The short answer
Watch the eyes: squinting, tearing or a red eye can mean inward-rolling eyelids rubbing the eye, and a painful, cloudy eye can be glaucoma, an emergency. See a vet for crusts or sores on the face, ears or feet. Keep the dog lean for its joints and cool in summer. Many Chows dislike handling, so ask about low-stress vet visits. Price pet insurance in your first week.
Entropion: the eyelid problem
Entropion is an eyelid that rolls inward so the lashes and hair rub the eye. VCA Animal Hospitals names the Chow Chow among affected breeds. Signs are squinting, tearing, rubbing the face and a red or cloudy eye. Left untreated, constant rubbing can ulcerate and scar the cornea.
Treatment is surgical correction of the eyelid, which usually brings lasting relief. See your vet early rather than waiting for it to settle.
Browse adoptable Chow Chows
Ask the rescue about any eyelid surgery or skin treatment the dog has had.
See Available Chow Chows →Glaucoma
The Chow Chow is on VCA’s list of breeds associated with glaucoma, where pressure inside the eye rises. A red, painful, cloudy or bulging eye is an emergency, because vision can be lost within hours.
Skin
Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the skin. Cornell’s veterinary college notes that Akitas and Chow Chows are common victims. It usually starts on the face and ears, with fragile pustules that break and crust, then often affects the footpads. It usually first appears in middle age and is managed with long-term treatment your vet directs.
Chow Chows are also among the breeds VCA lists for colour dilution alopecia, which causes thinning hair and dry, scaly skin in dilute-coloured dogs and is manageable but not curable.
Joints and heat
Hip and elbow dysplasia occur in sturdy medium-to-large breeds. VCA stresses weight control and steady, low-impact exercise. Stiffness after rest or reluctance to climb stairs is worth a vet check.
The dense double coat makes Chows prone to overheating. Give shade and water, exercise in the cool part of the day and never shave the coat.
The first vet visit after adoption
Ask for an eyelid and eye exam, a skin check, a joint assessment, a body condition score and baseline bloodwork. Many Chows are wary of strangers and handling, so ask your clinic about low-stress handling and a calm first visit. Bring the rescue’s records.
Price pet insurance the same week. Every Canadian provider excludes conditions documented before enrolment, and eyelid surgery and autoimmune care are common costs.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Chow Chow health issues?
Entropion, glaucoma, pemphigus foliaceus and other skin disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, and heat stress.
Why does my Chow Chow squint?
Inward-rolling eyelids (entropion) are a common cause in Chows. The hair and lashes rub the eye. See your vet; surgery usually corrects it.
My Chow’s eye is red and cloudy. Is it urgent?
Yes. Chow Chows are among the breeds associated with glaucoma, which can cost vision within hours. Go to a vet the same day.
What is pemphigus foliaceus?
An autoimmune skin disease that causes crusts and sores, usually starting on the face and ears and then the feet. Chow Chows are among the breeds most often affected. It is managed with long-term treatment.
Can Chow Chows handle hot weather?
Poorly. The dense coat traps heat. Give shade, water and cool-hour exercise, and never shave the coat.
Should I get pet insurance for a rescue Chow Chow?
It is worth pricing in your first week. Canadian pet insurance excludes conditions documented before enrolment, and eyelid surgery and autoimmune skin care are common costs.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Entropion in Dogs: Chow chow named; surgical correction
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Glaucoma in Dogs: Chow Chow named; emergency
- Cornell University Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Skin Autoimmune Diseases: Akitas and Chow Chows common victims of pemphigus foliaceus; signs; middle age
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Color Dilution Alopecia: Chow Chows named; manageable, not curable
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: weight control and exercise
General information, not veterinary advice. Diagnosis and treatment decisions belong with your veterinarian.
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