Shih Tzu Insurance Guide

Everything you need to know about insuring your Shih Tzu—costs, coverage, and breed-specific health risks to consider.

Estimated Monthly Cost

$40 - $70

$480 - $840 per year

Health Risk: MediumSize: Toy

Why Shih Tzus Need Insurance

Shih Tzus are moderate risk. Their eye and dental issues are common but treatment costs are manageable due to small size.

•Eye problems including proptosis (eye popping out), dry eye, and cataracts are very common

•Brachycephalic airway issues, though milder than Bulldogs or Pugs

•Dental disease is prevalent due to small, crowded mouths

Shih Tzu Health Conditions to Cover

Shih Tzus are prone to certain health conditions. Make sure any policy you choose covers these conditions without breed-specific exclusions:

Dental DiseaseAllergiesObesity

Important: Grooming neglect leads to matting, which can cause skin infections. Factor grooming into your budget or learn to do it yourself.

Recommended Coverage for Shih Tzus

Ensure coverage for eye conditions—Shih Tzus frequently need eye medications or surgeries. Dental coverage is also valuable.

✓Look For

• Hereditary condition coverage
• No breed-specific exclusions
• Unlimited or high annual limits
• Low deductibles for chronic conditions

✗Avoid

• Policies with breed restrictions
• Long waiting periods for orthopedics
• Per-condition limits (caps quickly)
• Policies that exclude "breed-typical" issues

When to Insure Your Shih Tzu

🏆

Ideal: 8-16 Weeks OldMaximum coverage before any pre-existing conditions develop. Lowest premiums.

👍

Good: Under 1 YearMost hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia haven't shown symptoms yet.

⚠️

Possible: 1-7 YearsStill valuable, but vet records may reveal pre-existing conditions that won't be covered.

😓

Difficult: 7+ YearsHigher premiums, more exclusions. Accident-only policies may be the only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pet insurance worth it for a Shih Tzu?

Yes. Shih Tzus are considered Medium risk. Shih Tzus are moderate risk. Their eye and dental issues are common but treatment costs are manageable due to small size. Ensure coverage for eye conditions—Shih Tzus frequently need eye medications or surgeries. Dental coverage is also valuable.

What health issues should Shih Tzu insurance cover?

Shih Tzus are prone to Dental Disease, Allergies, Obesity. Eye problems including proptosis (eye popping out), dry eye, and cataracts are very common

How much is pet insurance for a Shih Tzu?

For a healthy Shih Tzu, expected monthly premiums range from $40 to $70. Costs vary based on age, location, and deductible choices.

What if my Shih Tzu already has a health condition?

Pre-existing conditions are typically not covered by pet insurance. That's why insuring early (ideally as a puppy or kitten) is crucial for Shih Tzus. Conditions diagnosed before coverage begins will be excluded. Some insurers offer coverage for "curable" pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free waiting period.

✓

Breed-Specific Analysis

This guide contains insurance insights specific to Shih Tzus, based on breed health data and veterinary research.

Full ProfileShih Tzu Breed Guide →Ownership CostFull Cost Breakdown →