Chow longevity

The fragment irritates the joint and wears away the cartilage of the humerus. Elbow Dysplasia is usually apparent by around 4 months but by ten months your chow chow would be showing significant signs of the disease and a diagnosis generally being made between 4 and 18 months of age.

All chow chows with elbow dysplasia will have forelimb lameness, although the degree may vary. It usually gets worse after exercise, and your pet seems stiff when getting up from resting, and will tire easily.

The chow chow will typically stand with the elbows held close to the body, and the paws rotated outward. The joint s may appear thickened or swollen, and the dog may resist manipulation of the elbow.

Elbow dysplasia will also influence the life span of your chow chow if there is an increased persistence. Bloat in chow chows is a serious digestive issue that could result from your pet eating too much or gastric dilatation volvulus GDV , which involves a twisted stomach in a chow chow. Bloat in chow chows is an informal term that covers a pair of related but distinct digestive issues.

Bloat is a genetic predisposition for rough coated chow chows. Gastric dilatation and volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Chow Chow is more at risk than other breeds. Bloat in chow chow that involves GDV is more complicated than an excess of gas, fluid, or food, because it comes with a horrifying twist.

When a chow bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. Not only are fluids, gasses, and food matter distending the stomach, but they are effectively trapped there. A twisted stomach allows nothing to escape, in or out. All avenues for relief — belching, flatulence and defecation among them — are blocked. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen.

Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your chow chow may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. It can also be seen that Bloat plays an important role in determining the longevity of your chow chow. Entropion is a disorder of the eyelids, common in Chow Chows, such that they are turned inwards resulting in the eyelashes constantly rubbing on the surface of the eye causing irritation, discomfort and pain.

Entropion is a disorder that causes the eyelids to roll inward toward the eye. It can affect the upper eyelid, lower eyelid or both eyelids. Entropion can be an inherited condition but can also be acquired as a result of temporary eye irritation.

Entropion in chow chows is usually a congenital disorder, meaning the chow chow is born with it. This type of entropion called conformational entropion has a genetic component.

Another common type of entropion in chow chow is spastic entropion muscle spasms cause the eyelids to rub against the eye. This type of entropion often correlates to other eye issues, which are typically painful, like a foreign body in the eye or injury or damage to the cornea. Feeding a Chow Chow the right food in the right amount at each stage of his life will set him up for a lifetime of healthy growth. After the Chows is at least a year old it is fine for them to eat one meal a day.

Although many choose to feed them twice a day. The feeding time should be consistent as much as possible to maintain proper health. For those who feed once a day it is recommended to feed in the evening, since an animal tends to settle down quietly to sleep after a meal.

The amount of food fed can vary from chow to chow. Remember that each chow will have different needs based on size, diet, and activity levels. Always note not to feed them too much meat because it may cause problems for their skin and coat. The Chow Chow is a low to moderate energy dog breed. Every dog is an individual and some Chow Chows can be lazy while others can be more active.

Very short walks are recommended for your puppy with a maximum of ten minutes each day, your puppy will tire easily and for the first few months will be getting all necessary exercise from playing and running around that they may not require any extra walking. Over exercising your Chow Chow puppy while it is still growing is not a good thing to do. In general, a Chow Chow needs 45 to 60 minutes of exercise and activity on a daily basis.

Chow Chows are happiest when they have up to an hour of exercise per day. They love a good walk, but in the summer heat they might not want to exert themselves too much because of their thick coat. Daily exercise is still important even for lazier Chow Chows to release energy, maintain weight and overall health and to prevent boredom.

On average, Chows will stand around inches, and they typically weigh between pounds. Although they are considered a medium-sized dog, they sport a sturdy and muscular build. One of the most distinctive features of the Chow Chow is their tongue.

This trait is so unique that the Shar-Pei is the only other dog breed to have a dark-colored tongue. Other iconic features of the Chow include their tightly curled tail, which rests on their back, and their nearly straight hind legs. Because their legs are much straighter than most other dogs, when they walk, Chows have a distinct stilted gait.

And unfortunately, Chows are not hypoallergenic dogs. Between their bear-like coats and their tendency to shed all year round, individuals who are allergic to dogs should definitely consider a different breed. The Chow personality is often described as that of a cat. These dogs are often aloof, independent, and strong-willed. Early and continued socialization and training can help discourage territorial behaviors.

These dogs can learn to live in a household with other animals. However, many are just as happy being the only pet. Chows make for a great choice for both singles and people living with a large family, though it is recommended that the household has older children. Still, no matter, it is extremely important to teach your children how to interact with their dog and supervise all interactions until your child is older.

These dogs are also not the best fit for a first-time dog parent since they require more time and work when it comes to their training. An experienced dog parent may find this breed to be more manageable. Falling into the same category as Dobermans, Boxers, and Rottweilers, Chow Chows at some point in time were unrightfully labeled as an aggressive dog.

Because of this overgeneralization of the breed, unfortunately, many Chow parents will find that various parks or apartment complexes do not allow these dogs. Sad to say, especially because the not overly energetic Chow makes for a perfect apartment dog.

No matter the breed, when a dog is treated properly and receives appropriate training and socialization, they will turn out to be a well-tempered dog. Perhaps one of the main reasons that Chows have this bad rap is simply because they are misunderstood. For instance, Chows do not enjoy being forced into certain situations, like hugs, and they can be hesitant around strangers.

If a stranger were to approach the undeniably cute, teddy bear dog and go to hug them, the Chow could show signs of being unhappy. Another example is that Chows do not have good peripheral vision, so it is best if new people approach them from the front.

Many people may not realize this and thus accidentally startle a Chow, leading to the dog appearing grumpy or even mean.

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Chow Chow Lifespan.