Research shows rising cost of breed-specific conditions in British dogs

Breed-related conditions have cost British dog owners £5.4 billion, with 76% of vets reporting an increase in the number of breed-specific conditions they have treated in the past five years.

The new research conducted by national insurer Direct Line found that certain breeds have cost dog owners an average of £831, rising to an estimated £1,144 over the dog’s lifetime.

It also found that 53% of vets believe that dog owners are not fully aware of the various potential health conditions common to certain breeds.

Research

The research detailed how 20% of dog owners, 3.6 million people, did not think it was important for them to know whether their dog was susceptible to certain health conditions beforehand.

It also found that 36% of dog owners across the country have seen breed-related chronic or ongoing conditions in their dog.

The most common breed to be seen by vets for breed-related conditions was found to be the Labrador retriever, followed closely by the cockapoo and French bulldog. Skin and hair-related problems are common among dogs with conditions followed by behavioural issues and ear complaints.

Common conditions