Breed Insurance Guide
Is Pet Insurance Worth It for Dachshunds?
Yes. IVDD risk alone makes insurance a smart choice for Dachshund owners.
The Bottom Line
Up to 1 in 4 Dachshunds will experience IVDD. One back surgery costs $5,000-$8,000. Insurance is strongly recommended.
The IVDD Factor
Dachshunds have the highest IVDD rate of any breed. This isn't a minor risk—it's a defining characteristic.
- 19-24% will have at least one IVDD episode
- Many have multiple episodes
- Surgery costs $5,000-$8,000
- Some cases require emergency surgery within hours
The Math
Insurance: $30-$55/month = $3,600-$6,600 over 10 years
One IVDD surgery: $5,000-$8,000
Second IVDD surgery (common): $5,000-$8,000
If your Dachshund needs even one back surgery, insurance likely pays for itself.
Critical Coverage Requirements
- ✓ IVDD/spinal coverage without exclusions
- ✓ Short waiting period for back issues (some are 12+ months)
- ✓ High enough limits for surgery ($10,000+)
- ✓ Coverage for multiple incidents
Red Flags
- ✗ Spinal condition exclusions
- ✗ 12+ month orthopedic/spinal waits
- ✗ Per-condition caps under $5,000
Our Verdict
Highly recommended for Dachshunds. The IVDD statistics make this one of the clearer breed-specific insurance decisions. Enroll early before any back issues develop.