Pet Insurance For Shiba Inus

The Shiba Inu is a Japanese dog breed with a distinctive fox-like appearance. They have dense coats and typically come in shades of red or sesame. This compact and muscular breed has become popular around the world for its spirited nature.

But like all breeds, Shiba Inus are susceptible to certain health conditions, most notably allergens and joint issues. Should you decide to take the plunge and welcome this gorgeous breed into your family, it’s important to know how to care for your dog.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the health-related challenges Shiba Inus faces and why insurance is key to keeping your pooch healthy for many years to come.

Health Profile of Shiba Inus

Knowing what to expect in terms of your dog’s health is critical. Here are some of the most common conditions for which Shiba Inus are at risk.

Allergies

This breed is highly prone to allergies triggered by everything from pollen to food. Be sure to observe your Shiba Inu for any signs of allergic reaction and, if they are present, seek veterinary guidance for diagnosis and management.

Experts at Partners and Paws Veterinary Services say, “In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. We call this skin allergy ‘atopy,’ and Shibas often have it.”

Patellar Luxation

While this condition isn’t as scary as it sounds, it can still cause severe discomfort in your dog.

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal location. It can vary in severity, causing occasional pain or significant mobility issues. Symptoms include limping, abnormal gait, or reluctance to use the affected leg.

Glaucoma

Did you know that even dogs can get glaucoma? In Shiba Inus, it causes increased pressure within the eyeball and can lead to vision loss. Because the condition progresses rapidly, early detection is vital.

Be on the lookout for redness in the eye, tearing, cloudiness, or visible eye pain. If you catch it early on, your dog may be able to recover with medication, but in more advanced cases, surgery is required.

Longtime Shiba owner and breeder Loretta Cornelius describes glaucoma as “The Silent Thief” in Shibas, warning owners that “Early detection is imperative if you are to save the sight in at least one eye! If one is bad and the other is becoming involved, then the sight in the second eye will almost always go bad within the next couple of years.”

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition, occurs when the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain. This condition can be mild or severe and affects the dog's mobility — and, by extension, quality of life.

Your dog may be suffering from hip dysplasia if they have difficulty in rising or lameness. Treatment options include a combination of weight management, exercise modification, and, in severe cases, hip replacement surgery.

Tailoring Pet Insurance to Shiba Inus

With the number of health problems, Shibas are at risk for, insurance is a no-brainer. But where do you start? Here’s a brief overview of what to look for in an insurance plan.

Coverage Essentials for Shiba Inus

You’ll want to choose a policy that covers hereditary conditions and breed-specific health issues. Given their susceptibility to conditions like hip dysplasia, having an insurance plan that covers these ailments can significantly alleviate financial strain and ensure timely, effective medical care.

Policy Details and Breed-Specific Clauses

Did you know that tiny text at the bottom of the page that we all tend to gloss over? Yeah, you need to pay close attention to that when selecting pet insurance. Make sure you understand your policy’s fine print. Be aware of any exclusions or limitations, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your provider with any questions you may have.

Expert Recommendations on Policy Selection

Insurance expert Kimberly Alt advises owners to consider age restrictions and waiting periods, as well as coverage types when choosing a plan. “Keep in mind that any pre-existing conditions, accidents, or illnesses diagnosed or showing symptoms during the waiting period are excluded from coverage.”

Bob Phillips with Insuranceopedia urges owners to consider how much they're willing to pay for reimbursements and deductibles, stating, “Generally, the lower your out-of-pocket costs are, the more you’ll pay for coverage. A lower deductible and higher reimbursement rate can lead to a higher premium, while a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate can mean a lower premium.”

Cost Implications: Pet Insurance for Shiba Inus

Shiba Inu insurance costs vary based on several factors, including:

• Age
• Health history
• Geographic location
• Desired coverage level

For example, a 5-year-old dog in New York City costs anywhere from $40 to $83 per month to insure. If you own a 6-month-old Shiba in Thomasville, Alabama, on the other hand, you can expect to pay between $18 and $37.

Comparative Analysis of Insurance Providers

There are a ton of different insurance options on the market today. That being said, there are a few that stand out:

Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws offers the best overall comprehensive coverage, with reimbursement and deductible options ranging from 70 to 90%. However, they don’t include routine wellness in their plans.

Forbes insurance experts gave HealthyPaws 5 out of 5 stars, saying, “Healthy Paws is great for unlimited annual coverage and covering alternative therapies which aren’t always covered by insurers.”

Lemonade

Lemonade is one of the best pet insurance providers, thanks in large part to its affordable plans. Their premiums start at $10 a month and come with several add-on options, including preventative care. The one major downside is that they don’t cover pets over 14 years old.

“If you want pet insurance at a low monthly cost, Lemonade is worth considering,” Forbes says.

Spot

Spot's insurance plans are best for those seeking customization. They have a range of options for accidents, illnesses, and preventative care — which is crucial for Shibas. Do bear in mind that you’ll be paying higher premiums for lower deductibles.

Forbes praises this provider, saying, “Spot gives you lots of ways to adjust your benefits levels so that you can fit pet insurance into your budget. Note that this is the same plan and pricing offered by ASPCA but with different choices for annual limits and deductibles.”

ManyPets

ManyPets is the ideal provider for puppies. They have a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses, and pre-existing coverages don’t affect the rates. Unfortunately, ManyPets doesn’t cover pet behavioral therapy, and they lack a 24/7 pet telehealth line.

According to Forbes, “ManyPets is a new entrant in the pet insurance market and offers some unique and valuable coverage features. It also has very competitive pricing that makes it worth a look if it’s available in your state.”

Pumpkin

Pumpkin has no special waiting period for many of the conditions Shibas are prone to, like hip dysplasia, allowing owners to get them into the vet as soon as possible. Pumpkin has several coverage options but doesn't offer an accident-only plan.

“Pumpkin Pet Insurance has a good selection of coverage options for a wide range of pet problems and medical expenses, including vet exam fees, surgeries, and dental illnesses,” Forbes notes.

Case Studies: Insurance in Action for Shiba Inus

Insurance can be a lifesaver for dogs. One owner shared their story with iHeartDogs, demonstrating the real-life impact of a good insurance policy: “My dog had a genetic condition and had several multiple-day stays in the ER in his lifetime…I could not give him the medical care that I did without insurance.”

Another owner said, ”He (dog) recently developed a cough/gag. I met the $250 deductible in just two vet visits, and he may need an x-ray, which was quoted at $456 since it involves sedation. I’m thankful I got the insurance when I did because otherwise, I would not have the ability to even consider the x-ray as an option.”

In a piece for State Farm, pet insurance provider Trupanion states, “You don’t want to put a limit on your pet’s medical care or treatment. As a valued member of the family, you want to be able to afford medical care from when they're a puppy to living their golden years as a senior pet.”

Long-Term Financial Planning For Shiba Inu Owners

It’s no secret that dog ownership can be expensive. The good news is you can offset costs with a good insurance plan. Experts and Dogs Trust reiterate the importance of purchasing insurance when planning for the future. “You never know what’s around the corner, so having pet insurance is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. Vet bills can be significant and may be difficult to deal with if they’re unexpected.”

Dr. Sarah Gorman, managing vet at Small Door Veterinary, says, “Insurance helps cover the unanticipated costs of pet ownership and can be a huge relief for owners as they typically cover 80-90% of the costs, depending on the plan.”

To prepare for potential health emergencies and chronic conditions, Shiba Inu owners should:

• Research-specific breed needs
• Compare insurance plans
• Consider lifetime coverage
• Build an emergency fund
• Take their dogs in for regular vet check-ups

Exploring Alternatives to Standard Pet Insurance

For extra peace of mind, consider exploring alternative programs in addition to traditional insurance. Wellness programs, for example, are usually offered as add-ons to insurance plans. They cover routine care and can be helpful in monitoring your dog’s health over time.

Health savings accounts (HSAs), while not pet-specific, can be used to set aside funds for healthcare expenses. This approach offers flexibility but requires consistent savings discipline and may not cover large, unexpected expenses as effectively as insurance.

Breed-specific funds or rescue organization funds for Shiba Inus can provide support for breed-related conditions. However, these funds may have limited resources and specific criteria for assistance.

The bottom line is that while alternative health options can be extremely valuable, they should not be used in place of traditional insurance. To keep your dog in optimal health, consider investing in several options.

Expert Panel: Holistic Perspectives

If you’re thinking about getting a Shiba, it’s important to do your research. Part of that should involve hearing diverse perspectives on what their care looks like, how you can manage their health, and other general advice on ownership.

Rover writer Sarah Miller says “Shibas were only brought to the US a little over 60 years ago. They’re confident and filled with energy but don’t need constant attention. They do, however, love to hunt. Make sure to keep your Shiba Inu on a leash or in a gated area…”

What do they eat? “Like most dogs, Shibas will thrive on a balanced diet of good quality, dry dog food that contains all the necessary minerals and proteins,” according to Petplan.

Responding to a Quora inquiry about what it’s like to live with this breed, Shiba owner Kelvin Ho says, “Shibas shed a lot. A few times a year, Shibas go through a massive shedding period, with dog hair everywhere. Pretty much forget about wearing black while this is happening.”

The Claims Process: A Shiba Inu Owner’s Guide

If you’re ready to submit an insurance claim for your dog, be sure to follow these steps:

1. Document the issue
2. Understand your policy
3. File the claim promptly
4. Include detailed information
5. Follow up

To streamline the claims process, insurance professionals generally recommend seeking pre-approval from your insurer and using online portals if available — this can greatly expedite the process. If your provider offers direct pay to veterinarians, be sure to take advantage of that to reduce upfront costs.

At the end of the day, no two plans are exactly alike, so it’s important to know your policy inside and out before submitting a claim. Understanding your plan can save you time and money and make things easier for everyone involved.

Your Dog Deserves the Best. Insure Them Today.

Owning a Shiba Inu can be a rewarding experience, but without a good insurance plan, you may end up paying more than you can afford for healthcare. By thoroughly researching and comparing your options, you can select the plan that’s right for your Shiba — and your wallet.