What conditions are most expensive for a Shih Tzu?

Brachycephalic airway syndrome (elevated risk), Corneal ulcers and dry eye (high risk), Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) (moderate risk), Dental disease (high risk).

Can I get insurance if my Shih Tzu already has a diagnosis?

Yes, you can enroll, but the diagnosed condition will be excluded as pre-existing. Coverage for new and unrelated conditions remains available.

small breed, Toy group, average lifespan 10 to 16 years

Is pet insurance worth it for a Shih Tzu?

Answer

Pet insurance is generally worth it for Shih Tzus. Brachycephalic airway syndrome, chronic eye conditions, IVDD, and periodontal disease drive most lifetime costs. Enrolling before any airway or eye symptoms appear protects coverage for these chronic risks.

Health risk profile

Condition	Likelihood	Related procedure
Brachycephalic airway syndrome^AKCMerck	Elevated	$2,000 to $5,500
Corneal ulcers and dry eye^Merck	High	-
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)^AKC	Moderate	$3,000 to $9,000
Dental disease^Merck	High	$400 to $2,500

What good coverage looks like

01Read brachycephalic exclusion language carefully.
02Dental coverage or wellness add-on for regular cleanings.
03Coverage for chronic eye conditions and corneal ulcers.

Deep dives for this breed

BOAS surgery in Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are brachycephalic and frequently develop airway obstruction. Nares, palate, and saccule correction is a common surgical recommendation.

Dental cleaning in Shih Tzus

Periodontal disease is near-universal in adult Shih Tzus due to dental crowding. Annual cleanings and frequent extractions are typical.

Related procedures

Dental cleaning (COHAT)$750 med.BOAS surgery (brachycephalic airway)$3,800 med.IVDD surgery (intervertebral disc disease)$5,500 med.

Guides for Shih Tzu owners

Accident-only vs comprehensive pet insurance

Cost and coverage difference between accident-only and accident-and-illness plans, and when each is the right fit.

Pet insurance and pre-existing conditions

What counts as a pre-existing condition, how curable vs incurable conditions are handled, and how to enroll before exclusions apply.

Pet insurance waiting periods explained

How accident, illness, and orthopedic waiting periods work, and which conditions are most affected by long ortho waits.

Best age to enroll a pet in insurance

Why enrolling between 8 weeks and 2 years produces the lowest lifetime premium and the broadest coverage, with breed-specific notes.

Frequently asked

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