Hey pack,

We’ve had quite the month over here—and it’s made us seriously reflect on the topic of pet insurance. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth it, our two Frenchies—Charlie and Winston—have given us plenty of experience to help answer that.

💉 Charlie’s Surgery Update

Recently, Charlie underwent surgery for a subarachnoid diverticulum (SAD)—a fluid-filled sac that puts pressure on the spinal cord and can cause neurological symptoms if left untreated. It’s been an emotional few weeks, but we’re happy to share that he's recovering like a champ.

👉 If you know someone whose pup is dealing with SAD or has questions about our experience, feel free to share this article with them. We hope our story helps others navigate this tough situation.

Common Health Issues in French Bulldogs 🩺

If you’ve been around Frenchies long enough, you know these little clowns come with big personalities… and sometimes even bigger vet bills.

Here are some of the most common health issues in French Bulldogs:

• IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease): A spinal condition that can lead to pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis. It’s one of the most common (and costly) problems we’ve faced with Winston—twice.

• Brachycephalic Syndrome (BOAS): That adorable squishy face? It often comes with breathing difficulties, snoring, and overheating. Some pups may even need surgery to improve airflow.

• Allergies: Food and environmental allergies can cause itching, ear infections, and skin flare-ups. Many Frenchies are sensitive and require special diets or meds.

• Cherry Eye: A red, swollen gland popping out from the corner of the eye—common in Frenchies and usually requires minor surgery to correct.

• Skin Fold Dermatitis: Those cute rolls can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to infections if not cleaned regularly.

• Hip Dysplasia & Patella Luxation: Joint issues that can limit mobility or cause pain, especially as your pup ages.

Every Frenchie is different, but being aware of these risks can help you prepare—not panic—if something pops up.

Is Pet Insurance Worth it? Here’s Our Experience 💸🐾

When Winston was younger, we didn’t have pet insurance. Then came his two IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) surgeries, which ended up costing us a total of $22,000 out of pocket. Without the generous help of our amazing community, getting him the care he needed would’ve been so much harder. That experience changed everything for us.

So when Charlie came along, we didn’t hesitate—we got pet insurance right away.

Here’s what we pay:

• $111/month

• 90% coverage

• $500 deductible

• $20,000 yearly allowance

This plan is fully customizable—you can adjust coverage, deductibles, and max payout to fit your budget and bring the monthly premium down if needed.

Charlie’s recent MRI and surgery cost $13,469.59. With our insurance, we were reimbursed $11,685.59, leaving us with just $1,783.96 out of pocket.

Our advice:
If you’re thinking about pet insurance, don’t wait until something happens. Most plans won’t cover pre-existing conditions—and with most Frenchies, it’s not a matter of if, but when they’ll need care.

 A Little Frenchie Humor to Brighten Your Day 

It’s honestly incredible how fast Charlie is recovering. Within just 3 days of surgery, he was walking around like nothing ever happened. (Frenchie toughness = unmatched.)
We’ll still be keeping his movement limited for the first two weeks until his follow-up appointment — but clearly he thinks he’s ready for a full-on zoomie session.

Winston’s idea of “emotional support” is sitting nearby and dramatically sighing every time we won't share our snacks.

If your pup has any funny quirks or post-surgery antics, hit reply and tell us — we’re all in this (chaotic, adorable) Frenchie life together!

Wrapping up with Love ❤️

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of PupCulture. Whether you’re navigating the ups and downs of Frenchie health or just here for the laughs, we’re so grateful to have you with us. Give your pup an extra belly rub from us — and we’ll see you next week with more updates, tips, and tail wags!

Stay PAW-some!
Winston & Charlie