Is pet insurance worth it for a Shih Tzu?
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.
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.