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Common Chow Chow Health Issues

Dr Julia Brassel
Reviewed by:
Dr. Julia Brassel
Veterinarian

The Chow Chow is commonly known as a teddy bear look-a-like, all-purpose dog with a blue-black tongue. They were originally bred in ancient China as guard dogs, but due to their cute looks and appreciation for being incredibly loyal dogs, this breed has quickly become popular worldwide.

If you’re considering buying a Chow Chow and want to know what to look out for regarding common health conditions with this breed, follow our guide, which will provide you with all you need!

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Are Chow Chows Prone To Health Problems?

As is the case with purebred dogs, they will eventually develop some genetic health problems. Some aren’t going to be as much of an issue and are easily treatable, while others will force the breeders to discontinue them from their responsible breeding programme.

A good breeder will communicate whether there have been any issues in the breed line before and what to look out for when buying Chow Chow puppies, so make sure you contact a breeder you can trust.
 

Common Health Issues For Chow Chows

According to the American Kennel Club, these are some of the most common hereditary conditions to be found with Chow Chows and other purebred dog breeds:

Elbow and Hip Dysplasia

This is a condition where the affected bone (hip bone, elbow or sometimes knee joint) slips out of its socket and causes quite a huge amount of pain.

This health condition usually occurs in older dogs as their joints wear out. It can, however, also be a hereditary condition that bothers your puppy from a young age.

Symptoms are trouble standing, limping, or your dog sitting in weird positions with one leg pulled back or only balancing on one paw if your Chow suffers from elbow dysplasia in particular.

Your vet will provide you with treatments such as painkillers or joint booster shots, but those are all short-term solutions. A surgical replacement can alleviate the issue but is generally not recommended.

Eye Diseases

Your Chow Chow can suffer from various eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma or distichiasis, which all cause issues with vision and eventually can lead to complete blindness.

Usually, symptoms only start showing once these diseases have progressed into severe stages. Look out for red, cloudy, swollen or heavy, teary eyes. Usually, this can be treated with medication such as beta-blockers or, in severe cases, with surgical removal.

Gastric Torsion

Also known as “bloat”, this is a dangerous condition where your Chow Chow’s stomach twists. Symptoms can be constipation, diarrhea or vomiting, and a bloated stomach. This is an emergency and requires immediate attention from a vet.

General Health Care

Chow Chows are known for their thick coat and skin folds. You should consider these and put in extra grooming effort, besides thoroughly brushing their smooth coat, to ensure your dog does not get skin infections in one of their many folds.

On top of that, regular nail trimming will prevent them from having a painful walking experience if their nails get too long.
 

Should I Insure My Chow Chow?

Chow Chows are not necessarily more prone to get ill than other dogs, and insurance for your pet is not compulsory, but many owners do consider it.

As a responsible dog owner, you will want to keep your Chow Chows safe from harm. Pet insurance can come in handy with expensive vet bills and ensuring your dog gets the best possible care to stay happy and healthy.

Tips for choosing the best insurance for Chow Chows

Before deciding if you are going to get insurance for your pet, you should consider the following:

Not every pet insurance will provide cover if your dog is already an old adult dog. If your pet already has a pre-existing medical condition, most insurance will not cover that either.

Prices also vary widely, so getting multiple quotes is recommended. And even though it feels counterintuitive, the best time to insure your dog is when it is still a healthy puppy.
 

What Is The Lifespan Of A Chow Chow?

With the right amount of exercise, food, mental stimulation and daily walks, your canine friend will have an approximate life expectancy of 8 to 15 years.
 

Final Thoughts on Chow Chow Health Issues

Chow Chows are wonderful family members with an independent streak who deserve experienced owners who care for their furry friends throughout the whole dog’s life.

Knowing which conditions can befall your beloved Chow is vital to providing them with the right pet insurance and care to keep your dog happy.

Learn more about: Chow Chow Dog Breed Information

Other helpful information

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