Top 9 Pet Insurance Plans For Mastiffs (2022)

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Mastiffs are, of course, known for their intimidating size and strength, but this loyal breed loves its pack members fiercely, and the giant dogs are even great with older children (old enough not to be accidentally knocked down during playtime.) As long as you don’t mind a little slobber, the Mastiff is a wonderful, loving dog capable of working hard and excelling as a full-time companion.

As great as this breed is, Mastiffs are prone to certain medical conditions, especially given their size. While several of 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 Mastiff. 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 Mastiff 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 Mastiff Cost?

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

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 Mastiff-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 Mastiffs

Gastric Torsion (a.k.a. “Bloat”) in Mastiffs

Gastric Torson (aka “bloat”) occurs when your dog’s stomach fills too rapidly with gas, food, or fluid. Bloat is a sudden, life-threatening condition where the stomach can twist, blocking the organ’s entrance and exit. It can even obstruct blood flow, which is a medical emergency.

Since Mastiffs are a large, deep-chested breed, they’re more likely to suffer from bloat. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential when it comes to gastric torsion. Preventative measures, like regular exercise, proper diet, and not eating or drinking too quickly help as well.

If you notice any of these warning signs, you should take your Mastiff to the vet right away:

• Swollen belly
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse

Osteosarcoma in Mastiffs

Also known as bone cancer, osteosarcoma is the most common form of cancer in Mastiffs. These tumors can develop anywhere along their skeleton but most commonly appear above the shoulders and on limbs.

While dogs can develop osteosarcoma at any age, most diagnoses occur around age 7. Surgery can save your dog’s life, but unfortunately, it’s not guaranteed to.

Cystinuria in Mastiffs

This one is an inherited disorder caused by a defect in the transport of cystine, an amino acid, in the kidney tubules. A dog with cystinuria doesn’t properly reabsorb cystine, so their urine contains abnormally high levels. As cystine is insoluble, excess in urine results in the formation of crystals, which can then lead to kidney or bladder stones.

There are three types of cystinuria in dogs, and Mastiffs specifically have Type III Cystinuria, a more complex disease where the mode of inheritance is not fully understood. The condition will be seen in male Mastiffs (particularly un-neutered males.)

In most breeds, symptoms of cystinuria don’t develop until around 4-5 years of age. These symptoms include:

• Frequent and/or painful urination
• Blood in urine
• Sudden onset of vomiting, lethargy, or a refusal to eat

Left untreated, this condition can be life-threatening.

Cardiomyopathy in Mastiffs

When the heart muscles can’t contract properly, the heart can’t pump out as much blood. Building pressure inside the heart can enlarge it, which could lead to heart failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of heart failure in large breeds like the (~200 pound) Mastiff. It could even cause sudden death.

Signs of the condition vary but may include:

• Rapid breathing when resting
• Weakness
• Restless sleeping
• Coughing or gagging
• Decreased appetite

Typical Costs Of Treating Health Issues In Mastiffs 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 Mastiff’s particular needs might save you tons of money on medical costs.

Here are just some sample veterinary expenses for Mastiffs:

• Gastric Torsion (“Bloat”) Costs: If your dog’s stomach has twisted, it will probably need emergency surgery to untwist it. The average cost of treating a bloat case with surgery runs between $2,000 and $5,000. If there are complications, the cost could be even higher. Pet insurance with emergency coverage can literally be life-saving in this case.
• Osteosarcoma Costs: X-rays will definitely be required to diagnose the condition, and urinalysis can determine if the cancer has spread. As I mentioned, surgery is only somewhat successful at saving an affected dog’s life. Some dogs will need limbs amputated. Because these tumors are so aggressive, your dog may also need chemotherapy to treat metastasis. In other words: this is a very expensive medical condition (meaning costs extending past $10,000.)
• Cystinuria Costs: This is a chronic condition, so the best course is to try and prevent stones from forming. That involves medication and special diets. Obstructions will require surgery, however, and that could cost $1,500. You’ll also need to pay $60-$250 for diagnostics like urinalysis.
• Cardiomyopathy Costs: Echocardiograms, which your vet will need to diagnose your dog, can be expensive (~$500-$600). Your dog will then need to take a variety of drugs, like diuretics for removing fluid and beta-blockers, depending on their condition. These drugs are relatively affordable, but the costs add up when your dog needs several.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions common in Mastiffs 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 Mastiff?

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-$161 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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