Top 9 Pet Insurance Plans For Schnauzers (2022)

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Whether your Schnauzer is miniature, standard, or giant, you know exactly why this dog breed is so special. These highly intelligent dogs may have a history as rat catchers, but they were also bred to protect. Schnauzers love their people fiercely, regardless of their size.

Unfortunately, Schnauzers are predisposed to certain medical conditions. Miniature Schnauzers are more likely to have health problems than Standard or Giant Schnauzers due to the process of breeding smaller dogs. While these health issues can be expensive to treat, you may be able to cover the high costs if you invest in pet insurance for your dog early.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right pet insurance plan for your beloved Schnauzer. This guide will help you select a plan that covers everything you want it to, so you can be there for your dog when they need you most.

Compare The Top 9 Pet Insurance Plans for Your Schnauzer Using our Free No-Obligation Quote Tool below

The simplest way to compare pet insurance prices is to use our tool below. The comparison tool will show you quotes from the top 9 pet insurance carriers, including Trupanion, Pets Best, Lemonade, ManyPets, FIGO, HealthyPaws, Prudent Pet, Spot, and Embrace pet insurance.

How Much Does Pet Insurance for a Schnauzer Cost?

Below are some sample pet insurance plans for a 1-year-old male Schnauzer using the zip code 75001 (Texas) as an example.

• Pets Best – $44.33 per month
• Embrace – $41.60 per month
• Healthy Paws – $25.32 per month
• ManyPets – $40.54 per month

Ultimately, your plan’s premium will depend on several factors, including your dog’s age, size, and breed, as well as where you live. You also want to know what type of coverage your plan has and if it will help with Schnauzer-specific health problems. Let’s get more into those medical conditions and how much you can expect to pay to treat them.

Common Health Problems Associated With Schnauzers

Pancreatitis in Schnauzers

A normally functioning pancreas releases enzymes that help with digestion. These enzymes don’t activate until they reach the small intestine. However, in dogs afflicted with pancreatitis, the enzymes activate immediately, which causes inflammation and damage to the pancreas, the surrounding tissues, and even nearby organs.

If pancreatitis goes untreated, it can lead to serious digestive issues and even be life-threatening.

Myotonia Congenita in Schnauzers

An inherited muscle disorder, myotonia, causes the muscle cells of an afflicted dog to be over-active, which makes them remain contracted after voluntary activity.

Some Schnauzers only carry the recessive trait, while others will suffer the effects of the disease. These include a stiff gait, difficulty getting up, and potentially a swollen tongue that makes swallowing more difficult.

Kidney Stones in Schnauzers

Also known as Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis, kidney stones are solidified minerals found in the urinary tract. Calcium stones can’t be dissolved, so they must be removed surgically.

The precise cause of calcium kidney stones is unknown, but Schnauzers have a genetic weakness of the urinary tract, which likely makes them more susceptible. Female Schnauzers are more likely to develop stones than males.

Symptoms of kidney stones include:

• Blood in urine
• Trouble urinating
• Poor appetite
• Pain to the touch around the kidney area
• Fever

Follicular Dermatitis in Schnauzers

Because it’s common in Schnauzers, this skin condition has been dubbed “Schnauzer bumps.” It’s caused by bacteria infecting the hair follicles. This, on its own, is relatively harmless. If your dog scratches or chews on the bumps, they can lead to more severe infections or sores. The condition can also lead to some hair loss.

Follicular Dermatitis can be caused by skin conditions or systemic diseases (like Cushing’s Disease or hypothyroidism.)

Typical Costs Of Treating Health Issues In Schnauzers and How Pet Insurance Can Help

If left untreated, many of the health conditions listed above can result in long-term consequences and even require surgery, which ultimately makes them more expensive to manage. Selecting a pet insurance plan suited for your Schnauzer’s particular needs might save you tons of money on medical costs.

Here are just some sample veterinary expenses for Schnauzers:

• Pancreatitis Costs: The cost of treatment will depend on whether your dog has chronic pancreatitis (which can be treated outpatient) or acute pancreatitis (which comes on suddenly and may require hospitalization.) Blood work and urinalysis could cost up to $200. Surgery can cost upwards of $1,500, and the costs climb if your dog’s condition requires an overnight stay. The average claim by pet insurance policyholders for pancreatitis is $482.
• Myotonia Congenita Costs: Sadly, there is no cure for this genetic condition. However, there are several medications that can help stabilize the muscle cell membrane. These drugs may not be prohibitively expensive, but the highest costs are in diagnosing the condition. This could range from $700-$1,200 on average.
• Kidney Stone Costs: The exam, urinalysis, and X-rays or ultrasounds will likely cost you several hundred dollars alone. Surgery to remove stones might cost $750 – $2,000. If stones aren’t present in your dog’s urinary tract, adhering to a particular diet may help prevent them.
• Follicular Dermatitis Costs: This condition is easy to diagnose, and treatment usually involves ongoing topical and/or oral medication. However, costs will climb into the high hundreds if follicular dermatitis is caused by a larger issue like Cushing’s Disease.
  

Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions common in Schnauzers can help you catch them early, saving your dog and your money. When in doubt, take your pup to the vet to have them diagnosed.

What Is Pet Health Insurance And Why Do I Need It For My Schnauzer?

Pet health insurance works very similarly to human health insurance. Your policy quote will range in monthly price, depending on your dog’s breed, age, and where you live. Typically, you’ll spend around $15-$77 per month as a pet parent.

Pet insurance is mainly about peace of mind, knowing you won’t be totally overwhelmed in case of an emergency. Enrolling even when your dog is young and healthy will ensure you have plenty of coverage when they need expensive medical care later. If you choose a plan more suited to your dog’s particular breed, you’ll be more prepared when something happens later on in their life.

Some plans cover accidents and illnesses, while others only cover accidents. Certain plans do cover breed-specific illnesses, and others do not. It all depends on what type of coverage you choose. With our free pet insurance comparison tool, you can get quotes from multiple insurance companies with no obligation to commit.

Whatever plan you choose, you’ll feel better knowing you can take care of your dog when they need you most. Plus, you won’t have to suddenly shell out thousands of dollars. Learn more about how pet insurance works here.

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