If your Greyhound is still racing in competitions, pet insurance might exclude your dog from coverage or exclude racing-related injuries or illnesses. Make sure your prospective insurance companies cover racing if you need that coverage.
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Compare Greyhound pet insurance
Protect this speedy giant from bone cancer, bloating and other breed-related conditions.
Greyhounds might be one of the largest and fastest dogs. But they prefer snuggling to mischief, a trait that means they’re not at high risk of accidents or injuries to people. However, this racer could give you a run for your money if they need treatment for major health conditions they’re known for.
How do I compare pet insurance for my Greyhound?
Greyhounds don’t pose risks for mischief or aggression. But their large size and potential health problems make them more risky to insure.
- Lifespan. Greyhounds live between 10 to 13 years, a standard lifetime for a purebred. If you adopted a mature racer after they retired from the track, you might see higher insurance costs.
- Weight. This trim breed weighs between 60 and 70 pounds, despite standing almost the same height as the 120-pound Great Dane. Its overall size may lead to higher premiums than smaller dogs.
- Temperament. Greyhounds are gentle souls with a laid-back — almost lazy — personality. Their calm temperament lowers the risk for accidents or aggressive behavior toward people.
- Health problems. This pup’s bloodline poses several possible health issues but lowers the risk for others like hip dysplasia. Make sure you have enough insurance to cover all your bases.
- Exercise. Despite their athletic ability, Greyhounds enjoy lying around most of the day. They have low exercise needs once they get past puppyhood.
What’s the best coverage for a Greyhound?
Because of health factors, accident and illness insurance may offer the best coverage for your Greyhound’s needs. With this policy, your pet can get protection for both accidental injuries as well as hereditary or random illnesses.
This type of policy may be the most expensive compared to other types of pet insurance. But you won’t have to fund vet bills for various treatments by yourself. Other coverage to consider:
- Routine coverage for preventive vet care
- Vacation interruption to refund canceled trip expenses for urgent vet needs
How much does pet insurance cost for a Greyhound?
You might see pet insurance for your big grey totaling $40 to $60 per month. That’s a fair price considering the standard $40 a month most dogs bring. However, adding wellness coverage or other extras can increase that cost.
Compare policies to cover your Greyhound
What common health problems can Greyhounds get?
The Greyhound breed experiences a number of common ailments, ranging from treatable to progressive conditions. Those include:
- Bloating. The Greyhound’s large, slender figure trends toward a higher risk for this life-threatening condition.
- Bone cancer. This breed faces a steep risk for bone cancer compared to other dogs.
- Malignant hyperthermia. Greys are more susceptible to this life-threatening condition when undergoing anesthesia.
- Pressure sores. Greyhounds don’t have much body fat and need soft spots for resting to prevent sores on their knees, legs or other body parts.
- Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy. A claw disease that results in bloody, deformed claws from track racing.
- Misdiagnosed health problems. Some vets don’t realize that Greys have lower white blood cells and platelet counts than other breeds. They may get misdiagnosed with hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia or other conditions not common to this breed. Consider a specialized vet’s opinion if you’re unsure about a health condition your dog is diagnosed with.
How much does treatment cost?
The most common health conditions could leave you paying thousands in vet bills, unless you have backup. Those costs may include:
| Condition | Example treatment costs |
|---|---|
| Gastropexy — preventive surgery for bloating | $400 |
| Bloating — emergency gastropexy | $1,700 to $4,500 |
| Bone cancer | $5,000 |
| Periodontal disease | $1,500 |
| Claw disease | $100 to $500, depending on types of prescriptions |
Fun facts about your Greyhound
- Greyhounds are considered one of fastest dog breeds in the world.
- They can reach over 40 mph at their fastest pace.
- Possibly because of their size and tight muscles, Greyhounds don’t enjoy sitting. They’d rather stand or lie down.
- If given the chance, Greys love lounging around as your faithful couch potato.
Bottom line
Your Greyhound could face several health conditions specific to their breed like bone cancer, claw disease or a life-threatening reaction to anesthesia. When looking for pet insurance, consider how much coverage you’ll receive for the treatment your gentle giant might need. You can stay ahead of your Greyhound’s health with a standard pet insurance policy.
Frequently asked questions about Greyhounds
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