Owners of pedigree dogs pay more for their pets' medical treatment, according to industry experts.

Figures released from Saga, insurance specialists, have revealed the cost of the average vet bill which the company states is higher for pedigree dogs.

Saga points out that 75 per cent of the nation's four-legged friends are pedigrees and their owners pay over £10 million on their medical treatment each week.

In addition to the breed of dog affecting the size of vet's bills, where pet owners lived was also a factor.

The highest vet's fees were found in the south-east where owners pay approximately £347 per visit.

Andrew Goodsell, chief executive at Saga, revealed that fees were further escalated by procedures that have become more advanced and costly such as treatment of fractures which can reach £4,000.

Mr Goodsell has warned pet owners to avoid huge bills by taking out insurance for their animals.

"Whether you have a pedigree pooch or a mongrel, it is important to make sure they are adequately covered," he said.

Recent figures released by Tesco show that more Britons buy insurance for their pets than health insurance for themselves.