Top 9 Pet Insurance Plans For Yorkie (2022)

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If you’re a Yorkshire Terrier (aka “Yorkie”) parent, I don’t need to tell you why these dogs are just the best. They’re the perfect size for holding and cuddling, they’ve got that gorgeous two-toned fur, and their small pointy ears are to die for.

Unfortunately, the Yorkie breed is predisposed to certain medical conditions. These health issues can be expensive to treat, but you may be able to cover the high vet costs if you invest in pet insurance early.

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

Compare The Top 9 Pet Insurance Plans for Your Yorkie 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 Yorkie Cost?

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

• Pets Best – $28.87 per month
• Embrace – $21.81 per month
• Healthy Paws – $22.99 per month
• ManyPets – $26.39 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 Yorkie-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 Yorkies

Hypoglycemia In Yorkies

Hypoglycemia, or a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, commonly affects toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers. Yorkie puppies especially are so small, they lack the muscle mass and fat reserves to store extra glucose.

In addition to under-eating and dehydration, hypoglycemia can be caused by stress, infection, and hypothermia.

Patellar Luxation In Yorkies

The most common orthopedic condition for small dogs like Yorkies, patellar luxation occurs when the knee is dislocated. Some affected dogs will have a minor limp, while others may become immobile. Untreated, patellar luxation can lead to arthritis later in your dog’s life.

Some of the breeds most commonly affected by patellar luxation include Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Boston Terriers.

Collapsed Trachea in Yorkies

This condition involves the weakening of the tracheal rings that support your dog’s windpipe. Naturally, this makes breathing difficult. You’ll probably notice your dog suffering a harsh cough. 

Collapsed Trachea is often a progressive condition, so diagnosing and treating it early is essential. Your dog will require cough medication and anti-inflammatory medication. You should also walk them using a harness instead of a collar.

Legg-Perthes Disease in Yorkies

A common genetic condition in Yorkshire Terriers, Legg-Perthes Disease affects the dog’s hip joint. The degenerative disease of the femur leads to eventual hip collapse. It may start as a limp, but it could lead to arthritis or even paralysis.

According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), the Yorkie is the #1 breed that suffers from Legg-Perthes Disease.

Liver Shunt in Yorkies

When an abnormal connection forms between the vein that collects blood from the gastrointestinal system, pancreas, and spleen, the blood bypasses (or shunts) the liver. That means toxins and other byproducts don’t get removed. A buildup of toxins will make your dog sick.

Symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, drooling and increased thirst, frequent urination, lethargy, poor growth rates, vomiting, and/or confusion. Without treatment, liver shunts can lead to seizures and eventual death.

Sadly, Yorkshire Terriers are at a far greater risk of developing this condition than other dog breeds.

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

If left untreated, certain conditions can result in long-term consequences, which ultimately make them more expensive to manage later. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions common in Yorkshire Terriers can help you catch them early. When in doubt, take your Yorkie to the vet to have them diagnosed.

Many of the health issues listed above can be very costly to treat, especially when surgery is required. Here are just some sample veterinary expenses:

• Hypoglycemia Costs: This condition can be life-threatening, so you’ll need to take your dog to the vet right away. They’ll need to perform a glucose test ($80-200). An infusion will cost several hundred more dollars. Treatment for hypoglycemia will likely be ongoing and could cost up to $8,000 in total.
• Patellar Luxation Costs: Treatment for patellar luxation depends on the “grade” of dislocation. If it’s Grade 2 and above, surgery may be needed to correct the issue. That orthopedic surgery could cost thousands of dollars.
• Collapsed Trachea Costs: If the case is mild, your dog might just need to take anti-inflammatory steroids. But if surgery is required, the costs (including hospitalization) are typically between $4,500 and $5,500 on average.
• Legg-Perthes Disease Costs: Diagnosis will require X-rays which cost hundreds of dollars alone. Surgical treatment may be necessary to remove the femoral head or even replace your dog’s hip. If your dog needs surgery, it will cost $1,000 to $3,000 on average. There are non-surgical treatment options, including strict bed rest, anti-inflammatory medications and joint supplements.
• Liver Shunt Costs: Minor cases can be treated with medication and a low protein diet. Moderate to severe cases will require surgery, which is very expensive (from $2,000-$10,000 on average.) Regardless, your vet will want to take blood tests and chest X-rays to diagnose the condition and locate the shunt.

When you choose a plan specific to your Yorkie’s needs, pet insurance can help cover these high costs. Get a free, no-obligation quote with our easy pet insurance comparison tool and find out much you can save.

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

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-$51 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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