The Breed Restriction Problem Nobody Talks About
I had no idea insurance companies could just say no to your dog. Like, refuse to cover him at all. But that's exactly what happened with Diesel.
Three Rejections Before I Found Coverage
The first company I called asked what breed Diesel was. When I said pit bull, there was this long pause. Then they said they don't cover that breed. Click.
The second company put me on hold for twenty minutes before coming back to say the same thing. At least they were polite about it.
The third company said they'd cover him, but only for accidents. No illness coverage at all. And the premium was almost double what my friend pays for her golden retriever.
I finally found a company that covers pit bulls without restrictions. But it took weeks of calling around, and I'm still paying more than I should for a healthy dog.
The Vet Paperwork Game
Here's something I learned from other pit bull owners. Sometimes the insurance application asks what your vet has on file for breed.
My vet's records say 'mixed breed, large.' Technically accurate since Diesel's probably got some American Staffordshire in there. Makes insurance easier.
I'm not saying to lie. I'm just saying veterinary paperwork can be... flexible. And insurance companies seem to care more about what's written down than what's standing in front of them.
Liability Coverage Is Its Own Mess
Pet insurance is one thing. Homeowner's insurance is another nightmare.
My home insurance tried to drop me when they found out about Diesel. Said pit bulls were on their restricted breed list. Didn't matter that Diesel has never even growled at anyone.
I had to get a separate liability rider for $300 a year just to keep my home coverage. All because of what Diesel looks like, not how he acts.
The Health Stuff That Actually Costs Money
Once I got past the breed discrimination, Diesel's actual health issues started showing up. Turns out pit bulls have their own set of problems.
His Skin Is a Disaster
Diesel scratches constantly. Like, obsessively. I thought it was fleas at first, but the vet said pit bulls are prone to skin allergies. Something about their short coats and sensitive skin.
The allergy testing was $450. Then we spent months figuring out what he's allergic to. Chicken, apparently. And grass. The dog is allergic to grass.
His special food costs $90 a month. The allergy medication is another $60. We've spent maybe $3,000 on skin problems in two years, and it's not like he's cured. Just managed.
Hip Problems Show Up Eventually
Diesel started limping after long walks last year. The vet wasn't surprised. Said hip dysplasia is common in pit bulls, especially the stocky ones like Diesel.
X-rays showed early arthritis in both hips. He's only four.
We're doing joint supplements and keeping his weight down. Physical therapy when it flares up. So far we've avoided surgery, but the vet says it might be inevitable.
Hip replacement costs around $6,000 per side. That's the number that keeps me up at night.
The ACL Thing
Diesel tore his ACL playing at the dog park. Just running and playing like normal, and then he was holding up his back leg.
The emergency vet said pit bulls tear their ACLs all the time. Something about how they're built, all that muscle on a frame that wasn't designed for it.
Surgery was $4,200. And the surgeon mentioned that dogs who tear one ACL usually tear the other one within a year. So I'm basically waiting for the next $4,200 bill.
What Pit Bull Insurance Actually Needs
After all the rejections and all the vet bills, I finally figured out what matters for pit bull coverage.
Find a Company Without Breed Restrictions
This is step one. Don't waste time with companies that exclude pit bulls or charge ridiculous breed premiums.
Some companies that refused to cover Diesel will cover 'American Staffordshire Terriers' though. Same dog, different paperwork. It's ridiculous but it's the system we have.
I ended up with Embrace, but there are others that don't discriminate. Do your research before you fall in love with a pit bull puppy.
Skin and Allergy Coverage Is Essential
Most pit bulls will have skin problems at some point. It's not a matter of if.
Make sure your policy covers allergy testing, prescription food, and ongoing medication. Some policies treat allergies as chronic conditions and limit what they'll pay. Avoid those.
Diesel's skin problems are forever. I need coverage that treats them that way.
Orthopedic Coverage With No Limits
Between hip dysplasia and ACL tears, pit bulls are orthopedic disasters waiting to happen.
Get a policy with unlimited orthopedic coverage, or at least very high limits. Diesel's one ACL surgery already ate through a $5,000 annual limit.
And check what they say about bilateral conditions. Both hips, both knees. If the policy won't cover both sides, you're going to have a bad time.