10 Most Common Rottweiler Health Issues

Rottweilers are descendants of Roman herding dogs  and the subjects of further selective breeding in Central Europe. During the Middle Ages, they were used to herd cattle and protect against attacks.

Rottweilers, also known as Rotties, were the 9th most popular dog breed in the United States in 2023. While they are relatively healthy, they are vulnerable to several medical conditions.

Common Rottweiler Health Problems

Below are the Top 10 Rottweiler health problems, along with insights on how to identify these issues, treatment options, and last but not least–prevention.

#1 Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a painful joint problem in dogs. It occurs when the articular cartilage, located on the end of a bone in a joint, grows abnormally, causing joint inflammation. This cartilage can actually crack, partially separating from the bone or even fully separating from the bone. OCD is common in Rottweilers.

It usually affects the shoulder joint, however the  hip, elbow, hock, or knee may be affected, also. It’s a developmental disease that ordinarily occurs in rapidly growing, large breed dogs between six and nine months old. It typically occurs more often in male dogs. The cause of Osteochondritis Dissecans is unknown.

But, the disease is more often found in dogs that receive too much calcium and protein in their diet. Other factors might include rapid growth, genetics, trauma, hormonal factors, and lack of proper blood flow.

When It Develops

OCD usually develops in Rottweilers between four and twelve months old. This time frame corresponds with their phase of rapid growth, when the bones and joints are still developing.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Pain: Discomfort in the affected joint(s),more noticeable after exercise.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving the affected joint normally.
• Lameness: May come and go, and affect one or more limbs.
• Reluctance to Play or Exercise: Your Rottweiler may be less active or reluctant to engage in activities it ordinarily enjoys.
• Swelling: There may be visible swelling around the affected joint.

Treatment

Treatment for Osteochondritis Dissecans is either medical or surgical. Medical treatment is effective with mild OCD, when the articular cartilage is cracked or there is only a small cartilage flap in the joint. It’s also recommended for dogs that are not good surgical candidates due to weak immune systems, heart disease, or other health problems.

If medical treatment is right for your Rottweiler, you will need to restrict its physical activity for several weeks at the least following diagnosis. This will give the damaged cartilage in the affected joint time to heal. Limit your Rottweiler’s activity to brief walks on a leash. Besides short walks, your Rottweiler should rest most of the time without strenuous activity. Pain medications are usually prescribed for this condition.

There are several types of surgical procedures available for the treatment of OCD in Rottweilers. Your vet will decide which of these procedures will be the best option for your Rottweiler:

• Removing the cartilage flap: Removing the cartilage flap will let scar cartilage develop, thereby reducing some of the inflammation in the joint. Bear in mind that the joint will still be abnormal, and that your Rottweiler could develop arthritis down the road.
• Arthrodesis: This procedure fuses two bones to prevent pain upon movement of the joint.
• Total joint replacement: This is a procedure of last resort for cases of chronic or extensive Osteochondritis Dessicans, when there isn’t much healthy cartilage left.

Prevention

Here are some preventative steps you can take that might prevent or at least manage OCD in Rottweilers:

• Balanced Diet: Feed your Rottweiler a balanced diet that is appropriate for large breed puppies, with correctly controlled phosphorus and calcium levels.
• Vet Check-ups: Regular vet check-ups can help catch OCD in its early stages, so it may be treated promptly.
• Controlled Growth: Avoid overfeeding or fast weight gain during puppyhood.

Moderate Exercise: Your Rottweiler needs low-impact exercise without overexertion in order to support healthy joint development.

#2:  Aortic Stenosis

Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), is the most common congenital heart disease in Rottweilers. It involves narrowing of the area beneath the dog’s aortic valve, which may cause obstruction of blood flow from the left ventricle of the heart to the aorta. This condition is almost always present at birth, but might not be diagnosed until later on in the dog’s life, often when the vet picks up a heart murmur.

It’s a serious disease known for being extremely complex genetically as well as therapeutically. SAS is difficult to diagnose as the symptoms may not be obvious, and the affected Rottweilers might seem healthy. Owners may not recognize or even know about their dog’s reduced exercise abilities. So, when the dog drops dead suddenly, they’re completely taken by surprise, and at a loss as to the reason.

Dogs with severe cases of Aortic Stenosis have an average lifespan after diagnosis of only 19 months. However, mild cases have a much better prognosis, with affected Rottweilers living a normal length of time.

When It Develops

Typically, Rottweilers are born with this condition. However, it often goes undiagnosed until the dog is 6 months to 2 years of age. Milder cases might go even longer before being recognized, sometimes when symptoms become obvious.

How To Spot Symptoms:

Here are some symptoms of Aortic Stenosis  in Rottweilers:

• Exercise Intolerance: Decreased ability to play or exercise.
• Fainting: Fainting or collapsing, often during or after exercise.
• Difficulty Breathing: Labored and/or rapid breathing.
• Heart Murmur: Often detected during a routine vet exam.
• Coughing: Particularly during exertion.
• Sudden Death: In severe, untreated cases, Aortic Stenosis can cause sudden death.

Treatment

There are currently fairly limited treatments available for this condition. Among them are these:

Medications:

• ACE Inhibitors: Relax blood vessels, reducing the workload on the heart.
• Antiarrhythmics: These manage irregular heartbeats.
• Beta-blockers: Help in reducing the heart rate and improving blood flow.

Exercise Restriction:

Strenuous exercise is avoided to lessen the risk of collapse and sudden death.

Surgical Intervention:

Surgery to either reduce or remove the obstruction is very rarely performed because of the complexity, along with the associated risks. Balloon valvuloplasty is an option, but its success has been limited.

Regular Monitoring:

Regular vet check-ups to monitor Aortic Stenosis and to adjust treatment as needed.

Prevention

There isn’t any way to prevent Aortic Stenosis as it’s a congenital condition, present at birth. Selective, responsible breeding is the only way at present to prevent this serious health condition in Rottweilers. Scientists are working on a genetic test for it that will be helpful if they’re successful.

#3. Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy begins with the degeneration of heart muscle. The muscle becomes weaker and thinner, particularly the thick muscular wall of the left ventricle. The heart loses its natural ability to pump blood effectively as the heart weakens. The blood then congests in the heart, and causes increased pressure, which stretches the thin heart muscle walls.

Some dogs will develop a heart murmur if the heart valves stretch enough that a leak is created. Some dogs will develop an abnormal heart rhythm. Affected Rottweilers often show no noticeable signs for several years and then die suddenly. There is no genetic test for Dilated Cardiomyopathy, but the disease may be detected in the early stages using ultrasound or 24 hour EKG monitoring. Breeding from affected dogs perpetuates the problem.

When It Develops

The typical age range for diagnosis of DCM in Rottweilers is typically between the ages of four and eight years. However, it may develop earlier or later, depending on genetics and the dog’s overall health condition.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of Dilated Cardiomyopathy are somewhat distinctive, but in the early stages might not be obvious. They include:

• Weight loss
• Rapid breathing when resting or sleeping
• Restless sleeping; moving around a lot
• Decreased appetite
• Collapse or fainting
• Weakness
• Coughing or gagging
• Increased effort when breathing
• Swollen belly
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Sudden death

Treatment

Treatment for Dilated Cardiomyopathy consists of:

• Diuretics to reduce fluid build-up.
• Diet therapy and nutritional supplements might be all that’s needed for some dogs.
• Pimobendan, a medication that improves blood flow and strengthens the heart.
• Ace Inhibitors to lower blood pressure and reduce workload on the heart.
• Beta Blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers to address heart arrhythmias.
• Cardiac Glycosides such as Digoxin, give to slow and strengthen heartbeats.

Prevention

Genetic predisposition does play a significant part in the development of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Rottweilers ,but preventive measures that focus on  exercise, diet, weight management, and regular veterinary check-ups can help lessen the risk and manage this condition effectively. If you’re proactive about your Rottweiler’s heart health by using these strategies, they can lead to early detection and a better outcome for your dog.

#4  Panosteitis

Panosteitis is the actual medical name for what is often called “growing pains” in puppies. It’s seen most often in large and giant breed puppies. Male puppies are up to four times more likely to have this bone condition than females. This condition causes inflammation of the dog’s long bones accompanied by lameness and pain.

The specific cause of Panosteitis is unknown. However, there are some theories about its origin, such as: viral infection, bacterial infection, metabolic disorders, hormone imbalance, genetics, or dietary or nutritional deficiencies or excesses. Research is ongoing to try and determine the cause of this condition.

While it’s painful and may last for quite some time, Panosteitis in puppies is generally a self limiting condition and gets better by itself in time. Fortunately, there are typically no long-term effects.

When It Develops

Panosteitis most commonly affects Rottweilers between the ages of 5 months and 18 months. However, it can show up in dogs up to two years old and sometimes even older.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of Panosteitis in Rottweilers may include the following:

• Lethargy: Fatigue and reduced playfulness.
• Reluctance to Move: Reduced levels of activity as well as reluctance to play or engage in exercise.
• Fever: In some cases, an affected Rottweiler might have a slightly elevated temperature.
• Pain: There may be signs of pain when the affected limb is touched.
• Weight Loss: Some dogs lose weight due to reduced appetite and activity.
• Intermittent Lameness: Lameness that might move from one leg to another..

Treatment

Treatment for this condition in Rottweilers is basically medication to alleviate pain such as NSAIDs. Anti-inflammatories and Corticosteroids such as Prednisone may be given to reduce inflammation and swelling. Your puppy will need sufficient rest to allow his bones to heal. Limit strenuous exercise during this period. You should feed your Rottweiler puppy a special diet formulated for large and giant size breeds of puppies, to prevent too rapid growth.

Prevention

You can’t completely prevent Panosteitis in Rottweilers because of its genetic predisposition. However, there are things you can do to lessen the risk and the severity of it: a balanced diet for large breed puppies with the correct amount of phosphorus and calcium in the puppy’s food. Excessive calcium can cause skeletal issues.

Another proactive step is to monitor the puppy’s exercise and try to keep it to a moderate level, avoiding high impact activities. Schedule regular visits to the vet so that the Rottweiler puppy’s growth can be monitored. Avoid giving the puppy unnecessary supplements as some might cause a disruption in the natural balance and contribute to bone problems.

#5 Cruciate Ligament Tears

According to experts, Cruciate Ligament Tears (CCL) are the most common cause of lameness in the hind legs of dogs, including Rottweilers.The Rottweiler’s high risk for having this painful condition is tied to genetics, since the issue is inherited. Unfortunately, there’s  not a genetic test to identify Rottweilers with a high risk of developing a Cruciate Ligament Tear.

This disease occurs in a dog’s knee, and usually involves fiber damage to both the cruciate ligaments. It begins much like the fraying of a rope and goes on to complete failure, or rupture, of the ligament. The cruciate ligament is essential for stabilizing the knee joint, so when it tears, it can cause extreme pain, arthritis and lameness.

When It Develops

CCL tears are common in young adult Rottweilers, typically between the ages of two and five years. This is a period when dogs are very active, which increases the risk of injury. Rottweilers between five and seven years old may also experience CCL tears because of the wear and tear on the ligament over a period of time.

While not as common, older Rottweilers that are over seven may also suffer from CCL tears. This is usually due to degeneration of the ligament combined with cumulative activity and possible joint issues such as arthritis.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of Cruciate Ligament Tears in Rottweilers include these signs:

• Difficulty Rising: Your Rottweiler might struggle to get up from a lying or sitting. position.
• Intermittent Lameness: Lameness that comes and goes, often worse after exercise.
• Sudden Lameness: Acute and sudden onset of lameness in one hind leg.
• Pain and Swelling: Obvious discomfort and swelling around the dog’s knee joint.
• Abnormal Gait: Changes in gait, or favoring the affected leg.
• Reduced Activity: Hesitant to play, run, or jump.

Treatment

Treatment for Cruciate Ligament Tears in Rottweilers involves both medical intervention and surgery. Medical treatment focuses on strict rest along with limited activity for several weeks to allow healing, reducing the dog’s weight to decrease stress on the joints, pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications, knee braces to provide support and stability, and physical therapy.

Surgery is frequently recommended for large breeds like Rottweilers in order to restore knee function and stability.

Prevention

Prevention of CCL in Rottweilers depends on moderate exercise with no high risk activities such as jumping or anything that requires your Rottweiler to make sudden turns or jumping, a healthy diet to prevent obesity that would put a strain on the joints, supplements such as Glucosamine to maintain healthy joints and bones, regular check-ups with a vet.

#6 Osteosarcoma

Rottweilers are predisposed to developing osteosarcoma, or bone tumors. In fact, this breed is considered to be at high risk of osteosarcoma and are 5 times more likely to develop it than the average dog. It’s estimated that between 5% and 12% of this breed develop this condition. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive, malignant, fast spreading type of bone cancer that results in nearly 100% mortality unless successfully treated.

Treatment is only successful in about 10% of cases. It causes severe, progressive pain which can be difficult or even impossible to alleviate. The genetic basis of this disease is yet to be made clear. It does have a strong family pattern of occurrence, so it seems like a safe bet that the prevalence can only be reduced by not breeding from dogs or lines that have been affected by it.

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in dogs, accounting for 80% to 85% of primary bone tumors in the species, and 90% in large breeds such as Rottweilers. It is a tumor mainly of middle aged to older dogs of large or giant breeds. Dogs weighing over 80 pounds account for 29% of cases while dogs weighing less than 35 pounds account for fewer than 5%.

When It Develops

Osteosarcoma may occur at any age, but the average age of onset and/or diagnosis is at about age eight.

How To Spot Symptoms

The major signs of Osteosarcoma in Rottweilers are lameness, limping, leg pain, a reluctance to exercise, weight loss, decreased appetite, noticeable swelling around a bone, behavioral changes such as irritability, and broken bones that appear without any known trauma.

Treatment

Treatment of Osteosarcoma is usually surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy, but even with an aggressive treatment regimen of those things most dogs will only survive a few months to a year. Amputation of the affected limb, provided it is done before the tumor metastasizes elsewhere in the body, may save the Rottweiler’s life.

In rare cases, it might be possible to remove the tumor without amputation. Palliative medications are given to try and alleviate the Rottweiler’s pain and to improve its quality of life.

Prevention

Although it’s a challenge to prevent Osteosarcoma completely, especially considering the apparent genetic predisposition in certain breeds such as Rottweilers, following these preventative steps may help reduce risk as well as promote overall health. A balanced diet, responsible breeding, careful monitoring, regular exercise, plus regular vet check-ups are all critical in maintaining your Rottweiler’s health, thus potentially reducing the risk of Osteosarcoma. Early detection along with prompt veterinary intervention are key factors in managing this grave disease effectively if and when it does occur.

#7 Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, is a very serious and life threatening condition that affects Rottweilers as well as other large, deep-chested dog breeds. GDV occurs when the dog’s stomach fills with gas and then twists upon itself, which cuts off the blood flow, leading to severe complications. This is an emergency situation and immediate veterinary intervention is crucial.

Certain breeds, including Rottweilers, have a genetic predisposition to GDV. Deep-chested dogs are at higher risk due to their anatomy, which allows the stomach to twist more easily. Certain things seem to trigger this condition, including a dog eating too fast, eating too much, eating the wrong diet with too many fats or all dry kibble, exercising too vigorously just after eating, and old age.

When It Develops

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus can occur at any age, but is much more prevalent in older dogs.

How To Spot Symptoms

Signs of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Rottweilers include:

• Abdominal Distention:
• Unsuccessful Vomiting:
• Restlessness and Discomfort:
• Excessive Drooling:
• Rapid Breathing and Heart Rate:
• Weakness and Collapse:

Treatment

As noted above, GDV is an emergency. It must be treated right away or your Rottweiler will probably die. Treatment consists of:

• Stabilization: Initial stabilization with pain relief, IV fluids, and oxygen therapy.
• Decompression: Decompressing the dog’s stomach to relieve the buildup of gas, often with a stomach tube or needle.
• Surgery: Emergency surgery (gastropexy) to untwist the stomach and then secure it to the abdominal wall to prevent another episode in the future.

Prevention

Prevention of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Rottweilers isn’t completely guaranteed by practicing this regimen, but it will certainly help to avoid the condition. Managing your dog’s diet and eating habits is a key factor in preventing GDV. Don’t allow your dog to gobble its food down too fast. There are actually specialty feeders you can purchase that won’t allow a dog to eat too much, too quickly.

These are called slow feeders or puzzle feeders and are available at most pet stores or online. Instead of feeding one or two large meals, feed smaller meals more frequently. Don’t feed your Rottweiler from an elevated bowl. Avoid meals that are too high in fat, and don’t only feed dry kibble. Make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water. These efforts will be well worth your time and may save your Rottweiler’s life by avoiding GDV.

#8 Entropion

Entropion is a condition in dogs in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eyeball. This painful condition is common in Rottweilers. Regular inflammation due to entropion can lead to eye discharge, excessive tearing, squinting, and even corneal damage. If it goes untreated, Entropion might cause corneal ulcers, along with permanent scarring.

Entropion has a strong genetic element. Rottweilers with a familial history of Entropion have a greater likelihood of developing the condition. The conformation of the dog’s face, which includes the shape and placement of its eyelids, can affect the development of Entropion. Rottweilers, with a pronounced wrinkling of the face and/or loose skin around the eyes are at considerably high risk.

When It Develops

Rottweilers may develop Entropion at any time, but they’re more likely to have this condition at certain stages. It often becomes noticeable in puppies and young dogs, usually before they reach one year of age. It can be congenital, present at birth, or develop as the dog grows and matures. The condition may also become visible during adolescence as the dog’s facial structure is developing and changing. This period typically ranges from six months to two years old.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some common symptoms of Entropion in Rottweilers:

• Redness and Irritation: Swelling, redness, and signs of irritation around the eye.
• Squinting or Blinking: Frequent blinking, squinting, or holding the eye partially closed because of discomfort.
• Rubbing at the Eyes: Pawing or rubbing at the eyes, which may further irritate Entropion.
• Tearing and Discharge: Excessive discharge and tearing from the affected eye/s.
• Corneal Damage: Over time, the constant rubbing of eyelashes against the cornea may cause scarring and ulcers, along with vision problems.

Treatment

Entropion in Rottweilers can usually be treated with medication, or in rare cases, surgery. Keep in mind that surgery is normally only necessary if the condition has gone untreated for too long. Most of the time, these ulcers can be successfully treated in a short time with medications like  antibiotics and eye ointments or drops.

Prevention

There aren’t many means of preventing Entropion in Rottweilers, but here are three that can be helpful:

• Monitor Eye Health: Keep a close watch on your Rottweiler’s eye health, especially during its growth spurts, and schedule an appointment with a vet if you observe signs of Entropion.
• Responsible Breeding: Only buy a Rottweiler puppy from responsible breeders who avoid breeding dogs with a family history of Entropion.
• Early Veterinary Care: Regular vet check-ups, particularly during the puppy’s active growth periods, can help to identify and address Entropion in its early stages.

#9 Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)

Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy (JLPP) is a very serious hereditary condition in Rottweilers that causes severe respiratory and neurological issues. Selective breeding practices, early detection through genetic testing, along with symptomatic management are necessary to address this condition.

There isn’t a cure, but with proper care you can help manage your Rottweiler’s symptoms and improve the quality of its life. This disease not only affects the dog’s larynx and its ability to eat and drink, it also causes paralysis in its rear legs. The prognosis for Rottweilers affected by JLPP is basically poor because of the progressive nature of the condition.

It often leads to extreme respiratory distress and neurological impairment, too. Euthanasia might be considered in the advanced stages of the disease to prevent further suffering for the dog.

When It Develops

Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy usually shows signs beginning when a Rottweiler puppy is around 3-4 months old.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some signs and symptoms of JLPP in Rottweilers:

• Laryngeal paralysis can be observed by the dog’s difficulty swallowing that often causes choking and aspiration pneumonia
• Respiratory distress including difficulty breathing when excited, or both during and after physical activity
• Generalized weakness and loss of coordination affect the Rottweiler puppy’s muscle movements, resulting in an abnormal gait and eye movements. Its bark is affected, also, due to the malfunction of the dog’s larynx.

Treatment

Treatment for Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy is symptomatic and palliative in most cases. This is a fast moving condition, and most dogs deteriorate quickly, so treatment isn’t a viable option as there  isn’t any successful way to treat JLPP. Affected Rottweilers may be given breathing assistance, anti-inflammatories, pain medication and Corticosteroids to manage symptoms.

Prevention

JLPP is due to a genetic mutation affecting the nervous system. It’s inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, which means that a Rottweiler puppy has to inherit two copies of this mutated gene—one from each parent— to be affected. You should understand that carrier dogs that only have one copy of the mutated gene don’t show symptoms, but can pass the mutation to offspring. Responsible and selective breeding practices involve genetic testing for dogs to avoid mating two carriers.

 #10 Obesity

Rottweilers are prone to obesity. They’re large dogs with hearty appetites, big boned and able to carry a lot of weight. However, they’re also known for overeating if they can, so gaining too much weight is a common problem with the breed. Just as in humans, being overweight can predispose these dogs to a host of health problems including diabetes, joint and skeletal problems, cardiac issues, respiratory problems and liver disease.

Neutering or spaying is sometimes accompanied by weight gain due to hormonal changes. An underlying health condition such as hypothyroidism might result in your Rottweiler becoming obese. Older Rottweilers are susceptible to putting on too many extra pounds, so if you have a senior dog, that’s something to keep in mind.

Fortunately, as the dog’s owner and the one who usually serves its meals and takes it for walks, you are in a position to prevent your Rotty from dealing with obesity.

When It Develops

Rottweilers can gain too much weight at any age, but middle aged and senior dogs are more likely to become obese.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of obesity in Rottweilers include the following;

• Excess Body Fat: Fat deposits are visible, particularly around the dog’s spine, ribs, and base of the tail.
• Lack of Definition: Obese dogs do not have a waistline or abdominal tuck.
• Difficulty Moving: Overweight Rottweilers are usually reluctant to exercise, are lethargic, and have difficulty moving, much less running or playing..
• Heavy Breathing: Obesity causes dogs to experience shortness of breath and/or heavy panting upon even mild exertion.
• Joint Issues: Extra weight puts an extra strain on your Rottweiler’s joints, which can result in joint problems and arthritis.

Treatment

The only practical treatment for obesity in your Rottweiler is less food and more exercise. Feed the dog a healthy, nutritious and well balanced diet in sufficient quantity to ensure its good health, but not enough to gain weight. Be sure to engage your dog in physical activity such as walking every day. Take your Rottweiler to the vet to make sure there is no health condition causing the weight gain.

Prevention

Preventing your dog from becoming obese is much easier than getting the extra weight off once it’s already there. Here are some tips:

• Monitor Weight: Check the dog’s weight and its body condition score on a regular basis.
• Portion Control: Measure your dog’s food portions and don’t engage in free-feeding.
• Balanced Diet: Feed a balanced, high quality diet that is appropriate for your Rottweiler’s age, weight, and activity level. Don’t overfeed and put a limit on treats.
• Routine Check-ups: Have the vet monitor your dog’s weight along with its overall health.
• Regular Exercise: Make sure your Rottweiler gets exercise every day with playtime, walks, and other activities to help it maintain a healthy weight.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Common Rottweiler Health Issues?

Yes, in many or even most cases, it does. When you’re looking around to purchase a good pet insurance policy for your Rottweiler, always check coverage to see if hereditary and genetic conditions are included. Please note that there’s a difference between hereditary or genetic conditions and pre-existing conditions. The majority of pet insurance will not cover pre-existing conditions. It’s also a good idea to look at  benefit limits, waiting periods, and reimbursement percentages, as well.

There are a variety of different sorts of pet insurance on the market. You might choose a policy that has coverage for  injuries and accidents, but doesn’t cover disease or illness. Alternatively, you might prefer a policy that provides coverage for chronic health problems such as arthritis, along with common health problems. When you start researching pet insurance, you’ll find policies that offer the following coverage:

• Surgery
• Prescription meds
• Diagnostic tests
• MRIs
• Routine wellness examinations
• Blood and lab tests
• X-Rays
• Behavioral therapy
• Alternative treatments
• Prescription food and/or nutritional supplements

Even though pre-existing conditions are not generally covered, there are pet insurance providers that offer coverage. This coverage comes with a higher price tag, but includes extra benefits when and if you need them for your Rottweiler.