Australian Shepherd Dogs
Australian Shepherd Overview
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually an American herding dog that was bred to herd Australian Sheep on ranches in the Western United States.
Australian Shepherds are an athletic and versatile breed with an average lifespan between 9-12 years. Below are some potential health risks that can affect this breed.
Potential Health Issues
Here is a list of other potential health issues you should be aware of as the owner of an Australian Shepherd.
- Hip Dysplasia – $4,000 to $6,000
- Elbow Dysplasia – $3,000 to $5,000
- Patellar Luxation – $1,500 to $3,000
- Epilepsy – $200 to $15,000
- Cataracts – $2,000 to $3,000
- Cancer – $5,000 to $20,000
- Nasal Solar Dermatitis – Varies
- Autoimmune Disorders – $20 to $100 per month
- Cataracts – $2,000 to $3,000
- MDR1 – Varies
Note: The cost of treatment varies based on the severity of your dog’s condition and the cost of treatment in your area.
Sources:
Pet Insurance Coverage
Here is a list of health issues and treatments that are covered by dog insurance plans.
| ✓ Accidents | ✓ Illnesses |
| ✓ X-Rays, Blood Tests, etc. | ✓ Surgery |
| ✓ Hereditary Conditions | ✓ Hospitalization |
| ✓ Congenital Conditions | ✓ Prescription Medications |
| ✓ Chronic Conditions | ✓ Emergency Care |
| ✓ Cancer | ✓ Specialty Care |
| ✓ Diagnostic Treatment | ✓ Alternative Treatment |
| X Pre-Existing Conditions | X Preventative Care |
Note: Unfortunately, dog insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to enroll while your pet is healthy and young.
How Much Does it Cost?
Pet insurance companies will quote your Australian Shepherd based on the age of your dog and where you live. In other words, the more expensive it is in your zip code the more you will pay because veterinary costs will be more expensive.
Here are some samples across the country to give you an idea of how much it costs.
- Portland, OR – $42/month
- Austin, TX – $43/month
- New York, NY – $47/month
Why Pet Insurance?
We encourage you to research and compare companies and plans from different companies before purchasing a policy.
You can start by using our pet insurance comparison page to compare companies and plans.
Most importantly we encourage you to enroll your Australian Shepherd in a pet insurance plan as soon as possible to avoid getting denied by pre-existing conditions.
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