Akita dog insurance can provide financial protection for your furry friend in case of unexpected vet visits or medical emergencies.
The average cost of an Akita's medical care can range from $500 to $1,000 per year, depending on age, health, and other factors.
Having insurance can help cover these expenses, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your dog's care.
Some insurance policies even cover routine care, such as vaccinations and check-ups, which can cost around $50 to $100 per year.
Related reading: Cost of Dog Health Insurance
Why to Get It?
Getting pet insurance for your Akita is a smart financial move, especially considering their genetic health issues. Purebred dogs like the Akita are more prone to health problems than mixed breed dogs.
Having a large veterinary bill can be devastating, with costs reaching up to $5,000 unexpectedly.
You're not alone if you can't afford such a bill out-of-pocket, with 4 out of 5 pet parents unable to do so.
Pet insurance can help you hedge financial risk and cover dog health costs, reimbursing you 70% to 90% of the vet bill depending on your plan.
With pet insurance, you can ensure your Akita gets the care they need at any stage of their life without worrying about the costs.
Health and Care
Akitas are prone to certain health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and autoimmune hypothyroidism. These conditions can be costly to treat, with hip dysplasia alone costing between $1,500 and $6,000.
To protect your Akita from these expenses, it's essential to invest in pet insurance. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you can afford any necessary treatment for your furry friend.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Akitas, along with their estimated costs:
The best time to get pet insurance for your Akita is when he's a healthy puppy, as this will ensure that you're covered for any future conditions.
Care
Regular veterinary care is essential for Akitas, and it's recommended to visit the vet at least once a year for checkups. This can help catch any potential health issues early on.
Hip dysplasia is a common health concern in Akitas, and it can be expensive to treat. The average claim received for hip dysplasia is over $520, with some cases costing as much as $9,800.
To protect your Akita from costly vet bills, consider purchasing pet insurance. Many pet insurance companies offer coverage for breed-specific conditions, such as hip dysplasia. The best time to get pet insurance is when your Akita is still a healthy puppy.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Akitas, along with their average and maximum claim costs:
Bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent bloat in Akitas.
Pet insurance can help cover the costs of treating these health issues, so be sure to research and compare different policies before making a decision.
Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
ManyPets won't cover pre-existing conditions for any type of pet. This means if your pet already has a condition, ManyPets won't pay for its treatment.
However, if a past condition has been free of symptoms and treatment for 18 months, ManyPets may treat it. Cruciate ligament injuries and hip dysplasia are exceptions to this rule.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for Akitas can be a bit complex, but ManyPets has a clear policy. They analyze every claim on its own merits, subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy or Wellness plan.
ManyPets insurance may cover dental accidents and illnesses, but not preventative cleanings or over-the-counter dental products. However, their optional Wellness Plan can help reimburse you for these types of preventative care.
Insurance exclusions apply, including those for pre-existing conditions, so it's essential to understand what's covered and what's not.
Cover Travel
Cover Travel is a crucial aspect of pet insurance, and it's essential to understand what's covered. ManyPets policies cover dogs traveling in any US state, Washington D.C., or Canada for up to 90 days.
If you're planning a long trip with your pet, you'll need to update your pet's address after 90 days. This ensures that your pet's insurance coverage remains active.
For more insights, see: Does Health Insurance Cover Dog Bites
Cover Dental Treatment?
Your dog insurance policy may cover dental accidents and dental illnesses, but not preventative cleanings or over-the-counter dental products.
Insurance exclusions apply, including those for pre-existing conditions, so only claims unrelated to an excluded treatment or condition are eligible for coverage.
ManyPets analyzes every claim on its own merits, subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy or Wellness plan.
If you have the optional ManyPets Wellness Plan, it can help reimburse you for eligible preventative care treatments, such as preventative cleanings.
Treatment and Care
Joint supplements can be a helpful treatment option for Akitas.
Physical therapy can also be beneficial in managing joint issues in Akitas.
Total hip replacement surgery is a more invasive option, but it can be a viable solution for Akitas with severe joint problems.
Double or triple pelvic osteotomy is another surgical option that may be considered for Akitas with hip dysplasia.
Femoral head ostectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the head of the femur, which can be a treatment option for Akitas with hip dysplasia.
Related reading: Akita Protection Dog
Acupuncture is an alternative treatment option that some pet owners may find helpful in managing their Akita's joint issues.
The cost of treatment can be significant, with a spot accident & illness plan covering up to $3,150 and a net payment of $350.
Pet insurance can help alleviate some of the financial burden of treatment, with plans like Embrace and Healthy Paws offering coverage for breed-specific conditions, such as hip dysplasia.
It's essential to consider pet insurance for your Akita, especially if you're concerned about the potential costs of treatment.
The best time to get pet insurance for your Akita is when they're a healthy puppy, so you can't predict what will happen in the future.
A table showing the treatment options for Akitas:
Traits and Behavior
The Akita is a devoted and protective companion, but only if you're willing to put in the work to socialize him properly. Early and frequent socialization are essential to help him develop the confidence and discrimination he needs to recognize what's a threat and what's normal.
He's not exactly the most social dog, especially towards strangers, so be prepared for him to be aloof. However, he's incredibly loyal to his family, especially children.
The Akita needs a lot of exercise, so be prepared for daily 20- or 30-minute walks or runs on a leash. He's also a great candidate for dog sports like agility, obedience, and rally.
Training an Akita can be a challenge, but with the right approach, it's definitely doable. He responds well to clicker training and positive reinforcement techniques like play, praise, and food rewards.
One thing to keep in mind is that he likes to do things his own way, so patience and creativity are key when it comes to training.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is pet insurance for an Akita?
Pet insurance for an Akita can cost around £3000 in the first year, with prices decreasing slightly afterwards due to potential health issues. This cost is influenced by the breed's susceptibility to infections and other health problems.
Sources
- Forbes Advisor’s “Best Pet Insurance of 2023” (forbes.com)
- Akita - Dog Breed Guide - Spot Pet Insurance (spotpet.com)
- CHIC certification (caninehealthinfo.org)
- Akita Club of America (akitaclub.org)
- Japanese Akitainu (akita-inu.com)
- American Akita (akc.org)
- breed standard information (akc.org)
- Akita Club of America (akitaclub.org)
- Top Akita Pet Insurance Plans (pawlicy.com)
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