Pet Insurance For Dachshunds
While there’s no special pet insurance plan just for dachshunds, there are some with more favorable coverage for conditions that commonly affect this special breed. As with all insurance, pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, changes in coverage or eligibility can occur, and waiting periods typically apply. Check individual policies for more details.
ASPCA
The ASPCA Pet Insurance Complete Coverage Plan covers a wide range of accidents and illnesses. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90% after the deductible is met. Deductibles range from $100 to $500. Monthly premiums vary based on the individual pet but average premiums range from $40 to $80.
Why it’s great for dachshunds!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers many conditions dachshunds are known for such as IVDD, Cushing’s disease, heart disease, eye disorders, and more
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Prescription medications and foods are covered
- Covers alternative therapies such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and hydrotherapy for dachshunds with IVDD, obesity, knee, or joint issues
- No extended waiting period for IVDD coverage
Embrace
Embrace Pet Insurance covers accidents and illnesses in their standard plan. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90% after the deductible is met. Deductibles range from $100 to $1000. Monthly premiums vary based on the individual pet but averages range from $32 to $80 for a dachshund.
Why it’s great for dachshunds!
- Covers many breed-specific conditions dachshunds are known for like Cushing’s disease, luxating patella, and eye problems
- Includes specialty dental coverage for treatments like extractions and root canals which dachshunds often need
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Covers pain management, physical therapy, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and laser for dachshunds with obesity, back, or joint issues
- IVDD is covered after a 6-month waiting period
Fetch
Fetch Pet Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses in their standard plan. Covered costs include diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90% after the deductible is met. Deductibles range from $250 to $500. Monthly premiums vary based on the individual pet but the average for a dachshund is $33 a month.
Why it’s great for dachshunds!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers dachshund conditions such as eye disorders, allergies, dental issues, and more
- IVDD is covered after a 6-month waiting period
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Prescription medications and foods are covered
- Acupuncture and chiropractic care are covered for dachshunds with back and mobility issues
Figo
Figo Pet Insurance covers many types of illnesses including hereditary conditions in their base plan. They also offer an option to add on wellness and preventative care coverage. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Figo’s reimbursement rates can go up to 100% after the deductible is met. Deductible options range from $100 to $750. Premiums vary based on the chosen deductible and annual limit with options from $5,000 to unlimited.
Why it’s great for dachshunds!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers conditions dachshunds are known for such as heart disease, obesity, eye disorders, and luxating patella
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Covers dental illness and injury
- Orthopedic conditions covered after 6 months (IVDD coverage is not clearly stated, see specific policy)
- Highly customizable plan with options to add on different types of additional coverage
Pets Best
Pets Best offers a wide range of coverage under their Accident and Illness Plan. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Owners have many options for deductibles and monthly premiums as well as add-on wellness coverage. Reimbursement rates are 70% to 90% after the deductible is met.
Why it’s great for dachshunds!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers many common dachshund conditions like IVDD (waiting period may apply), allergies, epilepsy, eye disorders, and more
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Covers rehabilitation therapy and wheelchairs which some dachshunds with IVDD need
- Highly customizable plan with options to add on wellness coverage
- Option for direct-to-vet payment to reduce upfront out-of-pocket costs
Pumpkin
Pumpkin Pet Insurance covers accidents and illnesses in their standard plan. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more. Owners also have the option to add on preventative care coverage.
The reimbursement rate is 90% and there are multiple deductible options ranging from $100 to $1,000. Monthly premiums start at $30 and go up based on your pet’s individual needs and chosen deductible.
Why it’s great for dachshunds!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers many common conditions that affect dachshunds such as IVDD, Cushing’s disease, eye disorders, allergies, dental disease, and more
- Covers long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer
- Covers alternative therapies like acupuncture for dachshunds with IVDD and mobility issues
- No extended waiting period for IVDD coverage
Trupanion
Trupanion Pet Insurance provides a wide range of coverage for accidents and illnesses under their standard plan. Coverage includes diagnostics, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and more.
Reimbursement is 90% of covered costs. A customizable plan offers owners many options for choosing a deductible and monthly premium.
Why it’s great for dachshunds!
- No breed exclusions for hereditary conditions
- Covers many common dachshund conditions such as IVDD, Cushing’s disease, allergies, ear infections, eye disorders, and more
- Long-term chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer are covered
- Coverage for wheelchairs which some dachshunds with IVDD need
- No extended waiting period for IVDD (standard 30 day waiting period applies to all conditions)
- Option for direct-to-vet payment for reduced upfront expenses
Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Dachshunds?
Yes. Unfortunately, dachshunds carry a high risk of developing serious health conditions so pet insurance is absolutely worth it for them! Having your dachshund on a pet insurance plan can help reduce veterinary costs, especially for unexpected illnesses and emergencies.
Due to their body structure, an estimated 25% of dachshunds will develop intervertebral disc disease, known as IVDD, during their lifetime. This painful spinal condition can be costly to treat and at times, require surgery. Pet insurance can help cover these costs and in some cases even cover rehabilitation as well.
When Should I Get Pet Insurance For My Dachshund?
The earlier you can get your dachshund insured, the better! Unfortunately, no pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions. Getting your dachshund enrolled early on, preferably when they are still a puppy is the best way to get the most out of your pet insurance coverage. Of course, if you adopted an older dachshund it’s still a good idea to get them on a plan. Just be prepared for the possibility of higher premiums and lower coverage.
Factors That Affect Pet Insurance For Dachshunds
When researching pet insurance for your dachshund it’s important to get customized quotes. Many factors will affect your insurance premiums and coverage including age, breed, medical history, and location.
Once you’ve lined up some of the best options, be sure to carefully check each policy for any additional breed-specific exclusions, caps on coverage for specific conditions, or additional waiting periods.
One of the most important restrictions you will want to look for is intervertebral disc disease or IVDD. Sadly, this is a very common dachshund affliction and some insurance policies place breed-specific restrictions on it.
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