Tibetan Spaniel Pet Insurance FAQs

How will dog insurance help my healthy Tibetan Spaniel dog?

Dog insurance is recommended for all dogs, even healthy dogs, regardless of breed or age. As noted previously, Tibetan Spaniel dogs are prone to some breed-specific issues like cherry eye and portosystemic shunt, but even if your dog never experiences these health problems, any dog can be subject to common illnesses like ear infections or dental disease as well as occasionally suffer from unexpected injuries. Many dog insurance plans do cover x-rays, medication, and even preventative care like dental cleanings.

Is there an age requirement for dog insurance coverage?

Most dog insurance providers generally will not cover puppies younger than eight weeks old. This requirement is in line with the veterinarian recommendations and breeder practices of waiting until puppies are eight weeks old before bringing a new dog into your home. Once you choose an insurance provider, though, it’s a good idea to double check with them about any specific age or health requirements they might have before enrolling your puppy.

Based on the breed-specific health issues for Tibetan Spaniel dogs, what procedures and treatments should I get coverage for?

Patellar luxation, where the kneecap pops out of place, is common in small dog breeds, including Tibetan Spaniel dogs. Your veterinarian will diagnose patellar luxation through physical exams and x-rays. Treatment will likely include anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

With a portosystemic shunt, an abnormal connection develops between the portal vein and another vein, bypassing the liver. This condition often results in urinary problems like recurring kidney or bladder infections or stones. Diagnosis of portosystemic shunt usually involves urinalysis, blood tests, and ultrasounds, and treatment generally consists of medication and diet changes.

Eye issues common to Tibetan Spaniel dogs can usually be diagnosed with a simple physical exam. When a tear gland in your dog’s eyelid becomes inflamed, he may suffer from cherry eye, which usually can be managed with anti-inflammatory medicine and antibiotics. In more severe cases, though, your veterinarian might recommend surgery. On the other hand, progressive retinal atrophy might require ongoing care and regular exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

As a Tibetan Spaniel dog owner, you might be interested in dog insurance plans that cover diagnostic procedures like x-rays, ultrasounds, urinalysis, or bloodwork, medication, and surgery. Most insurance providers usually exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. Keeping that in mind, you should probably enroll your Tibetan Spaniel dog as soon as possible before any long-term issues, like progressive retinal atrophy, start to affect your dog.

I’m not sure my veterinarian accepts dog insurance. Do I need to find a new one?

Since dog insurance is based on a reimbursement model, you don’t have to worry about whether or not your veterinarian accepts insurance, and you do not need to find an “in-network” veterinary provider. All you have to do is take your Tibetan Spaniel dog to your regular veterinarian as needed, whether for annual check-ups or sick visits or emergencies and pay your veterinarian directly for services rendered. Once you have paid your bill, submit a reimbursement request to your insurance provider. Your insurance provider will review your request and compare it with your plan before sending you the appropriate reimbursement.

What type of deductible do I need?

Pet insurance, like other types of insurance, offers different deductibles, and there are no specific recommendations for deductible type based on breed; however, a couple of different factors might help you make your decision about the best deductible option for your dog insurance plan based on your unique circumstances. Higher deductible plans usually also have lower monthly premiums, which might be better for you if you are on a tight budget and do not anticipate a lot of veterinary care for your Tibetan Spaniel. If, on the other hand, you are more concerned about the possibility of breed-specific problems requiring long-term medication, or if your Tibetan Spaniel dog is older, you might be better off with a lower deductible plan.

5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Tibetan Spaniel Dog Safe & Healthy

Living anywhere from 12 to 15 years when healthy and properly cared for, you can look forward to many happy years with your Tibetan Spaniel dog. The following breed-specific information includes tips to keep in mind to help you make the most of your time with your dog:

1. Grooming

The medium-length double coat of the Tibetan Spaniel dog looks good naturally without trimming. Brushing your dog’s coat a couple times a week should be enough to reduce shedding and prevent mats and tangles. Pay special attention to the feathering on the ears, feet, and tail, since those areas are especially prone to matting. Twice a year, usually in the spring and fall, you might notice your dog shedding more than usual, so you’ll need to brush him more often to keep the shedding manageable.

2. Nutrition

As a small breed, Tibetan Spaniel dogs usually weigh between 9 and 15 pounds, so they don’t require a lot of food – usually half a cup to a cup a day, split between two meals. With their perky personalities, they can sometimes become experts at begging for treats and scraps, but be careful not to overfeed them since small dogs can often be subject to excess weight gain.

3. Training

Start training your Tibetan Spaniel dog as young as possible because, as a breed, they tend to be both very intelligent and independent. Leash training is especially important with this breed because they are prone to run off and get into trouble otherwise. To keep him from getting bored, you might include agility courses and puzzles for your dog to stimulate him mentally.

4. Exercise

Given this breed’s short legs and flat face, your Tibetan Spaniel dog will not make a great jogging companion. Most Tibetan Spaniel dogs have moderate energy and enjoy walks and indoor play like chasing balls or playing fetch. If your dog does enjoy outdoor sports, you might try canine sports like rally and obedience courses because the breed is known to enjoy showing off for an appreciative audience.

5. Love and Affection

Originally bred as companion dogs, Tibetan Spaniel dogs are no different today. They love their family and even get along well with other dogs and cats in the home. Given enough daily activity, your dog will most likely enjoy lounging on the couch or your lap as well, thriving on the attention and affection. Since the Tibetan Spaniel dog is small, he might do best in a home with older children who will know how to handle him carefully.

Conclusion

Providing the best life you can for your Tibetan Spaniel dog includes regular veterinary care. When that care becomes more expensive than you would like, especially if you are faced with unexpected illnesses, injuries, medication, or surgery, you might start to worry about your ability to pay for veterinary bills without breaking the bank. Instead of worrying, you can enroll in a good, basic dog insurance plan. I recommend looking at Lemonade pet insurance whether you’ve just begun your research or already have coverage. It’s a helpful resource, offering a variety of insurance plans with a range of coverage at reasonable rates for all dog breeds, including Tibetan Spaniels, and Lemonade makes it easy to pick the coverage that works best for you, your family, your dog, and your finances. Enrolling and keeping your coverage active even when you’re not using it is easy. All you have to do is pay your monthly premium, and financial help will be there when you need it to help you take care of your beloved companion.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Tibetan Spaniels

We ranked the best pet insurance policies for Tibetan Spaniels based on a variety of important factors including the following:

• Average monthly price for a 2-year-old Tibetan Spaniel with a $500 deductible located in the 90210 zip code
• Coverage and benefits
• Key policy details including accidents and illnesses, surgeries, annual check-ups, cancer treatment, lab tests, and more
• AM Best rating of the underwriter
• Reimbursement percentage
• Annual benefit amount
• Technology and user experience
• Ease of sign up
• Policy language clarity
• User reviews

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