If you have a Shih Tzu, chances are they’ve already become a loved member of your family. Keep them healthy and safe by considering quality pet insurance for expensive veterinarian bills. To help you with this process, we’ve looked at the top choices for coverage, discounts, reimbursements, and overall quality.
Pumpkin offers high-quality pet insurance plans for cats and dogs as well as an optional non-insurance preventive care plan for vaccinations, key tests and wellness exams, which will help to keep your pet happy and healthy through their life. You can travel with your pet in Canada or the US and can get access from any licensed vet in these countries. The platform is entirely digitized and serves as a one-stop-shop for all your pet's healthcare needs.
Pumpkin will cover up to $20,000 for dogs and $15,000 for cats annually.
What we like
Extensive coverage on multiple health issues
Optional preventive care plan that reimburses in full for annual wellness exams and vaccines
Pumpkin Advertiser Disclosure: Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, a Crum & Forster Company (NAIC #21113, Morristown, NJ) and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement. Paid Endorsement.
Lemonade has earned a stellar reputation in the pet insurance industry with its affordable monthly premiums and fast reimbursement of claims with its AI technology. This technology has attracted thousands with its customizable policies and provides comprehensive coverage on illness and accidents to dogs and cats.
What we like
Customizable plans so you only pay for coverage that your pet needs
Claims are reimbursed in minutes
Affordable monthly premiums starting at $10/month
Comprehensive wellness plans to keep your pet in good health
Pawp offers pet owners an emergency fund up to but not exceeding $3,000 annually. The platform is different from other traditional pet insurance agencies as it does not require you to provide a medical examination report before enrolling your pet. Whether your pet is healthy or has been diagnosed with a pre-existing condition, you can still enroll it and access the emergency fund when the need arises.
With no deductibles and low monthly premiums as low as $24, the digital platform will protect your furry friend during an incident and save money from large vet expenses. Although the agency does not provide any limitations on age, it is best to insure your pet while still young and be prepared in advance when an emergency occurs.
What we like
Monthly premiums as low as $24
Allows coverage on 6 pets for $24 a month
Allows enrollment of pets with pre-existing conditions
24/7 unlimited access to Pawp’s virtual vet doctors
What we don't
Coverage is restricted to healthcare emergencies only
Does not offer wellness coverage
Emergency funds can be accessed only once per year
Prudent pet has excellent coverage for your pet regardless of their age. The insurer can customize your plan from illnesses, medications, accidents to preventive care that will fit your pet's needs and financial situation. This plan will give you peace of mind that you won't break the bank with unlimited coverage if an emergency occurs since treatments tend to be more expensive for older pets.
What we like
Older cats and dogs are covered
Customize your plan to fit your pet's needs and financial situation
Customers from US can get covered in Canada as well
Unlimited live vet chat if an issue occurs with your pet
A Shih Tzu can have various health issues, including skin allergies and eye problems. Medical treatment for your dog can become very expensive, especially if they encounter a more serious issue that requires invasive treatment. Medical bills for treating a sick Shih Tzu 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 pet’s medical treatments and procedures, while you focus on your dog’s recovery.Â
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 Shih Tzu
Though a Shih Tzu is generally a healthy little dog, a few health conditions tend to affect this breed from time to time. Here are some of the most common health conditions for a Shih Tzu:
Breathing problems: One of the biggest health problems that your Shih Tzu could experience is breathing problems. With such a short muzzle, the breed does not have a lot of room for its nasal passages. This can cause respiratory distress when it is hot or cold outside and can make it more difficult for your dog to breathe. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct this problem.
Eye problems: Another common health condition are eye problems. A Shih Tzu has big eyes that are very expressive, but they can also develop several eye problems that affect the eye itself or just the area around the eye. One common problem is dry eyes because tear ducts do not produce enough tears to keep the eye lubricated. Entropion is another common problem that causes inward rolling of the eyelid. Glaucoma and cataracts are also common in this breed of dog.
Hip dysplasia: A common health problem among larger breed dogs, but it can also affect small breeds like the Shih Tzu. This condition is an abnormality of the hip joint that develops due to poor breeding practices or genetics. The hip joint can become loose, causing your dog severe pain when walking. Hip dysplasia can be diagnosed early if you pay close attention to your dog’s mobility. It is essential to take your Shih Tzu for regular checkups to prevent the disease from progressing further.
Hormonal problems: These are the most common health conditions in a Shih Tzu, often caused by hypothyroidism or diabetes. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough hormones. Dogs with hypothyroidism often have issues with their skin and coat.
What does pet insurance cover for a Shih Tzu?
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: This is the most basic type of pet insurance policy, and it covers any unexpected injuries from an accident, such as being hit by a car or swallowing a foreign object, that require medical care beyond first aid at home. It also covers veterinary visits due to poisoning or allergic reactions.
Illness: These policies cover any unexpected illness or disease that requires medical care, such as cancer or diabetes. It usually won’t cover congenital or hereditary conditions present at birth, nor will it cover any known illnesses ahead of time (such as worms).
Routine care: Some pet insurers offer optional routine care coverage, which can help you pay for yearly vet visits, wellness exams and more. This is usually an add-on with an extra fee.
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 Shih Tzu?
There are many factors that will determine the monthly premium rate for your Shih Tzu (included but not limited to):
Location: You might pay more if you live in an area prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, increasing the risk of injury. Also, if you live in a area with high vet costs, you can expect to more in premiums
Age: With most pet insurance companies, your premium will increase with age. Premiums also vary depending on how young your pet is and how old they are when they get their first policy. As pets get older, they are more likely to require treatment for some conditions.
Deductible: A deductible is the amount you will pay before coverage kicks in. A higher annual deductible usually means lower monthly premiums and vice versa.
Gender: Male dogs are more susceptible to certain types of cancer, leading to higher vet bills, so you premium will be higher.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Shih Tzu
There are many pet insurance options available for a Shih Tzu, 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: If the company is rated highly among current customers, that’s a good sign. You can also check with your state insurance department to see if there are any complaints against the insurance provider.
Consider your budget: Figure out how much money you can afford to spend on pet insurance before looking at different options. Then compare what each company offers and narrow down your choices.
Consider pre-existing conditions: Most pet insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions. It’s best to see what can be covered when you sign up. Look at the fine print.
Define your needs: In addition to pre-existing conditions, consider other factors such as age, location and any hereditary or congenital conditions that a Shih Tzu may be prone to. Your pet’s age will affect the premium because older dogs are more likely to get sick or injured. If you live in an area with a high concentration of ticks, fleas and mosquitoes, you may consider adding additional coverage for your dog.
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