How Much Is an X-ray for Dogs? Stomach, Chest & More

Updated on October 12, 2025

We give our dogs the best care possible. Despite all we do, sometimes they get hurt, fall ill, or eat something they shouldn’t. When this happens, they may need an X-ray of their stomach, chest, or more. This article shares age-specific guidelines for dog X-rays, the average cost, and how your dog’s health and medical history could impact X-ray frequency. 

Understanding Pet X-rays

X-rays are digital images of a dog’s bones, organs, and tissues. Vets order a pet X-ray when they want to 

• Broken bones – If a pet is limping or is in pain, a vet will examine the area to check for broken bones. X-ray images can show the exact location and severity of a fracture. 
• Blockage in the intestines – When dogs ingest foreign objects, it may cause intestinal blockage. A stomach X-ray can reveal the object’s exact location. 
• Bladder stones – Dogs can develop bladder, gallbladder, or kidney stones, similar to humans. X-rays show their location and if they are causing blockages. 
• Tumors – Although not all tumors appear on an X-ray, it’s a good first step in diagnosis because it’s less expensive than a CT scan. 
• Dental problems – Most vets do a yearly dental X-ray to spot gum or teeth problems. Dogs are usually sedated during dental X-rays. 
• Pregnancy- Vets X-ray a pregnant dog to check the puppies’ health. The images also determine how many puppies a female dog carries, their position, and whether the mother can safely deliver them through the birth canal. 
• Hip problems – Hip dysplasia is diagnosed with an X-ray. These images help a vet decide the best treatment plan for a dog. 
• Heart or lung problems – Vets do X-rays if a dog has breathing problems. X-rays can show if a dog has pneumonia, bronchitis, a fungal infection, or a mass. 

How Often Should You Get an X-ray for Your Dog?

Age-Related X-rays

Vets use X-rays to check for a dog’s outstanding health problems, but they can also be used preventatively for a routine senior dog wellness check if necessary due to your dog’s specific health history or conditions.

Puppies

Pregnant dogs are X-rayed to determine the exact number of puppies she’s carrying, the size of the puppies, and their location. X-rays also tell the age of a puppy. A vet may recommend an X-ray if a puppy is a rescue dog and there’s a question about their age. 

Young Adults

Adult dogs should receive dental X-rays yearly. A dog may have dental disease if it has broken or missing teeth, inflamed or swollen gums, or bad breath. An X-ray helps a vet understand the depth of the problem. 

Senior Dogs 

X-rays assess an older dog’s overall health. They detect early-stage cancers, tumors, heart or lung issues, hip or joint problems, or osteoporosis, which are common in senior dogs. A vet can diagnose arthritis in older dogs with an X-ray. The image shows swelling and any changes to a dog’s bones. 

Breed-Specific Considerations

A dog’s breed determines how often a dog needs to be X-rayed during their lifetime. X-rays are good preventative measures, especially for certain breeds. 

Large and Giant Breeds

Larger dog breeds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia and other joint problems. They’re also prone to arthritis as they age. A vet may use X-rays as a preventative way for early diagnosis and treatment of these problems. 

Small breeds 

Displaced kneecaps are common for smaller breeds. X-rays help detect displacement and early treatment. Small breeds commonly affected with displaced kneecaps include

• Miniature poodles
• Chihuahuas
• Boston terriers
• Pomeranians
• Yorkshire terriers

Health Condition and History

A dog’s health condition or medical history impacts how often a dog needs X-rays. Certain chronic conditions require closer monitoring with regular X-rays and tests. Common ailments that require regular X-rays include a history of 

• Hip dysplasia or joint problems- When a dog has hip or joint issues, regular X-rays are taken to monitor the progression of the problem. 
• Dental concerns– When a dog has missing teeth, bad breath, or broken teeth, it may indicate dental disease. Yearly X-rays can help diagnose and treat the problem. 
• Cancer- Once a dog is diagnosed, they’ll receive regular X-rays to monitor cancer. 
• Tumors-Although some tumors are benign, vets will do regular X-rays to monitor them. 

X-ray Frequency for Working and Sporting Dogs

Sport or working dogs get a lot of exercise and need regular monitoring. This may include X-rays to detect any early signs of musculoskeletal problems, including injuries or issues with 

• Nerves
• Muscles
• Joints
• Tendons
• Cartilage 
• Spinal disc

Recommendations from Veterinarians

Please discuss your dog’s health issues, breed, and medical history with your veterinarian to determine their eligibility for more frequent X-rays. They have the expertise and experience to guide you on how often a dog needs an X-ray. 

Factors Affecting Pet X-ray Costs

Pet X-rays vary in cost depending on certain factors. Things that contribute to the cost of an X-ray include:

• Whether a dog needs to be sedated 
• How many views the vet takes
• The area of the body being X-rayed

On average, a pet X-ray can cost $50 to $400. A dog’s size, breed, medical history, and medical problems affect the cost. Of course, emergencies such as a dog swallowing a foreign object will cost more than a routine screening X-ray. 

Cost Breakdown of Pet X-rays

X-ray costs will vary depending on where you live and what type of X-ray your dog needs. These are the average cost breakdowns for pet X-rays. 

Type of X-ray or treatment before X-ray	Cost of X-ray
Sedation- The dog may need this to help calm them down to guarantee a clearer image	$50 to $220
Chest X-ray-Looking for pneumonia, tumors, or asthma,	$150 to $250
Stomach X-ray	$150 to $250
Broken bone X-ray	$150mto $400
Dental X-ray	$50 to $90
Lung X-ray	$150 to $250
Emergency X-rays	$200 to $400

 

Consultation fees will also add to the cost of X-rays. 

What Is the Cost of a Dog Chest X-ray?

The average cost of a dog chest X-ray is $75 to $250, depending on your location and the specific area being X-rayed. 

Is a Normal Dog Stomach X-ray Different from an Abnormal One? 

An abdominal X-ray includes looking at organs such as the 

• Small and large Intestines
• Stomach
• Spleen
• Liver
• Diaphragm

 How Much Does a Dog Leg X-ray Typically Cost?

The average dog leg X-ray costs $100 to $425, depending on the location and the need for sedation to keep the dog still for the imaging. 

What Does a Normal Dog Lung X-ray Look Like?

A dog’s respiratory system includes the small and large airways and lungs. A dog breathes air through their nose and mouth. The air travels through their trachea into the right or left bronchi, then into smaller areas called bronchioles in their lungs. Small sacs called alveoli are at the end of the bronchioles. A dog’s respiratory system delivers oxygen into the blood throughout the body and removes carbon dioxide from the blood. Disease or infection can disrupt this oxygen flow and lead to serious illnesses. 

How Can Pet Insurance Help?

Because X-rays and other medical costs can add up, pet insurance helps ease the burden of these costs. Odie Pet Insurance offsets the cost of injuries, illness,  and preventative care for dogs.

Odie Pet Insurance covers X-rays in its comprehensive plan. If your pet needs a diagnostic X-ray, this portion of the cost or all of the costs may be covered, depending on your plan. One caveat is that Odie’s doesn’t cover pregnancy x-rays. 

Pet insurance gives you control over your budget without being burdened by unexpected vet bills. Odie pet insurance makes your pet’s medical care manageable. 

Since Odie’s pet insurance offers multiple dog plans, choose the one that best fits your budget and your pet’s needs. With this kind of flexibility, you can cover your dog’s X-rays. 

What about the claims process for pet insurance? 

When looking into pet insurance, understand the claims and payment process.

Reimbursement

This method is the most common for pet insurance companies. You pay out of pocket for the veterinarian bill, and then the insurance company reimburses you for what’s covered under the insurance plan. The steps look like this.

• You pay the vet bill after your dog’s visit.
• You fill out the pet insurance claim form.
• Submit the claim form and other required documentation to the insurer. 
• After the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses. 

What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?

Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:

Illness & Injury Plan

The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:

• Veterinary exams and consultations
• Diagnostics (e.g., X-rays, lab tests)
• Prescribed medications
• Surgeries and hospitalization
• Rehabilitation, acupuncture, or chiropractic treatments
• Medically necessary supplies
• Euthanasia and cremation

The Wellness Plan

The Wellness Plan is a monthly membership that focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services.

• Provides reimbursements for routine care items such as wellness visits (exams and vaccines), testing and parasite prevention, dental cleanings and at-home dental care, vitamins, supplements, and more
• Through Odie’s partnership with Petivity, a leader in smart pet products and proactive care, Wellness Plan members can also receive reimbursements for Petivity devices and health kits, as well as eligible Purina food and supplements.
• Total reimbursement up to $700 per year.

FAQs:

How much does a dog X-ray cost, and what affects the price?

Average cost: $100-$250 per X-ray. Factors affecting price include the dog’s size (larger dogs require more sedation), the location being X-rayed, the need for sedation or anesthesia, the type of clinic (emergency vs. regular), and geographic location.

When does my dog need an X-ray?

X-rays detect broken bones/fractures, swallowed foreign objects, internal injuries, organ health issues, tumors/cancer, dental problems, and chronic conditions (hip dysplasia, arthritis). Frequency depends on breed, age, and health. Larger breeds prone to hip dysplasia/joint problems need more frequent preventative X-rays. Smaller breeds with displaced kneecaps need regular monitoring. Seniors benefit from periodic X-rays to detect cancers, heart/lung issues, and osteoporosis.

What happens during an X-ray, and is sedation required?

The dog is positioned on the table between the X-ray tube and the sensor. It takes about 10 minutes and may require repositioning for different angles. Digital images are available immediately. Sedation NOT always required—only if dog is anxious, in pain, unable to remain still, or requiring X-rays of spine/skull/teeth needing muscle relaxation. Minimal preparation needed; follow vet’s instructions if sedation is prescribed.

Are X-rays safe, and what can they detect?

Yes, generally safe. Radiation exposure is minimal and negligible compared to diagnostic benefits. X-rays are typically used only occasionally. Can detect: bone fractures, foreign objects, organ size/shape issues, fluid in lungs, heart size abnormalities, bladder stones, certain types of tumors/cancers, and arthritis/joint swelling.

What are X-ray limitations?

Cannot provide detailed views of soft tissues, ligaments, tendons; limited for skull interior examination; challenging if dog is significantly overweight/underweight; cannot definitively diagnose ligament damage (like cruciate ligament ruptures); less useful for certain internal structures compared to CT, MRI, or ultrasound.

Does Odie Pet Insurance cover X-rays?

Yes. Odie’s comprehensive Accident & Illness plan covers diagnostic X-rays (excluding pregnancy X-rays) and offers flexible options for reimbursement rates, deductibles, and payout limits. Wellness Plan focuses on preventive care (up to $700/year reimbursement), but diagnostic X-rays fall under the Accident & Illness plan.