TL;DR – Chow Chow Health Guide 🐾
Chow Chows are stunning, loyal companions, but their unique genetics mean they’re prone to certain breed-specific health issues. Staying proactive with vet care is the best way to protect their well-being.
Key takeaways:
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Eye issues like entropion & glaucoma often require specialist care
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Joint concerns (hip, elbow, and knee problems) may need surgery in severe cases
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Endocrine & metabolic risks include hypothyroidism and obesity
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GDV (“bloat”) is a life-threatening emergency in deep-chested breeds like Chows
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Ear infections and allergies are common but manageable with regular care
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Socialization and training help prevent behavioral challenges
While genetics play a role, routine checkups, nutrition, and preventive care may extend a Chow Chow’s lifespan and quality of life.
Chow Chows are a distinctive breed with a characteristic teddy bear appearance, lion-like mane, and signature blue-black tongue. Chow Chows can be unique and engaging pets, but like any dog breed, their lack of genetic diversity may predispose them to certain health issues.
Whether you care for a Chow Chow puppy or an adult, proactive wellness and veterinary care are crucial in detecting and addressing health conditions that may impact the breed’s lifespan or quality of life.
Here is an overview of common Chow Chow health issues, including how to recognize the signs of a problem and what treatment options are available to help protect your current or future pup’s well-being.
1. Eye conditions
Entropion is a Chow Chow health issue in which the eyelids roll inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye’s surface. The friction is uncomfortable and can lead to scratches on the eye (i.e., corneal ulcers), infections, or inflammation and scarring that limit vision. Symptoms include squinting and tearing that start at a young age.
Chow Chows may also develop glaucoma, a painful and blinding condition caused by increased pressure inside the eye. Signs include redness, cloudiness, and vision loss that typically start in one eye but may eventually affect both eyes.
Chow Chows with eye conditions often need expert treatment from a veterinary ophthalmologist, which may include medications, long-term monitoring, or corrective surgeries.
2. Hip and elbow dysplasia
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are joint conditions that lead to instability and arthritis. Affected pets are born with abnormally formed hip or elbow joints, but symptoms, such as limping (i.e., lameness) or soreness after activity, may not start until later in life.
Special X-rays taken under sedation can help veterinarians assess elbow or hip joints in puppies and older dogs. Supplements, physical therapy, and weight control may help in mild cases, but severe cases may require surgery.
3. Knee conditions
Slipping kneecaps (i.e., patellar luxation) and cruciate ligament disease are knee conditions that affect Chow Chows. Signs your dog may have a knee problem include:
- limping or skipping
- shifting weight away from the sore leg
- trouble sitting
You might notice signs develop slowly or appear after exercise or a fall. Treatment depends on the dog’s size and activity level. Medication and rest can help in mild cases, but heavier dogs might need surgical correction and long-term lifestyle changes to reduce strain on their joints.
4. Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones to help regulate metabolism in dogs. If levels dip too low because of an underactive gland (i.e., hypothyroidism), affected dogs may develop weight gain, low energy, behavior changes, skin infections, or a thinning coat.
Veterinarians can easily screen for or diagnose hypothyroidism with blood tests that measure the levels of various thyroid hormones. Most dogs improve quickly with daily medication to replace the hormones they are missing.
5. Gastric dilatation-volvulus
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also called bloat, is a life-threatening emergency that can develop in deep-chested breeds like the Chow Chow. In GDV, the dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply to vital tissues. Dogs with bloat may drool, try to vomit without bringing anything up, or have a distended belly.
Without emergency surgery, bloat is life-threatening. Tactics that may reduce the risk of bloat include:
- feeding smaller, more frequent meals
- avoiding intense activity after mealtimes
- using elevated bowls
- talking to your vet about preventive surgery (i.e., gastropexy).
6. Ear infections
The thick fur around a chow’s head and ears creates a warm, moist environment that bacteria and yeast love. Ear infections are common in this breed, especially during humid weather, after bathing or swimming, or in dogs with underlying allergies.
Signs of ear infections include head shaking, scratching, odor, redness, and brown or yellow debris in or around the ear. Medications and routine cleaning can help manage and prevent ear infections. When allergies are the reason for ear infections, dogs might need to eat a special diet or take daily medications to control their symptoms.
7. Obesity
Sedentary Chow Chows are at risk for obesity, which can worsen joint issues and increase the likelihood of other health problems. Feeding high-quality dog food that supports a healthy weight can help you avoid these issues in your furry pal.
If your pup struggles with their weight, ask your veterinarian if switching to a new dog food, trying fresh food, or starting an exercise program can help them lose weight and support better energy levels, digestion, or skin health.
8. Behavioral concerns
Although often aloof with strangers, Chow are loyal to their families and can make excellent companions. However, puppies who grow up without adequate socialization may develop behavior issues, including fearfulness or aggression. Enrolling your Chow Chow puppy in a training class with other puppies can help jump-start the socialization process so they can grow into a well-adjusted adult.
Supporting Chow Chow Health
Chow Chows are an ancient dog breed with genetic lines that go back many years. The genes in those lines code for traits that make the breed what it is, but they can also predispose dogs to breed-related health problems.
Genetics and inheritance can be unpredictable. Even when veterinarians can identify a gene responsible for causing a disease, they don’t know why some pets develop the disease while others don’t. Even the best, most cautious breeders cannot eliminate all possible Chow Chow health problems.
A better strategy for keeping your pup healthy is committing to routine healthcare, including check-ups, blood tests, vaccinations, and X-rays, which allow for early detection of breed-related health issues. The sooner you know about a health problem, the easier it will be to manage.
Paying for veterinary care
Veterinary care can be pricey, especially if your Chow Chow develops a chronic health problem or needs an expensive surgery or procedure. One way to manage unexpected expenses is to enroll your Chow in pet insurance early in life. A pet insurance policy applies only to conditions that develop after your plan is already in place, so the sooner you purchase one, the better.
Pet insurance typically covers costs related to accidents and illnesses. Some plans also cover preventive care, but they can be overly restrictive and may not provide good value for the money. Ask your vet if they offer wellness plans—service bundles that let you pay for all your pet’s annual care in monthly installments—or financing options like CareCredit.
Fluffy coats and big hearts
The Chow Chow is an all-purpose dog breed with a distinctive appearance and personality. While they are described by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as aloof, dignified, and serious, owners of the breed know that these dogs are adaptable, unique, and eternally loyal.
The Chow Chow’s life expectancy is 8 to 12 years, and while you can’t choose your dog’s genetics, you can commit to caring for them responsibly and proactively to help extend their lifespan and healthy years.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.
Citations
Cohen, Aly. 2023. “Patellar Luxation.” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. February 24, 2023. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/patellar-luxation.
“Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) or ‘Bloat.’” 2025. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. 2025. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/gastric-dilatation-volvulus-gdv-or-bloat.
