How Much Does a Dog X-Ray Cost?

One of the most common diagnostic tests for dogs is an X-ray, which can be used to identify an obstruction, illness, or injury. They are also sometimes used preventively to check in on your dog’s health or monitor their recovery after a procedure.

On average, dog X-rays cost around $150 – $250, but the price can range from  $75 – $500.¹ Learn more about the costs of X-rays for your dog and how a dog insurance policy can help you cover related expenses.

What Impacts a Dog X-Ray Cost?

The price of a dog X-ray will vary depending on your emergency clinic or vet and a few other factors.^1,2

Sedation

Your dog needs to stay still during an X-ray. If your dog is moving out of nervousness, they may need anesthesia to sedate them. This will add to the overall price of the X-ray.^1,2 Also, if your dog is a larger breed, expect to pay a bit more as more medicine is necessary to sedate larger pups.² Anesthesia for your dog could cost up to $100 per half hour sedated.²

Geographical region

Typically, veterinary services are more expensive in higher cost-of-living areas. Even different vet practices within a city can charge different amounts. If your dog’s X-ray need isn’t an emergency, you could call around about pricing and decide where to take your dog based on what you learn.^1,2

X-Ray location

Certain parts of a dog’s body are easier to X-ray than others. If your dog needs an X-ray on an easier area, like the paw, that X-ray may be cheaper than an X-ray of a more difficult location, like their head.¹

Number of images needed

Your vet may want multiple X-ray images depending on the reason for the X-ray. Each image is likely to increase the total cost of the X-ray procedure.¹

Vet office vs. emergency hospital

Typically, a scheduled X-ray at your dog’s own veterinary office will cost less than one at an emergency vet hospital or clinic.²

How To Save on Dog X-Ray Costs

Here’s how MetLife Pet has helped some of our customers pay for X-ray bills:³

• Dog parents in Kentucky took their puppy Tootsie to the vet for an X-ray after she swallowed a piece of a toy. The bill was almost $850, but MetLife Pet covered over $530.
• Bingo, a miniature schnauzer in Florida, had a tooth X-ray that cost over $300. Bingo’s parents were reimbursed about $275.
• A young Belgian Malinois pup named Rocky needed an X-ray after swallowing a battery. The X-ray cost just over $500. MetLife Pet covered over $450 of the bill.

To help offset the cost of X-rays, consider purchasing a dog insurance policy from MetLife Pet.

What Is an X-Ray and Why Would My Dog Need One?

X-rays — also known as radiographs — are diagnostic imaging tests that penetrate tissue to show internal structures, like bones and teeth, as well as some soft tissues, like the kidneys and liver.⁴

The reason for your dog’s X-ray can influence the cost, depending on the time and resources needed. Some common reasons your veterinarian may recommend your dog get an X-ray include:^1,4

• If you suspect they’ve ingested a foreign object
• If your dog may have an internal injury of some kind
• If your dog needs a tooth extracted or is having pain in their mouth
• To confirm or monitor pregnancy
• To look for tumors
• To check abnormalities of the organs or bones
• To assess joint health

Depending on the results of the X-ray, your vet may need to do more tests to determine a diagnosis and create a treatment plan.⁴

What’s the Difference Between an X-Ray and a CT Scan?

CT scans are much more detailed than X-rays and require your dog to be sedated.⁵ They also tend to be more expensive, usually costing between $1,500 and $3,000.⁶

Vets often start with an X-ray and may order a CT scan if they think it will help them make a diagnosis or determine the severity of a condition.^5,6

MetLife Pet Could Help You Cover X-Ray Costs

X-ray testing is often necessary to help confirm a diagnosis for an illness, injury, or other condition afflicting your pooch. Don’t let the price of a dog X-ray discourage you from giving your pup the care they need. A MetLife Pet insurance policy could help you cover the costs of X-rays and more.

Fetch a quote today to get started.