Is pet insurance worth it for a Pug?
Pugs are purebred dogs which means they have a limited gene pool and therefore, genetic disorders that come around for pugs can continue to last over multiple generations. Therefore, purebred dogs like pugs have a higher chance of suffering from genetic health issues when compared to mixed-breed dogs.
You may want to consider insuring your pug in case of unexpected visits to a vet. If you are not able to withstand the risk of potentially having to fork out thousands of dollars unexpectedly, investing in pet insurance for your pug will most likely payoff. There is nothing worse than having to worry about money problems when your dog needs medical attention.
Pet insurance will help reduce the stress of an unexpected medical emergency for your pet.
Common health conditions for a Pug
Although pugs are not generally high-maintenance pets, there are some common problems you will want to be aware of:
- Breathing Problems: Pugs with short noses are susceptible to getting to a respiratory issue known as Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS). You may see symptoms of this if your dog is struggling to breathe after just light amounts of exercise. Surgery may be required for this, so it is important to consult your vet right away if you are noticing these symptoms.
- Eye Problems: Although your pugs’ bulging eyes are adorable, they are unfortunately prone to multiple types of eye issues that can cause discomfort to them. Due to their large eyes, they are susceptible to running into furniture and anything else in their surroundings. This can cause discomfort for your pug and lead to other more serious eye problems. Your pug may also be susceptible to a discharge coming from their eyes and/or unusual appearances such as spots within their eyes.
- Allergies: Pugs are prone to allergies and other bacterial infections on their skin. Pyoderma is the most common and can cause symptoms such as small red bumps and pimples.
- Seizures: Pugs can be susceptible to epilepsy and due to this, they may experience seizures. Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is another condition that can cause seizures in pugs. These seizures can be treated with medication, so it is important to have regular check-ups with the vet.
What does pet insurance cover for a Pug?
Most pug insurance plans will cover consultation fees, treatments, surgery, and much more depending on the plan you choose. Here is some of what pet insurance covers:
- Consultations: Should you have to bring your pug to the vet, any consultation will be covered by insurance.
- Treatments: Most treatments from the vet will also be covered depending on the plan you choose.
- Surgery: If your Pug requires something serious like surgery, your insurance will cover this as well.
It is also important to note that almost no pet insurance company will cover pre-existing conditions. However, curable pre-existing conditions may be covered in certain cases while incurable pre-existing conditions will not. It is highly recommended to look into what certain insurance companies consider curable and incurable. If your pet currently does not have any existing conditions, it can benefit you to consider getting pet insurance before one arises. If you wait too long you could end up having to pay for an unexpected procedure out of pocket.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Pug?
The premium you pay for your pugs’ insurance will depend on a few different factors:
- Age: As your dog gets older, insurance premiums will rise.
- Medical history: Your pugs’ medical history will also play a role in determining your insurance premiums. Certain medical procedures that may require a frequent amount of procedures done throughout the year can cause your premiums to increase.
- Type of plan: There are also different types of coverage such as accidents only which can be a cheaper option if you are on a tight budget, or you are not worried about treating larger illnesses.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Pug
Here are a few tips to consider when picking out a pet insurance plan for your pug:
- Personal budget: You will want to determine how much you are willing to spend on insurance. You will have to pay a monthly premium and a yearly deductible.
- Your Pug’s unique conditions: You want to pick a plan that covers all of your pugs’ conditions, so you don’t end up paying out of pocket for something that is not covered by your selected insurance plan.
- Compile a list: Once you have a list of the unique medical conditions your dog has, you can begin to search for the most optimal plan. After you have compiled a list of the plans that suit your dog the best, simply pick the one that suits your budget and any other personal recommendations you have heard from other pug owners.