Is pet insurance worth it for a Tibetan Mastiff?
Many dog owners, especially those with purebred dogs, already know that they can spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year on their pets’ medical care. This is why some people are tempted to buy pet insurance. But is pet insurance worth it? Pet insurance policies pay for your dog’s medical treatment, including emergency surgery and prescription medication. Some plans also cover routine care, like vaccinations and heartworm tests.
Pet insurance can help you save money on necessary veterinary care. When your dog has a health problem and needs treatment, you won’t have to worry about how much it will cost because the insurance company will cover most of it.
Pet insurance provides peace of mind by covering unexpected veterinary bills resulting from accidents or illnesses like cancer or kidney disease. It’s also a great way to save money because an insurance policy is cheaper than paying out of pocket for expensive treatments like chemotherapy or surgery.
Common health conditions for a Tibetan Mastiff
Despite his size and appearance, the Tibetan Mastiff is relatively healthy with few known genetic health problems. However, all dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. Below you will find a brief description of the diseases and health problems affecting the Tibetan Mastiff:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This is a common but preventable condition in dogs. It is a malformation of the hip joint that causes it to loosen and rub against itself, causing damage to the joint over time. Tibetan mastiffs are especially susceptible to these conditions, which will worsen over time if not treated. If you notice your Tibetan mastiff has trouble walking or running, limping, or favoring one side of her body over another, she may have hip or elbow dysplasia.
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis: This disease causes inflammation of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ in the neck that secretes hormones responsible for regulating metabolism and growth in dogs. The condition can also cause hypothyroidism, where the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.
- Canine Inherited Demyelinating Neuropathy: This disease affects the nervous system of dogs, causing them to have difficulty walking when they are young. It is caused by a gene that affects the central nervous system of puppies. The symptoms first appear when puppies start to walk, but they may not be noticeable until they are older. In some cases, puppies may never show symptoms of this condition even though they may carry the genetic mutation.
- Seizures: These are episodes where abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes involuntary muscle movement or behavior changes. The cause of attacks is idiopathic or caused by trauma or infection. Seizures are known to have a genetic component as well.
- Bloat: This condition occurs when a Tibetan Mastiff’s stomach fills with air and expands like a balloon. It’s excruciating and can be fatal if not treated in time.
- Zinc-responsive dermatosis: Some Tibetan Mastiffs cannot absorb zinc properly through their digestive tract, so they suffer from skin problems and hair loss because of this condition. Zinc is required for skin health and hair growth, so it’s no wonder some dogs suffer from this condition when they don’t get enough zinc in their diets.
What does pet insurance cover for a Tibetan Mastiff?
There are a few different types of pet insurance out there, and policies vary from company to company, but here are some of the things to look for when choosing a policy:
- Accidents: This is the essential coverage and covers unexpected accidents such as dog bites, broken legs, and wounds from car accidents.
- Illness: this covers illnesses your dog might get. Cancer and skin conditions are two of the most significant claims filed by pet owners. Some policies also cover non-routine dental care, like cleaning and tooth removal.
- Routine care: Some companies will cover annual check-ups, vaccines, and flea and tick treatments as part of their routine care options — but these policies tend to be more expensive than others.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Tibetan Mastiff?
Several factors determine pet insurance premiums. These include:
- Location: Where you live can make a difference in your rate. Areas with higher incidences of illness and places with higher veterinarian costs typically pay more for pet insurance.
- Age: As your pet ages, they are more likely to develop medical conditions that increase the risk of a more significant claim. That results in higher premiums as they age.
- Deductible: The lower the deductible, the higher the monthly premium. Choose a plan that has a lower monthly premium to save money upfront.
- Gender: Female pets are typically cheaper to insure than male pets because males are more likely to develop certain conditions, such as bladder stones.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Tibetan Mastiff
If you’re considering pet insurance for your Tibetan Mastiff puppy, you’ll soon discover that there are many options out there. No two pet insurance plans are alike, and the level of coverage can vary significantly by company. To help you sort through them, here are four tips to consider when shopping for pet insurance:
- Check out the company’s reputation: Ensure the insurer has a good reputation and positive reviews from customers. Look out for companies with complaints about delayed claims processing or denied claims. Also, consider asking for referrals from your veterinarian and other pet parents, or read online reviews to get an idea of how others feel about the company you’re considering.
- Consider your budget: The cost of pet insurance will depend on the deductible and reimbursement percentage you choose. You’ll want to consider what you can afford to spend each month and how much you’d like to be reimbursed for each vet bill. Some companies may offer discounts if you have multiple pets and pay annually.
- Consider pre-existing conditions: Some providers won’t cover pre-existing conditions, while others will offer coverage but won’t reimburse expensive medications or treatments that may be required to manage specific ailments. Find a plan that covers these expenses, especially if your pet is older and more likely to develop health issues as he ages.
- Define your needs: Before you shop for a pet insurance plan, define what you’re looking for. What’s your budget? Do you want to be able to see any veterinarian you choose? Do you want coverage that lets you visit specialists? Are there any particular breeds or conditions your dog might have that should be covered in the future?