Shih Tzus are affectionate, outgoing, and playful companions who bring endless joy to families, but as a small breed, they’re prone to certain health conditions that can lead to expensive vet bills. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), luxating patella, and eye problems are just a few common concerns that could cost thousands to treat.
Pet insurance helps you focus on what matters most: your Shih Tzu’s health and happiness. Here’s everything you need to know about coverage options, costs, and why insurance makes sense for this beloved breed.
What does Shih Tzu pet insurance cover?
A base Lemonade pet health insurance policy helps cover the costs of medication, tests, and treatments if your Shih Tzu has an unexpected accident or illness (provided it’s not related to a pre-existing condition, and occurs after your policy’s waiting periods have ended).
Whether it’s an unexpected accident during play time or a breed-specific illness like Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), Shih Tzus benefit from comprehensive coverage that protects against life’s surprises.
Wellness care
Want to get money back for your Shih Tzu’s routine care? Our preventive packages reimburse you for the stuff you’re already doing, like annual checkups, vaccines, blood work, and other routine care that keep your pup healthy and happy.
Keep in mind, preventative care offerings might differ based on where you live. The easiest way to see what’s available? Get a free quote.
Extra coverage
You can also customize your Lemonade policy with optional add-ons like:
- Physical therapy: especially important for a breed prone to kneecap dislocation
- Visit fees
- Dental coverage: important for breeds prone to dental overcrowding and periodontal disease
- Behavioral conditions
- End-of-life and remembrance
These coverages help take a bite out of pricey treatments, services, and vet visits that Shih Tzus often need.
Is pet insurance worth it for Shih Tzus?
Taking care of any small breed gets expensive, and Shih Tzus can face costly breed-specific health issues throughout their 10 to 18-year lifespan. The good news? Lemonade pet parents are already saving serious money on vet bills.
Shih Tzus are particularly prone to breathing problems, knee issues, and eye conditions, which makes insurance even more valuable.
Common Shih Tzu health conditions
Shih Tzus are amazing dogs, but they’re predisposed to certain health conditions that can get expensive to treat. Here are some of the most common claims we see for them, along with typical treatment costs:
| Condition | What is it? | Average treatment cost |
| Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) | Not enough tears, dry/mucus-filled eyes | 600–1,200 |
| Cataracts | Clouding of the eye lens; vision loss | 2,000–4,000 |
| Collapsing Trachea | Windpipe collapses; chronic cough | 400–2,500 |
| Heart Valve Disease | Leaky heart valve; can lead to heart failure | 300–1,200 |
| Slipping Kneecap (Luxating Patella) | Kneecap slips out of place, causing limping | 500–2,500 |
| Ear Infections | Chronic or severe ear infections | 300–800 |
| Obesity | Extra weight, leads to other health issues | 250–800 |
| Bladder Stones | Hard stones in the bladder, painful urination/blood in urine | 800–1,800 |
| Dental Disease (Tooth & Gum Problems) | Gum & tooth disease, possible extractions | 400–1,500 |
| Skin Allergies (Environmental/Food) | Persistent itching from food, fleas, or environment | 400–1,500 |
As a toy breed, Shih Tzus face breathing difficulties due to their flat face structure and delicate bone structure, which is why early coverage is important to protect their health and your wallet.
How much does pet insurance for Shih Tzus cost?
Your Shih Tzu’s premium depends on a few key factors: Their age, your location, and the coverages you choose. Small breeds like Shih Tzus typically cost less to insure due to their smaller size, though breed-specific conditions like BOAS can be expensive to treat.
Here’s what other Shih Tzu parents typically pay for Lemonade coverage:
| Age | Average monthly premium |
| 1 year old | 25-30 |
| 2 years old | 25-30 |
| 3 years old | 30-35 |
| 4 years old | 30-35 |
| 5 years old | 35-40 |
| 6 years old | 40-45 |
| 7 years old | 50-55 |
How can I find the best pet insurance for my Shih Tzu?
While we might be biased, Lemonade was really designed with pet parents in mind, especially those with breeds like Shih Tzus that need comprehensive coverage for respiratory health, eye care, and dental maintenance.
Our customizable add-ons are perfect for Shih Tzus since you can tailor coverage for their specific risks like breathing problems and knee problems.
Before we go…
Shih Tzus make incredible companions, but their flat-faced anatomy and delicate build can get expensive fast. Pet insurance helps you say “yes” to the best care without worrying about the vet bill, whether that’s treating BOAS surgery, managing eye conditions, or handling an emergency.
Ready to protect your Shih Tzu? Get a personalized quote in as little as 90 seconds and see how affordable coverage can be for your Shih Tzu
