Best Pet Insurance For American Bulldogs In 2024

American Bulldogs, cherished for their friendly temperament and intelligence, are popular working dog breeds. Originating in the United States, they excel as versatile working dogs due to their trainability and reliability. With a strong, muscular build, they typically have a short coat in various color patterns, including white with patches of brindle, fawn, or red.

Energetic and sociable, American Bulldogs thrive in active households and revel in outdoor adventures. Their loyalty and protective instincts make them excellent family pets and watchdogs. Renowned for their strength and versatility, American Bulldogs continue to be admired as beloved breeds worldwide.

If you own an American Bulldog, you’re undoubtedly concerned about its health and well-being. As a pure breed, an American Bulldog is more likely to suffer from genetic health issues than mixed-breed dogs. Unfortunately, 4 out of 5 pet parents can’t pay for an unexpected $500 veterinary bill out-of-pocket. However, pet insurance will help you reduce your financial risk.

In this review, we’ll look at some of the top pet insurers for American Bulldogs and help you pick the policy that best meets your needs. You’ll find that pet insurance is much like personal health insurance; it provides better treatment options and limits out-of-pocket costs. But unlike private health insurance, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Common Health Issues For American Bulldogs

Purebred American Bulldogs, like many other specific dog breeds, are predisposed to certain health concerns. Over time, some breeders may have overlooked genetic considerations during American Bulldog breeding, resulting in widespread health issues within the American Bulldog population. Generally, American Bulldogs are more vulnerable to genetic ailments compared to other breeds.

These are some of the most prevalent health issues observed in American Bulldogs:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Cherry eye
• Skin issues (allergies, pyoderma)
• ACL tears

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a prevalent concern in American Bulldogs, characterized by the malformation of the hip joint, causing discomfort and limited mobility. The hip socket and femur don’t fit properly, leading to degeneration and arthritis over time. It’s often a hereditary condition but can also be influenced by environmental factors like rapid growth or excessive weight. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and weight management can help mitigate the effects and improve the dog’s quality of life.

The cost of treating hip dysplasia in dogs can range from $1,200 to $14,000 or more, depending on the severity of the condition, the recommended treatment, and whether one or both hips are affected.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is a common orthopedic issue in American Bulldogs, involving the improper development of the elbow joint. This condition encompasses several developmental abnormalities that cause pain, lameness, and reduced range of motion. It can result from genetics, rapid growth, or trauma. Management may involve pain relief, weight control, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention to alleviate discomfort and enhance joint function.

The cost of treating elbow dysplasia in dogs can range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the severity of the condition and the recommended treatment.

Cherry Eye

Cherry eye is a condition where the gland in the third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible as a red, fleshy mass in the corner of the eye, resembling a cherry. It’s a common concern in American Bulldogs and can cause discomfort, dry eyes, and irritation. Surgical correction is often necessary to reposition and secure the gland, preventing further complications and maintaining ocular health.

The cost of treating cherry eye in dogs can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the severity of the condition and the recommended treatment.

Skin Issues (Allergies, Pyoderma)

American Bulldogs are prone to various skin issues, including allergies and pyoderma (bacterial skin infections). Allergies can result from food, environmental factors, or contact with irritants, causing itching, redness, and rashes. Pyoderma often occurs due to underlying allergies or skin trauma, leading to pustules and skin inflammation. Proper diagnosis, regular grooming, a balanced diet, and prompt veterinary care are crucial in managing and preventing skin problems.

The cost of treating skin issues in dogs can range from $200 to $2,000 per year, depending on the severity of the condition and the recommended treatment.

ACL Tears

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears or ruptures are frequent in American Bulldogs, impacting the stability of the knee joint. Sudden twists or stress on the ligament can cause tears, resulting in pain, lameness, and difficulty in walking. Surgical repair and rehabilitation are commonly recommended to stabilize the knee and restore mobility, providing the dog with an improved quality of life and minimizing long-term joint damage.

The cost of treating ACL tears in dogs can range from $1,200 to $8,000, depending on the severity of the tear and the recommended treatment.

How To Find The Best Pet Insurance Company For You

The costs and types of pet insurance plans available on the market vary by company, making choosing one over the others challenging. To find the best plan for your pet, consider these tips before applying for coverage:

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

Puppies and kittens often must be a minimum of 6 to 10 weeks old to be insured, depending on the company. Senior pets may not be eligible for first-time enrollment with some companies, or they may qualify for accident coverage only. Once the pet is enrolled, though, most plans will offer coverage for life as long as you continue paying the premiums.

Research What’s Covered

Pet insurance plans typically cover expenses like surgery, hospitalization and medication if your pet gets sick or hurt. However, there are certain things that some companies charge extra for or won’t cover at all. Here are a few examples:

• Exam fees. Say your dog breaks her leg. Some plans will reimburse expenses like X-rays,  surgery and pain medication, but not the vet’s exam fee.
• Alternative treatments and rehabilitation. Some companies include coverage for things like acupuncture and physical therapy in their standard plans. Others charge extra.
• Behavioral therapies. Not all policies cover veterinary treatment for aggression or other behavioral issues.
• Prescription food. Certain plans won’t cover food or supplements at all, even if your vet prescribes them for a covered condition.
• Dental care. Pet insurance plans vary widely when it comes to caring for your pet’s teeth. For example, your policy may not cover dental illnesses such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. Alternatively, it may cover them only if your pet has had a recent tooth cleaning. Some add-on wellness plans pay for cleanings.

Note that pet insurance policies usually won’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, or breeding expenses.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Most pet insurance plans cap the amount they pay out per year, although some have no annual limit. Only you can decide the amount that gives you reasonable peace of mind for paying vet bills.

If your dog or cat is relatively healthy, you might go years without paying for anything but routine care. But an unexpected surgery or serious illness could add up to thousands of dollars in expenses.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

Most pet insurance plans reimburse you for a percentage of your vet bill. You can generally choose a reimbursement level — such as 70%, 80% or 90% — when you buy the plan.

Other plans pay what the insurance company deems a standard fee for a given treatment, which might be less than what your vet charges. You’d be responsible for the remainder.

Most plans also have a deductible — the dollar amount you pay out of pocket before the policy pays. You can usually choose from a range of deductibles, such as $100, $250, or more. Some plans apply deductibles to each injury or illness that’s treated. Most have you pay the deductible every year.

Generally, the lower your out-of-pocket costs are, the more you’ll pay for coverage. Alower deductible and higher reimbursement rate can lead to a higher premium, while a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate can mean a lower premium.

Check Waiting Periods

Most plans include short waiting periods after you purchase the policy for general accident and illness coverage, such as 14 days. Your plan won’t pay for any treatment during the waiting period.

Some plans include longer waiting periods for coverage of certain conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries — a common orthopedic problem for dogs. The cruciate ligaments help stabilize the knee; when injured, it can make it difficult for a dog to walk.

Examine Extra Costs

Some pet insurance companies offer coverage for routine services such as well visits and vaccinations. While this may sound tempting, do the math to determine whether it’s worth the extra cost. Compare the annual price of the wellness insurance plan with the amount you’d pay each year on your own for services the plan covers. Read the details because the items covered for “wellness” vary by pet insurance company.

Compare Quotes

The cost of insurance varies by carrier and the amount of coverage. Some pet insurers offer discounts; you might be able to save money by insuring more than one pet, for example. But a discount doesn’t guarantee the plan is the best deal.

The only way to find the best insurance for your pet is to dig into the details and get quotes for several plans. Make sure you’re making a fair comparison with similar coverage amounts, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.

Average Cost Of Pet Insurance For American Bulldogs

Average Cost Of Typical Vet Procedures

Average Cost Of Emergency Vet Procedures

Is Pet Insurance Worth It For American Bulldogs?

Pet insurance protects against unexpected veterinary bills. Many pet owners pay out-of-pocket for their pet’s medical expenses, but most Americans can’t afford a $1500 emergency vet bill. The right pet insurance can literally be a lifesaver. Having coverage will give you the freedom to make medical decisions for your furry family member based on the quality of life, not finances.

The value of pet insurance is largely based on your expectations. If your pet is currently undergoing treatment for a chronic condition and you would like help with the cost of the treatment, you will likely be disappointed as no company in our review covers preexisting conditions.

But, if you understand your policy and what it does and doesn’t cover and have a policy that fits your budget and needs, you are far more likely to consider the policy worth it.

Factors That Impact Cost Of Your Pet Insurance Policy

Similar to your health insurance plan, your pet insurance price is going to vary depending on certain factors, such as:

• Where you live. Pet insurance companies take the cost of vet care in your area into account when pricing your policy.
• Your pet’s age. Because older animals are more likely to have health problems, their premiums are generally higher.
• Your pet’s breed. Certain breeds are more prone to health issues. For example, bulldogs and Boston terriers often develop breathing problems, while German Shepherds and other large breeds are more likely than others to get hip dysplasia. These potential problems may be reflected in the cost of your pet insurance plan.
• Your deductibles, coinsurance and coverage limits. The less you’re willing to pay out of pocket for your pet’s care, the higher your pet insurance premium will be. For instance, choosing a $100 deductible instead of a $500 one means your plan will start reimbursing you sooner for your pet’s care — but it’ll cost you more in premiums.