What is entropion, and why is it common in Chow Chows?

Entropion is the Chow Chow's most characteristic health issue, and it is important to understand. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid (upper, lower, or both) rolls inward, so that the eyelashes and hair rub against the surface of the eye (the cornea). This is painful and irritating, and over time the constant rubbing can cause corneal ulcers, scarring, and, if untreated, damage to vision. Chows are particularly prone to entropion because of their distinctive facial structure, the heavy skin folds, wrinkling around the face, and deep-set eyes that are characteristic of the breed also predispose the eyelids to rolling inward (in other words, the very features that give the Chow its look also cause the problem). Signs to watch for include squinting, excessive tearing/watery eyes, redness, pawing or rubbing at the eyes, discharge, and sensitivity, and the deep-set nature of Chow eyes can make it harder to spot early, so regular eye checks matter. The treatment for significant entropion is corrective surgery, a procedure to reposition the eyelid so it no longer rolls in and the lashes no longer rub the eye, which is a common, generally successful surgery, but it is a real cost (often several hundred to over a thousand dollars, sometimes per eye) and one reason pet insurance is worth considering for a Chow. Mild cases may be managed medically (lubrication) but significant entropion typically needs surgery to prevent ongoing pain and eye damage. For adopters: entropion is common in the breed, so ask the rescue whether an adoptable Chow has had, or shows signs of, entropion (a dog that has already had corrective surgery is fine, that is a resolved issue); and if you notice signs of entropion (squinting, tearing, eye rubbing) in your Chow, see a vet, as it is treatable but should not be left, because it causes ongoing pain and can harm the eye. Responsible breeders select against entropion, another reason breeding quality matters if buying.

Is pet insurance worth it for a Chow Chow?

For many Chow Chow owners, pet insurance is worth serious consideration, in significant part because of the breed's eye issues. Entropion, the hallmark Chow condition, commonly requires corrective surgery (often several hundred to over a thousand dollars, sometimes per eye), and the breed can have other eye problems too, so eye-related costs alone make a meaningful case for insurance. On top of that, the Chow can face other potentially significant conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia (possible surgery and lifelong arthritis management), patellar luxation, hypothyroidism (lifelong medication), skin conditions (which can need ongoing treatment), and bloat (emergency surgery), so overall veterinary costs can be substantial and somewhat unpredictable. Pet insurance can turn large, unpredictable vet bills into manageable monthly premiums, and for a breed with the Chow's risk profile that can be genuinely valuable. The key points: enroll while the dog is young and healthy, before any condition (and Chows are prone to some, especially the eyes) becomes a pre-existing (and therefore excluded) condition, this is the single most important factor, and especially important for a Chow, since entropion, if it has already appeared, may be excluded; compare policies (coverage, deductibles, reimbursement, annual limits, and how they handle hereditary/breed conditions, which matters for a breed with known genetic issues like the eyes and joints); and, whether or not you insure, an emergency fund is wise. Owning a Chow comes with real potential health costs, especially the eyes (see the adoption guide), and planning for them, through insurance, savings, or both, is a genuine part of responsible ownership.

Do Chow Chows have skin problems, and how do I prevent them?

Chow Chows can be prone to skin problems, largely because of their very heavy double coat and their facial and body skin folds, so good coat and skin care is an important part of keeping a Chow healthy. Why the breed is predisposed: the profuse, dense double coat can trap moisture and debris close to the skin (especially if not groomed adequately), and the skin folds (around the face and elsewhere) can trap moisture and become warm, humid environments where bacteria or yeast overgrow, leading to skin-fold dermatitis and other infections; the breed can also have allergies (which cause itchy, inflamed skin) and, less commonly, autoimmune skin conditions. Common signs of skin trouble include itching/scratching, redness, odor, hair loss, hot spots (moist, inflamed patches), and irritation or infection in the folds. Prevention and management: (1) Groom regularly and thoroughly, brush the heavy coat frequently to remove dead undercoat, prevent matting (mats trap moisture against the skin), and allow air to the skin, this is the single biggest thing you can do for a Chow's skin (see the temperament and training guide for the grooming routine). (2) Keep the dog dry and clean, thoroughly dry the dense coat after baths or wet weather (a damp double coat is a skin-problem risk), and keep folds clean and dry. (3) Bathe appropriately, not too often (which can dry the skin) and with thorough drying. (4) Manage the folds, check and gently clean facial and body folds, keeping them dry. (5) Address problems early, if you see itching, redness, odor, or hot spots, see the vet, skin infections are much easier to treat early, and underlying allergies may need veterinary management. (6) Support overall skin health, a good-quality diet (and, if the vet advises, omega-3 supplementation) supports skin and coat. So while Chows are somewhat predisposed to skin issues by their coat and folds, diligent, regular grooming, keeping the dog and its folds clean and dry, and prompt attention to any skin trouble go a long way to preventing problems, which is one reason the Chow's grooming commitment is genuinely part of its healthcare, not just cosmetic.

Chow Chow Health Issues

Q: What health problems are Chow Chows prone to?

Chow Chows are prone to several notable health issues, some related to their distinctive build (the heavy coat, deep-set eyes, and straight-ish hind legs), that prospective owners should understand: (1) Eye problems, especially entropion, this is a hallmark Chow issue, entropion (the eyelid rolling inward so the lashes rub the eye) is common in the breed because of the heavy facial folds and deep-set eyes, and it is painful and can damage the cornea, often requiring corrective surgery; Chows can also have other eye issues (glaucoma, cataracts, and reduced peripheral vision from the deep-set eyes). (2) Hip and elbow dysplasia, inherited joint malformations, common in the breed, causing pain, lameness, and arthritis; responsible breeders screen. (3) Patellar luxation, slipping kneecaps. (4) Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, relatively common, causing weight gain, lethargy, and coat/skin problems, manageable with daily medication. (5) Skin problems, the heavy double coat and skin folds can predispose to skin infections and conditions, and the breed can have allergies. (6) Bloat/GDV, a risk in deep-chested dogs, worth knowing the signs. (7) Heat sensitivity, not a "disease" but a real health risk, the heavy double coat makes Chows prone to overheating (see the dedicated question). (8) Other, the breed can also see conditions like elbow issues, certain cancers, and, occasionally, autoimmune conditions. Not every Chow gets these, but the breed genuinely has some notable predispositions, especially the eye issues, so prospective owners should be aware, adopt from sources that share what health history they have, keep up preventive veterinary care, and consider pet insurance given the potential for significant health costs (especially eye surgery). The good news is that many of these are manageable or treatable with good care.

Q: How long do Chow Chows live?

Chow Chows typically live about 9 to 12 years, a reasonable lifespan for a medium-to-large breed, and many live healthy lives into their senior years with good care. To give a Chow the best chance at a long, healthy life: keep the dog at a healthy weight (obesity stresses the joints, a concern for a breed prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, and burdens the body, and note that hypothyroidism, which Chows are prone to, can cause weight gain, so rule it out if a well-fed dog gains inexplicably); provide appropriate moderate exercise (Chows are relatively low-energy but need regular activity to stay fit, avoiding the heat, see below); feed a good-quality diet in appropriate amounts; keep up preventive veterinary care (checkups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, and regular eye checks given the entropion risk); maintain the coat and skin (the heavy coat and folds need grooming to prevent skin problems, see the temperament and training guide); and stay alert to the breed's health issues, especially the eyes (entropion), plus joints, thyroid, and skin, so problems are caught early. As Chows age, watch for arthritis (common, and manageable), which the Montreal winter cold can aggravate, though their heavy coat keeps them warm, so senior Chows may need joint support. Good preventive care, weight management, eye monitoring, appropriate exercise (avoiding heat), and prompt attention to health issues all help a Chow Chow live a long, comfortable life.

Q: Are Chow Chows sensitive to heat?

Yes, Chow Chows are genuinely sensitive to heat, and it is an important consideration for Montreal summers. The Chow has a thick, dense double coat, one of the heaviest coats of any breed (the profuse coat is a defining feature), which is wonderful for cold weather (Chows tolerate and even enjoy Montreal winters) but makes the breed prone to overheating in hot, humid weather, which Montreal summers deliver. Some Chows also have a somewhat shortened muzzle (they are not a fully brachycephalic breed like a Pug, but the moderately-short muzzle can slightly reduce cooling efficiency), which can add to heat sensitivity. Heat is a real health risk: overheating and heatstroke are dangerous, and a heavy-coated breed is at elevated risk. To protect a Chow in Montreal summers: keep the dog cool (air conditioning on hot, humid days is genuinely advisable); avoid exercise and exertion in the heat, walk only in the cool parts of the day (early morning, late evening); always provide fresh water and shade; never leave the dog in a parked car; and watch for signs of overheating (heavy panting, drooling, weakness, bright red gums, distress), cooling the dog and seeking veterinary care immediately if you see them. Critically, do NOT shave a Chow's double coat to "cool it down", it is a common well-meaning mistake, but the double coat actually insulates against heat as well as cold and protects the skin, and shaving can impair temperature regulation and cause the coat to regrow poorly; instead, manage heat through environment and behavior, and keep the coat well-brushed and free of dead undercoat, which helps air circulate. So the Chow is a cold-weather breed that does well in Montreal winters but requires real, active heat management in summer, one of the more important seasonal health tasks for a Chow owner in a climate with hot summers.

The short answer

The Chow's hallmark issue is entropion (eyelids rolling inward, painful, often needing corrective surgery), driven by the deep-set eyes and facial folds; it can have other eye problems too. Also watch for hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, skin problems (from the heavy coat and folds), and bloat. Critically for Montreal: the heavy double coat means the Chow does well in winter but is heat-sensitive in summer (keep cool, never shave). They live ~9 to 12 years. Keep the dog lean, groom diligently (it's skin healthcare, not just looks), do regular eye checks, and consider pet insurance (enroll while young), eye surgery alone makes a strong case.

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A Chow Chow at the vet in Montreal — The features that give the Chow its look, deep-set eyes, heavy coat, folds, also drive its health needs; knowing them gives a Chow its best shot at a long life.

Many of the Chow Chow's health issues trace directly to its distinctive look: the deep-set eyes and facial folds predispose it to eye problems, and the profuse double coat predisposes it to skin trouble and overheating. None of this makes the Chow a sickly breed, but it does mean an owner needs to know the predispositions, especially the eyes, and stay on top of grooming and preventive care. Here's the honest health picture.

Eyes: entropion, the hallmark issue

Entropion, the eyelid rolling inward so lashes rub the cornea, is the Chow's most characteristic health issue. It's painful and can cause corneal ulcers, scarring, and vision damage if untreated. Chows are prone to it because their heavy facial folds and deep-set eyes predispose the eyelids to roll in, the very features that give the breed its look also cause the problem. Watch for squinting, excessive tearing, redness, eye-rubbing, and discharge (the deep-set eyes can make it harder to spot early, so do regular eye checks).

Significant entropion needs corrective surgery (repositioning the eyelid), a common, generally successful procedure, but a real cost (often several hundred to over a thousand dollars, sometimes per eye), a key reason pet insurance is worth it for a Chow. Don't leave it, it causes ongoing pain and eye damage. Ask a rescue whether an adoptable Chow has had or shows signs of entropion (a dog that's already had corrective surgery is a resolved issue). Chows can also have glaucoma, cataracts, and reduced peripheral vision.

Joints, thyroid, and bloat

Hip and elbow dysplasia (inherited joint malformations) are common in the breed, causing pain, lameness, and arthritis, responsible breeders screen. Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) also occurs. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is relatively common, causing weight gain, lethargy, and coat/skin issues, easily diagnosed with a blood test and well-managed with inexpensive daily medication (worth testing if a well-fed Chow gains weight inexplicably).

Bloat/GDV is a risk in deeper-chested dogs, learn the signs (swollen hard abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, drooling, labored breathing) and treat as an immediate emergency. For joints, keep the dog lean (the biggest lever), and note the Montreal winter cold stiffens arthritic joints in seniors, though the heavy coat keeps them warm, so provide joint support as needed.

Heat sensitivity: the Montreal summer risk

The Chow's very heavy double coat (one of the heaviest of any breed) is wonderful for Montreal winters but makes it prone to overheating in hot, humid summers (its moderately-short muzzle can slightly add to this). Overheating and heatstroke are dangerous. Protect the dog: keep it cool (air conditioning on hot days), no exercise in the heat (walk in cool hours only), always provide water and shade, never leave it in a car, and watch for overheating signs (heavy panting, drooling, weakness, bright red gums). Never shave the double coat, it insulates against heat as well as cold and protects the skin; manage heat through environment and keep the coat brushed out to help air circulate.

Skin: grooming is healthcare

Chows can be prone to skin problems because the profuse double coat and skin folds trap moisture and debris (breeding grounds for skin-fold dermatitis and infections), and the breed can have allergies. Watch for itching, redness, odor, hair loss, and hot spots.

Prevention is mostly grooming: brush regularly and thoroughly (removing dead undercoat, preventing mats that trap moisture, letting air reach the skin, the single biggest thing you can do, see the temperament & training guide), keep the dog and its folds clean and dry (dry the dense coat thoroughly after baths/wet weather), bathe appropriately (not too often), and address problems early (see the vet for itching, redness, odor, or hot spots). This is exactly why the Chow's grooming commitment is genuinely part of its healthcare, not just cosmetic.

Lifespan and the pet-insurance case

Chows live about 9 to 12 years. Keep the dog lean, appropriately exercised (avoiding heat), groomed, current on preventive care (including regular eye checks for entropion), and alert to eyes, joints, thyroid, and skin so problems are caught early.

Eye surgery alone (entropion often needs it, sometimes per eye) makes a meaningful case for pet insurance, and the Chow can also face dysplasia, thyroid, skin, and bloat costs. Enroll while the dog is young and healthy (before entropion or other conditions become pre-existing exclusions, especially important for this breed), compare how policies handle hereditary/breed conditions, and keep an emergency fund regardless.

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Adopting an adult Chow lets a rescue share the dog's known health history, including any eye issues, and you can ask directly about entropion. Refreshed regularly across Montreal-area organizations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What health problems are Chow Chows prone to?

Eye problems above all, especially entropion (from the deep-set eyes and folds), plus hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, skin problems (from the heavy coat and folds), bloat, and heat sensitivity. Not every Chow gets these, but the eye issues in particular are a real predisposition. Awareness, preventive care, diligent grooming, and pet insurance all help.

What is entropion, and why is it common in Chows?

Entropion is the eyelid rolling inward so lashes rub the cornea, painful and potentially damaging. Chows are prone to it because their heavy facial folds and deep-set eyes predispose the lids to roll in. Signs: squinting, tearing, redness, eye-rubbing. Significant cases need corrective surgery (often several hundred to over a thousand dollars, sometimes per eye). Ask a rescue whether a Chow has had or shows signs of it.

How long do Chow Chows live?

About 9 to 12 years. Keep the dog lean (obesity stresses joints; rule out hypothyroidism if it gains weight), appropriately exercised while avoiding heat, well-groomed, current on preventive care including regular eye checks, and alert to eyes, joints, thyroid, and skin. Watch for arthritis in seniors, aggravated by the Montreal winter cold (though the heavy coat keeps them warm).

Are Chow Chows sensitive to heat?

Yes, genuinely, and it matters in Montreal summers. The very heavy double coat (great for winter) makes Chows prone to overheating in hot, humid weather (the moderately-short muzzle can add to it). Keep the dog cool (air conditioning), exercise in cool hours, provide water and shade, never leave it in a car, and never shave the coat (it insulates against heat too). Manage heat by environment and keep the coat brushed out.

Is pet insurance worth it?

For many owners, yes, largely because of the eyes. Entropion often needs corrective surgery (sometimes per eye), and the Chow can also face dysplasia, thyroid, skin, and bloat costs. Enroll while the dog is young and healthy (before entropion or other conditions become pre-existing exclusions, especially important here), compare how policies handle hereditary conditions, and keep an emergency fund regardless.

Do Chows have skin problems, and how do I prevent them?

They can, because the heavy double coat and skin folds trap moisture and debris (causing skin-fold dermatitis and infections), and the breed can have allergies. Prevention is mostly grooming: brush regularly and thoroughly (removing dead undercoat, preventing mats, letting air to the skin), keep the dog and folds clean and dry, bathe appropriately with thorough drying, and address any itching, redness, odor, or hot spots early. Grooming is genuinely healthcare for a Chow.

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Chow Chow Health Issues: What Montreal Owners Should Know