In the past, dogs were mainly used as guardians of livestock and guards of farms. Nowadays, however, they have become full-fledged family members with whom we share our lives. They comfort us, make us laugh and ensure that we can relax after a long day at work. As responsible dog owners, we have a duty to care for our dogs' well-being, which includes regular vet visits and necessary medical treatments. In addition to basic expenses for dog care, food, and care during vacations, veterinary costs are one of the most important financial aspects of dog ownership. In this article, we summarize the costs for dog owners and provide an overview of the various factors that affect veterinary costs.

I. How are veterinary costs calculated? The German Fee Schedule for Veterinarians (GOT), published by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), determines how much veterinarians may charge for their services. This fee schedule was last adjusted in November 2022, resulting in an increase in veterinary costs. However, veterinarians have the freedom to charge single, double or triple the rate of the GOT, depending on factors such as the expense of the treatment and the equipment of the veterinary practice. In some cases, emergency treatments outside of regular office hours may even be billed at four times the normal rate. In addition to the fees, the cost of laboratory analyses, medications, and medical paraphernalia such as bandages are also shown separately on the veterinarian's bill.

II. Cost overview of the most important treatments for dogs The costs for veterinary treatments vary depending on the type and extent of the treatment. Here is a brief overview of the costs of some common treatment items for dogs according to the GOT:

1. General examination with consultation: the cost of a general examination with consultation ranges from 23.62 euros to 70.86 euros.
2. Injections (vaccinations): The cost of injections, such as for vaccinations, ranges from 11.50 euros to 34.50 euros.
3. X-ray examination: The cost of an X-ray examination can range from 36.57 euros to 109.71 euros, depending on the number of images.

To illustrate the costs with an example, let's assume that your dog is limping and you visit the vet. In this case, the following items might show up on the vet bill:

• General examination with consultation: the dog is presented to the veterinarian and externally examined. According to the GOT, the cost of this service is about 11.26 euros (single fee rate).
• Detailed examination of individual organs: The veterinarian examines the dog's internal organs and palpates the abdomen, for example. According to the GOT, the cost of this service is about 16.43 euros (simple fee rate).
• Orthopedic examination: The veterinarian checks the mobility of the joints and stretches the front and hind legs of the dog. According to the GOT, the cost of this service is about 16.50 euros each (simple fee rate).
• Fluoroscopy + first and second X-rays: A total of about 89.07 euros (simple fee rate) may be incurred for fluoroscopy and two X-rays.

For all these items, the veterinarian must charge at least the simple rate of the GOT. In this case, the cost would be about 145 euros. However, it should be noted that there are additional costs for administered medicines, consumables and VAT, which are listed separately on the veterinary bill.

III. the regular veterinary costs with the dog The regular veterinary costs for a dog can vary strongly and depend on different factors. The dog's age, pre-existing conditions and circumstances play an important role. For example, dogs that are athletic and participate in activities like agility with their owners have a higher risk of injury and may require more frequent veterinary care.

As a rule of thumb, dog owners can expect veterinary costs of at least $100 to $200 per year. These costs include routine annual examinations as well as necessary vaccinations and deworming. However, it is important to note that veterinary costs can quickly skyrocket if the dog has an accident or develops a chronic illness. Surgeries, in particular, can be very complex and expensive. In addition to the actual surgery costs, costly pre- and post-operative examinations and medications must also be considered.

IV. The Role of Pet Health Insurance For dog owners who want to protect themselves from potentially high veterinary costs, there is the option of purchasing pet health insurance for their dog. Comprehensive health insurance policies typically cover the cost of veterinary treatments, vaccinations and surgeries. They provide financial protection and can help reduce veterinary costs significantly. In addition, there are also surgery-only policies that cover only surgeries. These are usually less expensive than comprehensive health insurance for the dog.

In summary, veterinary costs for a dog can vary greatly depending on the type of treatment and individual circumstances. As a responsible dog owner, it's important to keep an eye on potential costs and make financial provisions. By purchasing pet health insurance, dog owners can significantly reduce the financial burden in the event of veterinary treatments and surgeries. However, it is important to remember that regular veterinary expenses are essential to the dog's health and well-being and are an important part of being a responsible dog owner.