Best Pet Insurance For Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus have ranked as a top 20 favorite dog breed in the U.S. for over a decade. These little “Lion Dogs” are friendly with children, strangers, and other pets. They also don’t require a lot of exercise and make excellent lap buddies. However, they come with some health issues that you should take into consideration.

Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have flat faces and short muzzles due to breeding standards. Unfortunately, these adorable characteristics can lead to some troubling health problems. These include dental disease, brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome, eye disorders, and more. They can also suffer from several genetic orthopedic and spinal issues that are carried along the breed.

Having pet insurance can ease the financial strain of treating costly health issues that may arise with a purebred Shih Tzu. With over ten years of experience in pet insurance, I’m here to help you find the best coverage options. Additionally, I can provide you with insights into the most common health concerns and their associated costs, ensuring you make an informed choice for your beloved pup.

Best Pet Insurance For Shih Tzus

Just like any purebred dog, Shih Tzus come with unique insurance needs. After extensive research, I’ve narrowed down your top pet insurance choices that cater specifically to your pup’s requirements. I took into account various factors, including particular health issues, needs for different ages of Shih Tzus, coverage options, premium costs, and more.

Best For	Company	Get Quotes	Read In-Depth Reviews
Most Affordable			Read Review
Extensive Coverage			Read Review
Unlimited Payouts			Read Review
Shih Tzu Puppies			Read Review
Dental Benefits			Read Review
Customizable Plans			Read Review
Pre-Existing Bilateral Conditions			Read Review

Most Affordable: Pets Best

• Policy Options: Accident-Only, Accident & Illness, Wellness
• Annual Deductible Options: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
• Annual Payout Options: $5,000, Unlimited
• Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%

Why I Picked Pets Best

Pets Best delivers outstanding coverage at some of the most budget-friendly premium rates for Shih Tzus. They have various cost-effective plans, including an accident-only option and three customizable plans covering accidents and illnesses. With Pets Best, you’ll enjoy much shorter waiting periods for patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and IVDD — conditions frequently affecting this breed.

Additionally, you can choose to add their wellness plan for a modest monthly fee. This assists with routine veterinary costs like annual checkups and bloodwork, professional teeth cleaning, vaccinations, and more. Pets Best is hard to beat for its comprehensive coverage at amazing rates.

Pros	Cons
Among the most affordable policies for Shih Tzus for all levels of coverage	Long claim processing time of 18-30 days
One of few insurers to offer an accident-only plan	Added expenses for vet examination fee and complementary therapy coverage
Covers treatable pre-existing conditions once they’re healed
5% multi-pet discount
Economical optional wellness plans
Short 3-day waiting period for accidents
Much shorter waiting periods for hip dysplasia, patella luxation, and IVDD (14 days compared to 6 months)
No maximum age restrictions

Most Extensive Coverage: Fetch

• Policy Options: Accident & Illness, Wellness
• Annual Deductible Options: $250, $300, $400, $500, $600, $700
• Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000
• Reimbursement Options: 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%

Why I Picked Fetch

Fetch offers excellent pet insurance plans for owners seeking thorough and inclusive coverage with few exceptions. Their extensive benefits include coverage for vet exam fees, gum disease treatment, curable pre-existing conditions, complementary and behavioral therapies, and C-sections across all policies. With Fetch, you can have peace of mind with pre-approval for procedures and cost estimates before treatment begins. They also offer exclusive benefits such as $1,000 annual coverage for virtual vet visits with no deductible.

Pros	Cons
Broad coverage with minimal exclusions	Extended 15-day accident waiting period compared to average
Includes pre-existing conditions that can be treated after a year of no symptoms	Waiting periods of 6 months for IVDD, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia
Exclusive benefits include virtual vet appointments, trip cancellation, pet boarding, and more	Excludes coverage for IVDD in some cases*
Wellness add-on plans	No discounts for multiple pets
Ability to have procedures and cost estimates approved before treatment
Puppies as young as 6 weeks old may enroll
No maximum age restrictions

Best For Unlimited Payouts: Healthy Paws

• Policy Options: Accident & Illness
• Annual Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
• Annual Payout Options: Unlimited
• Reimbursement Options: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%

Why I Picked Healthy Paws

Given the susceptibility of Shih Tzus to various costly health conditions, it’s wise for owners to consider a policy without a payout cap. All Healthy Paws policies come with unlimited annual payouts. This way, you never have to face running out of coverage if your pup runs into a lot of expensive vet care needs. This comprehensive protection offers peace of mind, knowing your pet’s health and your financial security are taken care of.

While premiums for policies with unlimited payouts are higher, Healthy Paws offers competitive pricing that is often more affordable than other insurers’ policies with no annual caps and similar deductibles and reimbursement rates. This, coupled with Healthy Paws’ long-standing reputation for reliability and excellent customer service, makes it a compelling choice for Shih Tzu owners.

Pros	Cons
No caps on annual or lifetime payouts	Very few customization options available for your deductible and reimbursement for older dogs
Very competitive pricing compared to other insurers’ policies with similar deductibles, reimbursements, and unlimited payouts	No ability to get coverage for vet exam fees or behavioral therapy
Fast 2-day average for processing claims	For dogs enrolled at age six or older, coverage for hip dysplasia is not available
Outstanding track record of satisfying customers	Waiting period for hip dysplasia is a lengthy 12 months

Best For Shih Tzu Puppies: Figo

• Policy Options: Accident & Illness, Wellness
• Annual Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750
• Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
• Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%

Why I Picked Figo

Figo is a top-notch insurance provider for Shih Tzu puppies, offering some of the best rates and the shortest waiting period for accidents—just one day. You can relax, knowing your furry friend is protected if they accidentally ingest something they shouldn’t or get injured. Plus, there’s a fantastic benefit for healthy pups: Figo lowers your deductible by $50 each year you go without filing a claim. Moreover, Figo sets itself apart by offering 100% reimbursement and unlimited annual payouts.

Pros	Cons
Among the most affordable pricing for Shih Tzu puppies	Added expense for vet examination fee coverage
Industry’s shortest accident waiting period at only 1 day	Waiting periods for hip dysplasia, IVDD, and patellar luxation are 6 months
All policies cover gum disease, complementary care, and behavioral therapy
Includes pre-existing conditions that can be treated after a year of no symptoms
Optional wellness plans
Each year you’re claim-free, Figo lowers your deductible by $50
Speedy 3-day claim processing on average
5% multi-pet discount
No maximum age restrictions

Best For Dental Benefits: Embrace

• Policy Options: Accident-Only, Accident & Illness, Wellness
• Annual Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
• Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, Unlimited
• Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%

Why I Picked Embrace

Shih Tzus are among the top breeds that suffer from a host of dental problems due to the shape of their skulls and itty bitty mouths. Overcrowded jaws lead to a higher risk of misaligned teeth, unerupted adult teeth, and dental disease. Embrace’s dental benefits are among the best in the industry, covering non-routine dental treatment, endodontic disease, tooth infections and extractions, dental injuries, and more. Unlike many providers, Embrace’s policies include $1,000 annual dental illness coverage.

This insurer also offers multiple wellness plans. These include annual professional dental cleaning, which is crucial for Shih Tzus to help prevent dental disease. On top of excellent dental benefits, every policy includes coverage for alternative treatments and behavioral therapy. You can also add vet exam fees and prescription medications to your policy, giving you the most comprehensive coverage.

Pros	Cons
Among the best dental benefits available	Added expenses for vet examination and prescription drug coverage
Industry-leading 10% discount for multiple pets	Some Shih Tzus are uninsurable, depending on age and location
Each year you’re claim-free, Embrace lowers your deductible by $50	Waiting periods for hip dysplasia, IVDD, and patellar luxation are 6 months
Complementary care, behavioral therapy, and $1,000 for dental problems included in policies	Dogs enrolled after 15 years old are only eligible for accident-only coverage
Includes pre-existing conditions that can be treated after a year of no symptoms
Short 2-day waiting period for accidents
3 optional wellness plans to choose from

Most Customizable Plans: Lemonade

• Policy Options: Accident & Illness, Wellness
• Annual Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500
• Annual Payout Options: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
• Reimbursement Options: 70%, 80%, 90%

Lemonade Pet Insurance Is NOT Available In: AK, AZ, DE, HI, ID, KS, KY, LA, ME, MN, MT, WV, WY

Why I Picked Lemonade

Lemonade’s à-la-carte approach to pet insurance policies gives pet parents a lot of flexibility to tailor coverage for any budget. Its base plan is consistently among the most affordable ones in the industry. However, if you want more extensive benefits, Lemonade gives you the option of upgrading with several separate add-ons. These include vet exam fees, dental care, complementary care, behavioral therapy, and end-of-life benefits. Each add-on is reasonably priced, and you can also choose from two affordable optional wellness plans.

Lemonade also has a good range of choices for your deductible, reimbursement, and annual payout to further customize your benefits. It’s important to point out that Lemonade launched its pet insurance product in 2020. Still, this insurer has gained a great reputation despite not being as well-established as the other providers I recommend in this article.

Pros	Cons
Often, the most affordable premium pricing	Only available in 37 states and Washington, D.C.
Many customization options for benefits and add-ons	Coverage for vet exam costs, dental care, complementary therapy, and behavioral therapy are all extra fees (but affordably priced)
5% multi-pet discount
Fast 2-day average for processing claims
Includes pre-existing conditions that can be treated after a year of no symptoms
2 wellness plan add-ons to choose from
30-day waiting period for hip dysplasia, IVDD, and patellar luxation

Best For Pre-Existing Bilateral Conditions: Trupanion

• Policy Options: Accident & Illness
• Per-Incident Deductible Options: $0 – $1,000 (in $5 increments)
• Annual Payout Options: Unlimited
• Reimbursement Options: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%

Why I Picked Trupanion

Trupanion stands out from many other pet insurance providers by not imposing limits on coverage for bilateral pre-existing conditions. If a condition is identified on one side of your dog’s body before you sign up, it will still be covered on the other side. In contrast, most insurers typically exclude coverage for any future occurrences of a bilateral condition that appeared before enrollment.

This coverage can be important for Shih Tzus, as they are more susceptible to bilateral issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and a range of eye disorders. If your pup has shown signs of a bilateral problem on one side, having Trupanion’s coverage can provide you with valuable financial assistance, particularly because treating these issues can be costly. Trupanion helps you save a lot on the expenses related to bilateral conditions.

Pros	Cons
No caps on annual or lifetime payouts	Consistenly the highest pricing for Shih Tzus
Trupanion may be able to pay your vet directly, so you don’t have to wait for reimbursement	No ability to get coverage for vet exam fees
Doesn’t deny coverage for pre-existing bilateral conditions	One of the longest waiting periods for illnesses at 30 days
Includes pre-existing conditions that can be treated after a year of no symptoms
Fast 2-day average for processing claims
Shorter than average 30-day waiting period for hip dysplasia

What Type Of Pet Insurance Plan Is Best For Shih Tzus?

You have two main choices regarding pet insurance: an accident-only plan or one that covers accidents and illnesses. Furthermore, some insurers provide optional wellness plans. With these plans, you can save money on preventive care for your Shih Tzu; however, it’s important to know that they’re not pet insurance.

	Accident-Only	Accident & Illness	Wellness
Injuries (heatstroke, wounds, broken bones, eye trauma, etc.)
Diseases (allergies, ear infections, patella luxation, IVDD, gum disease, hip dysplasia, etc.)
Preventative (yearly checkups, immunizations, professional dental cleaning, etc.)

What Are Accident-Only Pet Insurance Plans?

Accident-only pet insurance plans are a cost-effective solution, covering emergency care for injuries such as heatstroke, ingestion of foreign objects, sprains, cuts, and fractures. They are particularly beneficial for pets with numerous pre-existing conditions that wouldn’t be covered by an accident and illness plan. These plans are designed with pet owners on a tight budget in mind. However, it’s important to note that they do not cover illnesses and hereditary conditions. They’re also not available from many providers.

Pricing Tip – The premiums for accident-only plans are usually significantly less than those for accident and illness plans.

What Are Accident & Illness Pet Insurance Plans?

Accident and illness insurance provides excellent protection for your Shih Tzu. These plans cover not only accidental injuries but also a wide range of health issues, including allergies, skin and ear infections, eye problems, patella luxation, hip dysplasia, IVDD, and other conditions common in Shih Tzus. With this coverage, you’ll be financially prepared for almost any health challenge that may arise.

What Are Wellness Plans?

Integrating a wellness plan into your pet insurance policy is one proactive way to take charge of your pet’s health. These plans cover costs associated with routine preventive care, including annual physicals, vaccinations, professional dental cleanings, parasite prevention, and other services. (Annual dental cleanings are essential for Shih Tzus, who are highly susceptible to gum disease.) A wellness plan is an investment in your pet’s long-term health when used to budget for care. It can lessen pet ownership’s financial burden and help ensure your Shih Tzus’ well-being.

Wellness plans do not qualify as pet insurance and do not pay for medical expenses resulting from diseases or accidents.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover & Exclude?

Most insurance companies’ accident and illness insurance plans cover the following conditions when treatment is medically necessary. However, coverage can vary widely depending on the provider. Also, different insurers may impose specific limitations for certain conditions, so reading your policy carefully is essential.

Covered	Excluded
Blood tests	Boarding
Cancer (chemo & radiation)	Cremation & burial costs
CT scans	Elective procedures (e.g., declawing, ear cropping, spaying/neutering, tail docking, etc.)
Chronic conditions	Food & supplements
Congenital conditions	Grooming
Emergency care	Pre-existing conditions*
Euthanasia	Pregnancy & breeding
Hereditary conditions	Vaccines
MRIs
Non-routine dental treatment
Prescription medications
Rehabilitation
Specialized exams & care
Surgery & hospitalization
Ultrasounds
X-rays

What Determines The Cost Of Pet Insurance For Shih Tzus?

Understanding the factors that influence pet insurance prices is essential, such as your dog’s age, where you live, and the underwriting guidelines each insurance company sets. Here’s a general guide to help you navigate this topic.

• The cost of pet insurance varies according to your pet’s age. Younger dogs typically have lower premiums than older ones because they are less likely to experience health problems.
• The cost of living in your region directly affects premium pricing. It’s important to understand that price changes influence you and veterinarians equally. So, if living expenses are high where you are, you can expect to pay more for your veterinary bills and pet insurance costs.
• Breed plays a considerable role in determining the price of pet insurance. Certain breeds are more likely to experience health issues than others. Additionally, the increased health risks associated with purebred dogs like Shih Tzus can significantly impact insurance costs.
• The insurance rates for male dogs can be higher than those for female ones. This is because male dogs tend to be larger than female dogs, which can lead to the need for increased medication dosages, more extensive medical equipment, and extra medical supplies. The gender of a dog is not considered by all insurance companies.

The above-mentioned factors that affect the cost of your policy are beyond your control, but you can still find a pet insurance policy that meets your requirements and budget with numerous customization options. Below, I will explain how this works.

Customization Options Affect Cost & Benefits

You may be surprised to learn how much financial control you truly have to design a pet insurance plan to your liking. Numerous pet insurance companies provide a range of adaptable plans to meet your budgetary requirements. To begin with, you can choose between an accident-only plan or a more comprehensive accident and illness policy. Additionally, you can adjust the maximum payout, reimbursement rate, and deductible to better fit your spending plan. It’s critical to comprehend how these modifications impact your coverage.

What Is A Maximum Payout?

Pet insurance providers have two types of maximum payouts: annual and lifetime. Annual maximum payouts represent the total amount the insurance company will reimburse you for your pet’s care within a single policy year. In contrast, a lifetime cap refers to the total sum the insurer will cover throughout your pet’s life (while insured). The providers I discuss in this article all feature annual payouts, with typical options of $5,000, $10,000, and unlimited.

Pricing Tip – Your monthly premium will be less expensive if you select a lower payout, but in the event that your Shih Tzu requires costly veterinary care, you will pay more out of pocket.

What Is A Deductible?

The deductible is the amount you need to cover yourself before your insurance provider steps in to pay the rest of your veterinary expenses. Many pet insurance plans, including most I suggest in this article, feature an annual deductible that usually falls between $100 and $1,000. That said, Trupanion operates with a per-incident deductible instead. How do these two types of deductibles differ?

• Annual deductible: This is a one-time payment you make each year, no matter how many health issues your pet encounters or treatments they need. This predictability makes it simpler to budget for your pet’s healthcare costs.
• Per-incident deductible: You must cover a per-incident deductible each time your pet faces a new medical emergency or illness. This can accumulate quickly if your dog encounters several health issues within a year. On the bright side, for ongoing chronic conditions such as allergies, arthritis, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, glaucoma, and kidney disease, this type of deductible can be advantageous, as you only pay it once for that particular condition during your pet’s insured lifetime.

Pricing Tip– Selecting a lower deductible means you won’t have to pay as much out of pocket when your dog receives treatment; however, a lower deductible raises your monthly premium.

What’s The Reimbursement Percentage?

Selecting a reimbursement rate means determining the portion of veterinary costs that your provider will pay after you’ve met your deductible. For instance, if you select a 70% reimbursement rate with a $500 deductible, you would cover the first $500 and 30% of the veterinary bills, while the insurance company would handle the remaining amount. Common reimbursement rates offered are 70%, 80%, and 90%.

Pricing Tip – While a reduced reimbursement percentage decreases your monthly premium, it leads to higher out-of-pocket medical costs for your dog.

How Much Is Pet Insurance For A Shih Tzu?

To receive personalized pet insurance quotes from top providers, please complete the form below with information about your Shih Tzu and your zip code. This will give you the most precise estimate of the price of dog insurance for you. However, I’ve also compiled some quotes for Shih Tzus to give you a general pricing idea.

According to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association), the average monthly premium for an accident and illness dog insurance policy in the U.S. is $56.30 ($31.94 for cats).

I gathered pet insurance quotes for Shih Tzus from the companies I recommend, varying in age and location, to give you a general idea of premium pricing. To provide the most accurate comparison, I compared prices across insurers using comparable deductibles, reimbursements, and payout rates.

Company	6mo old male 95818 (Sacramento, CA)	1yr old female 14211 (Buffalo, NY)	2yr old male 33604 (Tampa, FL)	5yr old female 78731 (Austin, TX)	8yr old male 07305 (Jersey City, NJ)
	$24.41	$16.06	$16.94	$29.15	$81.41
	$33.79	$23.72	$28.17	$48.59	$72.28**
	$25.99*§	$17.64*§	$36.44§	$36.12*§	$40.80†§
	$34.25	$31.73	$25.35	$41.62	$102.81
	$32.42	$38.38	$22.50	$41.06	$62.57
	$19.60	$18.72	$12.85	$25.69	$46.94
	$58.73§	$60.22§	$139.03‡§	$97.03§	$172.16§

Shih Tzu Insurance Cost: Lowest & Highest Amounts

To give you a more thorough comparison, I gathered quotes for the monthly premium range of Shih Tzu pet insurance from the same providers. These quotes factor in the deductible, annual payout, reimbursement options, and any add-ons (excluding wellness plans). I’ve also included the premium ranges for Shih Tzus of two different ages to show how a dog’s age at enrollment affects insurance costs.

Company	2mo old 95818 (Sacramento, CA)	5yr old 95818 (Sacramento, CA)	2mo old 14211 (Buffalo, NY)	5yr old 14211 (Buffalo, NY)	2mo old 33604 (Tampa, FL)	5yr old 33604 (Tampa, FL)	2mo old 78731 (Austin, TX)	5yr old 78731 (Austin, TX)	2mo old 07305 (Jersey City, NJ)	5yr old 07305 (Jersey City, NJ)
	$11-$68	$15-$91	$7-$46	$10-$62	$9-$56	$11-$69	$11-$60	$13-$74	$14-$83	$18-$103
	$23-$56	$34-$85	$22-$35	$28-$60	$19-$41	$31-$70	$22-$44	$34-$74	$22-$37	$33-$62
	$17-$44	$25-$50	$15-$31	Uninsurable	$23-$52	$36-$89	$21-$53	$31-$48	$18-$34	$24-$38
	$15-$89	$20-$116	$13-$99	$17-$129	$10-$79	$15-$114	$11-$86	$16-$125	$19-$123	$25-$160
	$16-$126	Uninsurable	$19-$117	$19-$120	$12-$58	$16-$75	$18-$83	$23-$109	$19-$88	$25-$115
	$11-$85	$14-$108	$13-$77	$15-$86	$11-$56	$11-$75	$20-$92	$21-$90	$15-$85	$17-$96
	$36-$143	$71-$303	$33-$129	$55-$229	$57-$106	$123-$228	$32-$123	$59-$249	$36-$142	$69-$297

What Are Waiting Periods For Shih Tzu Pet Insurance?

The waiting period is the time between enrolling in an insurance plan and when your coverage begins, and it can vary depending on the provider. For accidents, waiting periods range from 0 to 15 days, while illnesses typically have a waiting period of about 14 days. However, waiting periods for orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia and patella luxation, commonly seen in Shih Tzus, tend to be longer.

How Does Pet Insurance For Shih Tzus Work?

Using pet insurance is very simple once the waiting periods under your policy have ended.

1. Pay your veterinarian’s bill at the time of service.
2. Send an itemized receipt and a claim form to your insurance provider. Some insurers require your veterinarian’s signature on your claim form, so you should bring a copy to your appointment.
3. Upon approval of your claim by the insurance provider, you will be reimbursed* using the payment method of your choice (direct deposit, check, etc.).

* The time it takes to process reimbursements can vary widely, from just a few minutes to several weeks, depending on how complicated the claim is and the processing time outlined by the company.

15 Common Health Issues In Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus can live anywhere from 10-18 years, with an average lifespan of 13 years. Unlike many of their fellow brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, they tend to be healthier overall. However, this doesn’t mean that Shih Tzus are without medical problems. It’s important for Shih Tzu owners to understand the potential health issues and associated costs that come with this breed. Knowing this vital information can help you decide whether pet insurance is right for your adorable little Lion Dog.

1. According to research, Shih Tzus are among the most common breeds that suffer from the genetic form of patella luxation, or a slipped kneecap. Unfortunately, in over half of the cases, it impacts the knees of both hind legs. Surgery is often required to prevent ongoing knee problems, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 for each knee.
2. Elbow and hip dysplasia can be quite painful and significantly limit mobility because the joints are overly loose. The cost of surgery typically falls between $1,700 and $4,500 or even more for each hip or elbow, and it is often crucial for improving overall health.
3. When Shih Tzu’s intervertebral discs move into the spinal canal, it leads to a condition known as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). To diagnose and treat IVDD, veterinarians often recommend X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, medications, surgical procedures, routine checkups, alternative therapies, and, in some cases, hospitalization. Diagnostic and treatment expenses can range from $3,000 to $8,000.
4. Arthritis, a chronic joint condition that this breed is prone to, can cause older Shih Tzus a lot of mobility problems in their golden years. When it progresses, arthritis can lead to monthly treatment costs ranging from $100 to $500 or even higher for monthly medication and physical therapy. In more serious cases, surgery could be needed, and that can come with a hefty price tag.
5. Breeds with flat faces, such as Shih Tzus, are at a higher risk for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). The unique shape of their skulls leads to issues in their upper airways, resulting in various health problems. BOAS is a chronic condition that worsens over time. While ongoing medication can alleviate some symptoms, severe cases might require surgery, which can exceed $1,000.
6. Dogs suffering from BOAS are at a higher risk of heatstroke because they have trouble breathing and cooling down. Treatment costs usually range from $500 to $1,000, but in severe cases, long hospital stays and intensive care can go beyond $15,000.
7. Shih Tzus are susceptible to many eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, cherry eye, dry eye, entropion, pigmentary keratitis, epiphora, corneal ulcers, proptosis, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). While there is no cure for PRA, other eye conditions can be treated, with costs varying significantly depending on the issue. For example, cataract surgery can be quite expensive, typically ranging from $2,600 to $3,800. Treatments for entropion, eye ulcers, cherry eye, and proptosis can each exceed $1,000.
8. Dental disease is very common in Shih Tzus due to their small jaws and overcrowded teeth. They also have problems with misaligned teeth and delayed eruption of adult teeth. Gum disease prevention is your best course of action. It’s crucial to establish an at-home dental cleaning routine along with annual professional dental cleanings, ranging from $300-$700 (which a wellness plan can help cover).
9. Your little Lion Dog is susceptible to allergies and subsequent recurring skin conditions, like bacterial infections and canine atopic dermatitis. Treating allergies and skin infections can be expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars annually.
10. Shih Tzus frequently get ear infections. Each instance of diagnostic testing, medication, and first and subsequent veterinary visits may cost $500 or more.
11. A portosystemic (liver) shunt is a congenital condition that can impact Shih Tzus. This disorder involves an abnormal blood vessel that hinders the liver’s ability to filter out toxins. Immediate surgical intervention is often required to address this issue, with uncomplicated issues costing from $2,000 to $3,000. However, complicated cases can exceed $10,000.
12. Glomerulonephritis is a hereditary disease that can cause kidney failure in Shih Tzus. Treatment, including medications, a special diet, and fluid therapy, can prolong life for several years. Treatment costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.
13. Renal dysplasia is a type of congenital kidney disease that affects Shih Tzus and has no cure. In mild to moderate cases, treatment involves lifelong renal support supplements, a special diet, and regular monitoring of kidney health, which can range from $100-500 a month or more. Severe cases have a poor prognosis.
14. In Shih Tzus, their anal glands, or sacs, can become impacted. In cases where the impaction becomes infected, it typically requires in-hospital drug infusion costing up to $1,000 per incident. For some Shih Tzus, these problems become so frequent that it requires an anal sacculectomy (surgical removal of the anal glands). This specialized procedure can range from $750 to $2,500.
15. Elevated mineral concentrations in urine can lead to the development of bladder stones. Depending on their size and number, these stones can be removed through non-surgical or surgical methods. Potential costs can reach up to $3,000.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Shih Tzus?

These statistics highlight the health risks that Shih Tzus face. In the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) breed summary report of Shih Tzus, 21.5% tested positive for hip dysplasia and over 14% for dental problems. Another measure of this breed’s health is Embark’s at-home DNA testing for inherited disease risks. Based on Embark’s current database, over 19% of Shih Tzus have tested at risk for IVDD.

Finally, a recent study from the Royal Veterinary College found that the most prevalent issues for Shih Tzus living in the U.K. are dental disease (9.5%), anal sac impaction (7.4%), ear disorders (5.5%), otitis externa (4.7%; inflamed ear canal), vomiting (4.4%) and umbilical hernias (3.9%; when internal tissues push out through weakened muscle tissues).

Given this breed’s likelihood of expensive health problems, getting Shih Tzus pet insurance is crucial. You can help your furry friend enjoy a long and healthy life by securing pet insurance. It’s wise to enroll your dog before any medical emergencies or hereditary issues come up. Acting quickly to insure your dog is vital, as coverage for many pre-existing conditions is unavailable.

5 Steps To Find The Best Pet Insurance For Shih Tzus

When selecting the ideal insurance plan for your Shih Tzu, it’s essential to consider the following factors.

1. Carefully research each insurance company’s reputation. Established pet insurance companies usually offer more reliability than newer ones.
2. Weigh all the potential health concerns that a Shih Tzu might face. Then, thoroughly review the policy details to understand how each condition is addressed.
3. Determine whether you want accident and illness or accident-only coverage.
4. Consider the average claim processing time and how claim reimbursement works for each provider.
5. To compare costs, get quotes for pet insurance from at least three providers.

Methodology

To determine the best pet insurance for Shih Tzus, we analyzed more than 40 U.S. pet insurance companies to provide an unbiased breakdown of how providers compare against one another. Our in-depth research includes:

• Running thousands of price quotes
• Reading hundreds of customer reviews
• Scrutinizing every policy from top to bottom and reading all the fine print
• Scoping out the purchase process
• Speaking with customer service representatives
• Having firsthand experience submitting claims with companies
• Comparing plan customization details
• Examining how long it takes to receive reimbursement
• Factoring in company history and years in the pet insurance marketplace
• Meeting with company representatives to discuss changes related to the industry, their company, and their offerings
• Requiring national experience for companies

Unlike many other review sites, we refuse to let pet insurance companies pay for the top spot in our rankings. Companies must earn their position in our comparisons by performing well in the marketplace. We also point out each company’s pros and cons in light of their competitor’s strengths. In doing so for over a decade, we’ve helped pet parents make more educated decisions among the top pet insurance options. Pet insurance providers read our reviews, regularly check them for accuracy, and value our input to help create positive industry changes and better protect your pets. We only recommend the best of the best because it’s what our readers deserve.

Additional Pet Insurance Resources

• Best Pet Insurance
• Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
• What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
• How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
• Best Pet Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Canine Journal has been covering the topic of pet insurance since 2012, well before other conglomerates discovered the rising popularity of health care for our pets. Many of our authors have personal experience with pet insurance, including Kimberly Alt, who has been Canine Journal’s go-to writer for pet insurance for over a decade, having written about nearly every possible facet related to pet insurance. Kimberly knows the subject so well that she can answer a breadth and depth of pet insurance questions immediately. And on the rare occasion she doesn’t know the answer off the top of her head, she can find it within minutes due to her vast list of resources. Kimberly also has extensive knowledge of dog health conditions, which can help her recommend pet insurance providers to pet owners with specific breeds.

Kimberly collaborated with Sally Jones, a seasoned health sciences communications professional with decades of experience. Sally specializes in dog health and is adept at producing content on technical topics such as pet insurance. Her wealth of knowledge and insight played a crucial role in this article’s thorough research and composition.

Kimberly also consulted with Michelle Schenker, Canine Journal’s in-house licensed insurance agent, for additional expertise to ensure accuracy and give Canine Journal the authority to write about and assist readers in purchasing policies that are accurately represented.