| Chow Chow Health and Care |
| HEALTH Anesthesia Generally, Chows are "poor risks" when anesthesia is involved, and Chows should be treated by the veterinarian as he would treat a Bulldog or any extremely short-muzzled dog. This happens because this breed is said to have small hearts, in comparison with their body weight, and since anesthesia is given according to body weight, often they have been given a much larger dose than their bodies can take, causing their hearts to stop functioning Entropian If your Chow tears more than you feel is normal, he may have "entropion," a condition caused by an eyelid abnormality in which the dog�s eyelids are turned inwards rather than outwards. Usually congenital, entropion can also be acquired in later life due to an eye injury or infection. If your Chow tears excessively, consult your veterinarian for advice. Heat Prostration Another problem with the Chow is that he is subject to heat prostration if left in a hot, closed-in area or in the sun. He is particularly bothered by extremely high humidity, especially if the temperature climbs above eighty degrees. Never, Never leave any dog in the car in hot weather. Symptoms of the beginning of heat prostration are constant panting followed by heavy rasping breathing. Should your Chow have such a problem with the heat, fast treatment is a must. If you are at home and have access to water and ice, wet him down with cold water, wrap him in towels soaked in cold water, and put several ice bags on him. Call the veterinarian immediately! In these moments your Chow may be close to death, and you must act with the greatest dispatch. When he is suffering from heat prostration, in addition to the above-mentioned remedies, he needs cool shade, quiet and rest and no extra anxiety. If you are traveling when this problem arises, try to find a gas station or any place so you can wet down your Chow. Most experienced Chow breeders suggest that if you must travel with your Chow in extremely hot weather, your car should be air-conditioned. Do not take an unnecessary risk by subjecting your Chow to heat and humidity even if you should miss a dog show or a trip or any activity in which your Chow may feel the heat and humidity. When the weather is hot and humid, your Chow should be at home in a cool, quiet room, or in a cool yard or kennel with plenty of cool water. An air-conditioned house, kennel, and car are the best prevention for heat attacks. Skin Problems / Allergies As skin problems are becoming more common within the breed, your Chow Chow can also suffer from skin and hormonal problems. Often congenital, these problems are hardly ever obvious to the naked eye in pups, therefore, you will have to ask the breeder about the parents of the pup and if you don�t find that he is healthy or has an issue with his appearance or temperament, refrain from buying him. Skin and hormone problems include hot-spots and allergies. If your pet scratches himself a bit too much or has irritated skin that looks red and infected, show him to the vet immediately. Hot-spots, allergies and probably the most common causes. CARE The Chow needs to be brushed at least twice weekly or more if possible. Grooming is essential to keep the long, thick coat in peak, clean condition. Chows have a dense undercoat that supports the coarser outer coat and gives it its fluffy appearance. Many aduIt Chows have a ruff almost like that of a lion that must be handled with care because it can be stripped away by too much grooming. The puppy undercoat, however should be brushed out when it starts to loosen so that the adult coat may come in properly. Always brush out the dead coat and be careful that the remaining coat does not mat. Both a rake brush and a pin brush (both kinds are available at any pet show and even at most supermarkets) are needed to keep the coat in good, clean condition. The rake is useful in the removal of the fluffy undercoat and the pin brush to groom the longer, off-standing guard hairs which are of coarser quality. Nails should be trimmed regularly to a comfortable length. CONFINEMENT Chows should be kept in a fenced-in area or inside the house in a room where they have a good deal of freedom. Chows should not be put on a chain for they resent the feeling of being "trapped". Let your Chow have as much freedom as you have to offer within the limits of his safety and welfare. � 1996-2007 The Chow Chow Club Inc. - All rights reserved. With additions made by Amanda Leland. |
| **Note: All the underlined subheadings are linked to pages with more information about that particular health risk. Although it may not be a website specifically for chow chows, you will find a wealth of information on these links. It will be well worth the time spent to look over them. |
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