Top 9 Pet Insurance Plans For Chow Chows (2022)

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Chow Chows look like fluffy teddy bears, but similarly to Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, the breed gets an unfair rap as inherently aggressive. It’s true that Chows are fiercely loyal, having a history as guard dogs and hunters in ancient China. Anyone who has a Chow knows they’re excellent, devoted companions; as we say, “There are no bad dogs, only bad owners.”

Unfortunately, like with most dogs, the Chow Chow breed is predisposed to certain medical conditions. While these health issues can be expensive to treat, you may be able to cover the high costs if you invest in pet insurance for your dog early.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right pet insurance plan for your beloved Chow Chow. This guide will help you select a plan that covers everything you want it to, so you can be there for your dog when they need you most.

Compare The Top 9 Pet Insurance Plans for Your Chow Chow Using our Free No-Obligation Quote Tool below

The simplest way to compare pet insurance prices is to use our tool below. The comparison tool will show you quotes from the top 9 pet insurance carriers, including Trupanion, Pets Best, Lemonade, ManyPets, FIGO, HealthyPaws, Prudent Pet, Spot, and Embrace pet insurance.

How Much Does Pet Insurance for a Chow Chow Cost?

Below are some sample pet insurance plans for a 1-year-old male Chow Chow using the zip code 75001 (Texas) as an example.

• Pets Best – $42.27 per month
• Embrace – $57.07 per month
• Healthy Paws – $30.72 per month
• ManyPets – $38.65 per month

Ultimately, your plan’s premium will depend on several factors, including your dog’s age, size, and breed, as well as where you live. You also want to know what type of coverage your plan has and if it will help with Chow Chow-specific health problems. Let’s get more into those medical conditions and how much you can expect to pay to treat them.

Common Health Problems Associated With Chow Chows

Gastric Torsion (aka “bloat”) in Chow Chows

This is the most common health problem associated with large breed dogs like Chow Chows. Gastric Torson (aka “bloat”) occurs when your dog’s stomach fills too rapidly with gas, food, or fluid. Bloat is a sudden, life-threatening condition where the stomach can twist, blocking the organ’s entrance and exit. It can even obstruct blood flow, which is a medical emergency.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential when it comes to gastric torsion. Preventative measures, like regular exercise, proper diet, and not eating or drinking too quickly help as well.

If you notice any of these warning signs, you should take your Chow Chow to the vet right away:

• Swollen belly
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse

RELATED: Bloat Kills 50% Of Dogs That Get It – Here Is What You Must Know

Glaucoma in Chow Chows

A disease that affects your dog’s eyes, glaucoma is the inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid.  This leads to increased pressure in the eyes, which can ultimately cause damage to the optic nerve. Dogs can have either primary (inherited) or secondary glaucoma (caused by disease or injury.) Glaucoma is more common in the Chow Chow breed.

Glaucoma is extremely painful, and the disease progresses quickly, so it’s important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible to reduce the discomfort and prevent complete blindness.

Look out for these signs and symptoms:

• Watery eyes
• Bulging of the eyeball (the white may turn red)
• Dilated pupils
• Frequent blinking or even vocalizations of pain

Entropion in Chow Chows

Usually an inherited condition, Entropion is another eye-related issue common in the Chow Chow breed. Entropion occurs when the eyelids roll inwards, causing your dog’s eyelashes and facial hair to rub against their cornea. Entropion can lead to corneal ulcerations, scarring, discomfort, and impaired vision if not treated. 

Elbow Dysplasia in Chow Chows

The term elbow dysplasia represents several defects relating to the elbow socket. This condition occurs when the three bones making up the elbow joint don’t properly fit together, causing progressive arthritis and pain.

Elbow dysplasia can be difficult to detect initially because some dogs don’t appear to show symptoms. In others, it may manifest as a slight limp or lameness in the limbs.

Stomach Cancer in Chow Chows

Also known as gastric carcinoma, stomach cancer is rare in dogs, but the Chow Chow breed is at a higher risk than most. There are different types of stomach tumors, some of which grow very slowly and others that can grow quickly. Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant tumors continue to grow if untreated, however, and malignant tumors can spread to other organs. Untreated tumors of a certain size will also interfere with stomach functioning and cause ulcers or gastric obstruction.

The most common symptoms of stomach cancer in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss

Typical Costs Of Treating Health Issues In Chow Chows and How Pet Insurance Can Help

If left untreated, many of the health conditions listed above can result in long-term consequences and even require surgery, which ultimately makes them more expensive to manage. Selecting a pet insurance plan suited for your Chow Chow’s particular needs might save you tons of money on medical costs.

Here are just some sample veterinary expenses for Chow Chows:

• Gastric Torsion (“Bloat”) Costs: If your dog’s stomach has twisted, it will probably need emergency surgery to untwist it. The average cost of treating a bloat case with surgery runs between $2,000 and $5,000. If there are complications, the cost could be even higher. Pet insurance with emergency coverage can literally be life-saving in this case.
• Glaucoma Costs: Reducing the pressure in your dog’s eyes as early as possible can prevent blindness. Treatment will depend on the level of pressure and the condition of the optic nerve. Medication can reduce pain, but your dog will likely need surgery. The average cost of treatment is $1,500. That cost will climb with follow-up visits and ongoing treatment.
• Entropion Costs: Fortunately, this condition can be permanently corrected with surgery, but it will likely range in cost from $1,100 to $2,000.
• Elbow Dysplasia Costs: Orthopedic surgery to correct the issue is pricey, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 on average. Depending on the severity of the condition, your dog may not need surgery. Still, treatment for arthritis and other joint issues can be expensive. Your dog will likely require ongoing pain medications (~$20 – $50 per month) and joint supplements. The vet may also prescribe physical therapy, which could cost $50 per session.
• Stomach Cancer Costs: Both treatment options and the outlook depend on the type of tumors present. Diagnosis will be costly, as it will involve several tests, including X-rays, blood tests, and urinalysis. Depending on how advanced the condition is, treatments could involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination. Ultimately, a gastric carcinoma diagnosis plus treatment will cost you thousands and potentially into the tens of thousands. Pet insurance makes a huge difference in situations like this. Sadly, many cases are not caught until the advanced stages, which may mean surgical intervention won’t be possible.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions common in Chow Chows can help you catch them early, saving your dog and your money. When in doubt, take your pup to the vet to have them diagnosed.

What Is Pet Health Insurance And Why Do I Need It For My Chow Chow?

Pet health insurance works very similarly to human health insurance. Your policy quote will range in monthly price, depending on your dog’s breed, age, and where you live. Typically, you’ll spend around $15-$103 per month as a pet parent.

Pet insurance is mainly about peace of mind, knowing you won’t be totally overwhelmed in case of an emergency. Enrolling even when your dog is young and healthy will ensure you have plenty of coverage when they need expensive medical care later. If you choose a plan more suited to your dog’s particular breed, you’ll be more prepared when something happens later on in their life.

Some plans cover accidents and illnesses, while others only cover accidents. Certain plans do cover breed-specific illnesses, and others do not. It all depends on what type of coverage you choose. With our free pet insurance comparison tool, you can get quotes from multiple insurance companies with no obligation to commit.

Whatever plan you choose, you’ll feel better knowing you can take care of your dog when they need you most. Plus, you won’t have to suddenly shell out thousands of dollars. Learn more about how pet insurance works here.

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