These dog breeds could be costing owners thousands: how to be prepared

Born to zoom, destined for the vet.
I imagine walking on 4 legs can be tricky. Some humans can barely walk on 2.
And recent research from Pet Insurance Australia has revealed that some dogs have a harder time getting around than others.
Meet the top 10 most accident-prone dog breeds in Australia
- Greyhound
- Whippet
- Australian Cattle Dog
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Great Dane
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Border Collie
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Boxer
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"The dogs that top our accident claims list tend to be incredibly active, curious and athletic," Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton.
"They're the dogs that want to explore every park, chase every ball and investigate every smell, which unfortunately can sometimes land them in a bit of trouble."
Larger-sized breeds appeared more frequently on accident-related claims due to their high physical energy and speed, which can place additional pressure on the joints, cause collisions and muscle strain.
"Many of the accident claims we see involve dogs that are simply having too much fun," Crighton explains.
"Whether it's chasing a ball, jumping during play or exploring the outdoors, their excitement can sometimes lead to unexpected injuries."
How to protect your pup against the unexpected
With veterinary surgery ranging from $1,500 to as high as $6,000, the occasional accident can stretch the budget of even the most savviest Aussies.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to protect your pet, accident-only pet insurance could be worth considering.
It's designed to help with the cost of injuries caused by accidents, covering between 60% and 100% of the total cost.
Accident-only cover allows pet owners to access basic protection for their dog, without paying for extras.
Just keep in mind that while these policies are cheaper than comprehensive cover, they may have a lower annual limit and you won't be covered for illnesses or routine care.
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