Pet insurance for your Shih Tzu.

  • Comprehensive Lifetime Shih Tzu insurance up to £15,000

  • Unlimited free video vet calls

  • Dental included as standard

A woman cuddles her Shih Tzu

Wondering if insurance is worth it?

Have you ever felt anxious about dog insurance for your tiny, furry companion? It’s a bit unsettling when you weigh the expenses of vet visits for conditions like progressive retinal atrophy or a pesky skin disease.

Leaving these costs to chance can be a big gamble for Shih Tzu owners. That’s where a solid plan like insurance for your Shih Tzu swoops in, offering peace of mind and a direct route to the right care your dog needs.

A shih tzu surrounded by orange flowers.

Why consider Shih Tzu pet insurance?

A Shih Tzu is an affectionate dog breed with a delightful personality and those signature short noses.

That compact snout often places them in the brachycephalic category, so they can face airway issues which can make breathing difficult if not carefully managed.

Because Shih Tzus are friendly and playful, they may also get into minor scuffles or slip-ups that lead to unexpected vet bills.

You’ll find that Shih Tzus have a double coat, which means there’s an undercoat plus a top layer of Shih Tzu’s hair.

While it might look splendid, that plush coat can hide skin allergies or dryness if lack of tears leads to dry eye. Keeping track of these concerns can be time-consuming.

That’s why it’s important to arrange coverage early, especially with a company that understands brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and similar health conditions.

For a broader look at coverage, check out the ins and outs of pet insurance to see how different policies compare.

Cost of Shih Tzu pet insurance in the UK.

The cost of Shih Tzu pet insurance in the UK is around £20.00/month on average. This can help families plan for possible veterinary fees.

Of course, your exact premium may differ based on your adult Shih or Shih Tzu puppy’s age, health background, and location.

But having this coverage can save you from large surprise bills, whether your Shih Tzus may need an eye check or help with gum disease.

a shih tzu bounding along a path in front of its owner

Common health issues and coverage details.

Below is a table describing some typical common health problems in Shih Tzus, approximate treatment costs in the UK, and coverage aspects under Lifetime insurance. (Sources are listed at the bottom.)

Condition

Estimated UK cost (GBP)

Coverage notes

Eye problems (dry eye, corneal ulcers)

£300–800+ per incident

Important for brachycephalic Shih Tzu

BOAS (breathing surgeries)

£1,000–2,500+

Helps with airway correction costs

Skin disease (allergies, irritations)

£150–600+ per flare-up

Covers medication & follow-up visits

Progressive retinal atrophy

£500–1,500+ (diagnosis/monitoring)

Prevents escalation that could lead to blindness

Note: Costs are approximate and can vary based on location and specific veterinary practices.

Types of pet insurance.

There are four main types of Shih Tzu pet insurance, each offering different levels of cover depending on your budget and your dog’s health needs.

Policy type

Description

Accident-only

Covers injuries from accidents like falls or bites. Does not cover illnesses. Usually, the most affordable option.

Time-limited

Covers accidents and illnesses up to a set payout per condition. Ends when the limit is reached or after a fixed period (e.g., 12 months). Good for one-off treatments.

Maximum-benefit

Covers accidents and illnesses up to an overall annual or per-condition cap. Once the cap is reached, you pay all further costs. Offers more flexibility than time-limited plans.

Lifetime coverage

Covers accidents and illnesses with yearly benefit renewals. Benefits reset each year, even for ongoing issues. Ideal for Shih Tzu's prone to breathing, eye, or joint problems.

Waggel’s insights.

“Shih Tzus are intelligent and Shih Tzus are known as a loyal, compact breed that can develop brachycephalic issues if not closely watched. Our Lifetime policy is designed to keep your dog covered for the long haul, whether it’s eye problems or a tricky skin disease.” – Waggel

We’ve supported countless owners who were thankful for coverage when unexpected lumps or paw infections popped up.

A shih tzu looking to the right.

Why Waggel pet insurance for your Shih Tzu?

Waggel offers lifetime coverage tailored to your dog’s health journey. Check out our article “Why Waggel Comparing Best Pet Insurance”, we keep it simple:

Feature

Description

Lifetime policies only

You get a year’s limit that resets every renewal, tracking your dog’s needs without advanced guesswork.

Flexible annual limits & excess

Adjust coverage or claim contribution (excess) so your plan matches your finances.

Dental cover for illness or injury

Covers dental treatment for both illness and injury, which not all pet insurers include. (more below)

Real-time claims tracking

No paper forms or hold lines—submit claims digitally and get fast updates.

24/7 vet video calls

Speak with a UK-based vet any time you sense trouble ahead.

With Waggel, you pick from various coverage levels—whether your biggest fear is serious surgery or mild eye problems.

 If your furry friend has a short jaw which makes their breathing difficult  you’ll want a plan that addresses ongoing issues year after year.

Practical tips for choosing Shih Tzu insurance.

Think about early coverage: Enrolling your Shih Tzu puppy at a young age helps rule out exclusions for any pre-existing conditions.

Speak to your vet: Get a sense of likely ailments, from brachycephalic concerns to eye problems.

Consider your budget: A lower claim contribution (excess) might raise your monthly cost, but reduces big out-of-pocket costs later.

Check for dental cover: Not all insurers handle gum complaints or tooth issues equally, but Waggel includes them in the plan providing you have them checked annually.

Remember renewal: Your coverage reactivates each year with a fresh pot, important if your dog’s condition continues.

A shih tzu being cuddled by its owner.

Get your Shih Tzu covered.

Think it’s time to ensure your Shih Tzu is fully supported? Head to Waggel’s home page for more info, or grab a quick insurance quote to see how you can tailor your plan.

Whether you have an adult Shih or a new puppy in your household, Waggel stands by you with a lifetime approach to coverage and a helpful, digital-forward experience.

Shih Tzu insurance that lasts a lifetime.

Flexible limits and Excess

Adjustable Annual Limit and Excess to suit your coverage and budgetary needs. It's just one of our many unique features and helps you to take control of your pet's policy.

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Complete coverage

We'll cover your vet fees up to the limits selected. This includes consultation fees, diagnostics, procedures, surgery and medication.

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Dental included

We cover treatment costs associated with dental-related accidents and illnesses up to £1,000.

Pet insurance for Shih Tzus.

Thank you for reading our Shih Tzu breed information and advice on insurance for Shih Tzus. We hope you feel more confident about choosing the right pet cover.

By safeguarding your Shih Tzu with the right insurance, you ensure they receive the care they need while protecting your finances from unexpected vet fees. Explore Waggel’s flexible Lifetime policies tailored to the unique needs of Shih Tzus.

We’re here to support both you and your Shih Tzu every step of the way. From routine checks to major treatments, we’ve got your back with Waggel’s friendly and transparent dog insurance plans.

Get your free quote today and join our community of protected pets.