Chow Chow health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Chow Chow, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 21 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the Chow Chow
| Condition | What it is | Related costs |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2] | Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3] Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4] |
| Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The bones of the elbow don't grow together quite right, which causes lameness in the front legs and early arthritis. [5] | Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [6] Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7] |
| Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: breed club screening [9] | The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [8] | Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7] Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [6] |
| Entropion (rolled-in eyelids)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | The eyelid rolls inward so lashes rub the eye. It is usually fixed with a small surgery. [10] | Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7] |
| HypothyroidismNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, which can cause weight gain, low energy and skin problems. A daily pill usually controls it. [11] | Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [12] |
| Allergies and itchy skinNamed by: AKC breed page [1] | Allergies to pollen, dust mites or food often show up as itchy skin, paw licking and ear infections. They are managed, not cured. [13] | Allergy and skin treatment (owner bills): $275–$850 [14] |
Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.
Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: Health issues for the Chow Chow may include eyelid entropion, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, allergies, and thyroid function.
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1][9] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.
The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the Chow Chow, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [15] One health test costs $58 there. [16]
What to budget
For a medium dog like the Chow Chow, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [17]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Chow Chow at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 8–12 years and you get roughly $7,000–$16,300 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [17][18] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.
Insurance and savings
The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [19] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [20] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [21]
Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.
Common questions
What health problems are common in the Chow Chow?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, entropion, hypothyroidism and allergies and itchy skin. That doesn't mean every Chow Chow will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Chow Chow?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482).
Should I get pet insurance for a Chow Chow?
It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.
What health tests should a Chow Chow breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Chow Chow live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 8–12 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (21) — tap to show
- AKC – Chow Chow breed page (with the national breed club)
- VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – Elbow dysplasia
- VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- VCA – Eyelid entropion in dogs
- VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Inhalant allergies (atopy) in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Allergy & Dermatology Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Chow Chow DNA tests
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
- VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)