Is pet insurance worth it for a Rottweiler?
Rottweilers can make excellent pets, but they may pose a risk if they aren’t appropriately trained because of their size and strength. In addition, this breed is prone to specific health problems, and it may be more likely to suffer injuries due to being territorial and more aggressive than the average dog.
Medical treatment for your Rottweiler can become very expensive, especially if they encounter a more serious issue that requires invasive treatment. Medical bills for treating a sick Rottweiler can quickly add up, costing up to a few thousand dollars. In these situations, you don’t want to be in the middle of a crisis and have to choose between your beloved dog and the affordability of their medical treatment.
To prepare for these unexpected circumstances, consider investing in pet insurance. It can help you afford your dog’s medical treatments and procedures, while you focus on your pet’s recovery.
Pet insurance can also provide peace of mind that your dog can be covered for the necessary treatments when it has an accident, injury, or illness. This includes (but is not limited to) broken bones, cancer treatment, harm caused by another animal, and prescriptions for chronic conditions. Therefore, pet insurance can be important and beneficial for your pet.
Common health conditions for a Rottweiler
Typically, a Rottweiler has a shorter lifespan than the average dog. You can expect your pet to live somewhere between 8 – 10 years. However, like all dog breeds, there are certain medical conditions that your pet could develop. While Rottweilers are generally healthy, they are susceptible to several health conditions:
- Aortic stenosis: This condition is a narrowing of the aorta, which means the dog’s heart has to work harder to pump blood through it. This can lead to an enlarged heart. It is treatable but can be fatal if left untreated.
- Hip dysplasia: This condition is seen in many large dogs, including Rottweilers. It occurs when one or both hips are malformed, which causes the dog to have difficulty walking or standing up. Affected dogs are usually managed with drugs and supplements. In severe cases, hip replacement surgery may be necessary.
- Elbow dysplasia: Another inherited condition common in large dogs, elbow dysplasia usually presents as arthritis and lameness of the elbow joint. It is difficult to diagnose and often requires ultrasound or x-rays for a definitive diagnosis. Treatment includes medications, weight management, and physical therapy if your vet recommends.
- Entropion: This is a condition in which the eyelids fold inward, causing the hair on the lid to rub against the surface of the eyeball. This can cause pain and irritation to the eye and often lead to tearing and squinting. Surgery can be performed to correct this condition.
- Cruciate ligament rupture: The knee joint of dogs has two cruciate ligaments, just like humans do. These ligaments keep the joint stable by crossing each other and preventing excessive motion in one direction. However, these ligaments can tear or rupture, resulting in lameness, pain, and inflammation in the joint.
- Ectropion: This is a condition in which the lower eyelid sags and turns out, leaving part or all of the eye exposed. This leaves the eye vulnerable to injury and infections, such as conjunctivitis or “pink eye.” Treatment for this condition varies depending on its severity and can include anything from eye drops to surgery.
What does pet insurance cover for a Rottweiler?
Pet insurance covers a range of diagnostics, treatments, and procedures for your dog. Based on your plan, you are eligible for the following coverage:
- Accidents: No matter which pet insurance company you choose, your plan will probably cover accidents. This includes swallowing a sock, getting hit by a car, or lacerations from an encounter with a barbed-wire fence.
- Illness: This coverage is more important for older dogs than younger ones. It covers things like cancer, infections, and arthritis.
- Routine care: This coverage is optional — it’s meant to cover wellness visits and screenings, such as a fecal exam or blood work. Some companies also let you add coverage for vaccinations or teeth cleanings. You can also get specialty add-ons such as behavioral treatment, alternative therapies, acupuncture or chiropractic care.
In addition, most insurance providers will not cover pre-existing conditions that were established before you registered your pet for coverage. Be sure to review everything your potential pet insurance plan covers and what types of pre-existing conditions they exclude to ensure your pet will be eligible for coverage.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Rottweiler?
There are many factors that will determine the monthly premium rate for your Rottweiler (included but not limited to):
- Location: The cost of pet care varies across the country. Some states have higher average veterinary costs than others. The average cost of insuring your pet will be lower if you live in a place where veterinary care is more affordable. Also, suppose you live in a state where certain diseases are more prevalent or have a high incidence of weather-related emergencies, your pet insurance premium will likely be higher.
- Age: The older your pet is, the higher your insurance premiums. This will apply even if you’re insuring a pure-bred dog that’s less likely to have pre-existing conditions. Older animals are more likely to develop illnesses or injuries. It pays to start insurance early to enjoy lower premiums for many years to come.
- Deductible: The deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket each year when you make a claim before your insurance kicks in. Typically, lower deductibles will lead to higher monthly premiums and vice versa.
- Gender: Male dogs typically cost more than females. Male dogs are more prone to certain medical conditions, including perianal fistulas, which is a common and expensive to treat condition in Rottweilers. Furthermore, males tend to be more territorial and more aggressive than females, so premiums are higher for males.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Rottweiler
There are many pet insurance options available for a Rottweiler, so how do you choose the best one? Here are some key factors to keep in mind as you are deciding on the right plan:
- Check out the company’s reputation: Just because a company offers pet insurance for a Rottweiler doesn’t mean they’re reputable or trustworthy. Before purchasing a policy, check out their feedback on consumer sites like Better Business Bureau (BBB) or talk to your vet. A low BBB rating can indicate that other customers have had bad experiences with the company.
- Consider your budget: Pet insurance can come in handy if you’re faced with an unexpected vet bill or medical emergency, but if you don’t have much wiggle room in your monthly budget for premiums, then pet insurance may not be worth it. Try to get a customized plan that fits your monthly budget.
- Consider pre-existing conditions: If your Rottweiler has any medical issues or has been diagnosed with a chronic disease prior purchasing a pet insurance plan, it may not be eligible for coverage for those pre-existing conditions. In otherwords, specific treatments may be excluded from coverage.
- Define your needs: Do you want a plan covering routine checkups and vaccinations? Or are you looking for something more comprehensive to keep your dog protected? Based on your needs and budget, you’ll need to decide whether you want accident-only coverage, an accident and illness plan, or a combination of accident, illness, and routine care.