How much does BOAS add to a Pug's vet costs?
In our model, BOAS (breathing problems) accounts for about $920 of a Pug's expected lifetime vet costs.
That's because about 1 in 3 Pugs in our model need treatment for BOAS (breathing problems), typically costing about $2,500 when they do.
What's included
| Item | Modeled value |
|---|---|
| BOAS (breathing problems), expected lifetime cost | $920 |
| BOAS (breathing problems), modeled chance of needing treatment over the dog's life | 36% (about 1 in 3) |
| BOAS (breathing problems), typical cost when treated (modeled) | $2,500 [$1,200–$4,500] |
| Expected vet costs, first year | $1,442 · $3,597 (bad year, 1-in-10) |
| Expected lifetime vet costs | $20,244 · $31,028 (1-in-10 lifetime) |
What drives it
- BOAS (breathing problems)
Assumptions
- Age 1 year at the start of the simulation
- U.S.-average vet prices (no ZIP code)
- $2,000 emergency savings
- 2026 U.S. dollars, no inflation
Evidence
- BOAS (breathing problems) (literature): Evaluation of BOAS breeding test results in Finland 2017–2022 (Acta Vet Scand 66:35), Lilja-Maula et al. (2024)
Breed data coverage: High · Model engine-v1.3-2026-10 · Built 2026-10-13
Pug breed profile · Vet Cost Index · Methodology
Modeled statistical estimate, not a quote, veterinary, insurance or financial advice.