Pomeranians Articles

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-12-2022

Pomeranians are tiny but sturdy dogs that are friendly and protective. Keep your Pomeranian healthy and looking great by following a grooming routine, knowing the warning signs to call your veterinarian, and removing potentially hazardous items from your household. If you need additional information about Pomeranians (or dogs in general), look to a variety of useful websites for help.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

The most common allergens for dogs are flea saliva, pollens, dust mites, and food. If your Pomeranian is itching to scratch for any reason, you can ease the itch at home with several treatments. Here are a few: Apply an ice pack or even immerse the dog in cool water. Pat dry, but avoid blow-drying or vigorous rubbing. Bathe with medicated shampoo and cool water, leaving the shampoo in contact with the skin for at least ten minutes; then rinse and dry thoroughly. Pour a little aloe vera juice on the irritated area and leave it on. Apply a topical nonitch spray, witch hazel, moisturizing spray, or topical steroid medication sold for humans. Try to get your dog's mind off the itch. Play some games, go for a walk, or give a treat that requires extensive chewing or working. Fatty acid supplementation (fish oil, which you can buy in any drug store, is one good source) can provide improvement over the long term. It's effective in up to one fourth of the cases of itchy skin, especially when used with antihistamines. Note: Don't confuse these supplements with those sold as food supplements to improve coat quality. Your veterinarian can suggest a safe dose of antihistamines. Common human antihistamines safe for dogs are clemastine fumarate, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, and hydroxyzine. Histamines don't cause as much inflammation in dogs as they do in humans, so antihistamines may not be as effective in dogs. Finding the most effective types usually takes a couple of weeks of trying each one out. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness, a desirable side effect in cases of intense itching but not great for long-term use. Don't give your dog any over-the-counter antihistamines that contain other medications, such as those in sinus or cold-relief medications. Talk to your veterinarian ahead of time to find out the correct dosage for your puppy and keep some in the medicine chest. If itching continues, your veterinarian may prescribe short-term oral cortisone medication. This treatment provides the most immediate and effective relief and may be necessary in order to start treating the itch. A veterinary dermatology specialist can perform intradermal (skin) testing with common allergens but not food allergens. If the culprit is identified, a series of injections can often help the dog overcome the allergic reaction. A good clue: If your dog is biting at her skin, especially her front feet, scratching at her ears, or rubbing her rump on your furniture frequently, take her to the vet to see whether something else could be the cause and to get temporary relief.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

As a breed, Pomeranians are extroverted, intelligent, vivacious, great companions, and competitive show dogs. Here's a closer look at some of the other traits that make these dogs such satndouts. Ball of energy: Poms' pistonlike legs move in a blur as they rush from one place to the next. If Poms were big dogs, they'd travel miles every day and drive their people quite insane. Fortunately, they're small, and even though they travel great distances, they can do it all inside your home by scurrying from room to room. Nonetheless, don't let their small size fool you into thinking you can ignore them. In a pinch they can exercise on their own, but they need the mental exercise that only you can provide. Without that stimulation, a Pom finds his own entertainment and challenges — and then exercises his mind by getting into trouble! Cuddle-up pup: What about being a lap dog? Poms enjoy cuddling in your lap and being spoiled, but only after they've had a chance to run around and be dogs. Poms are affectionate but not fawning. They tend to be very attached to their family, often choosing one member as their special person. Perky and playful: Poms just want to have fun! This fun-loving fuzz ball is always eager to play a game. For instance, he loves to play big-game hunter with tiny, stuffed, squeaky toys and may find a thrown ball irresistible. He won't back down from a game of tug of war, but be careful not to pull too hard or he may go flying — and he can do all this inside your apartment! But be sure you get outside too. The little brainiac: Pomeranians are incredibly bright, although their independent nature means they often use their intelligence to get into mischief. And they won't be bullied into compliance — their Spitz ancestry makes them too good at digging in their heels. That's why positive, reward-based training methods work so well with them. When you convince your Pom that your way pays off for him, he becomes your apt and willing pupil. In fact, many Pomeranians have attained high honors in obedience trials, and they're adept at picking up new tricks. Bold and brash: One of the less-bright traits of Poms is forgetting their size. They tend to approach much larger dogs with brash cockiness, almost daring them to cross the line. The bluff often works — the big dogs back away from this mighty mouse — but not always. As a Pom owner, you want to make sure your dog doesn't overestimate herself. Watchdog extraordinaire: This perky patroller is always on the alert, sounding the alarm if anything is even slightly amiss. Sometimes they can get carried away in the barking department, so it's important to train your dog when to bark and when to obey your command to be quiet. Staying quiet is a challenge for most Poms, though! After all, he does have very strong opinions, and he expects you to listen to them.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

A Pomeranian in shedding season looks just like a fluffy dandelion giving up its seeds in a strong wind. Because shedding is controlled in part by changes in light, most natural shedding occurs as the days get longer. But because modern dogs live in our homes with year-round artificial lighting, they shed somewhat all year. However, they still tend to have more intense shedding periods in the spring and, for some reason, fall. Females also shed following their seasons and especially after whelping puppies (they go practically bald!). During those periods of intense shedding, your house may look like it's in a snow flurry. Puppies shed parts of their coat at different ages: At about 14 weeks of age, the face starts looking slick; this stage lasts about three weeks. Around 4 to 5 months of age, its hair starts falling out in a stripe down the back. The shedding continues until an adult coat replaces the puppy coat. Because the puppy tends to shed unevenly and can look so scraggly, you may start to think your puppy's a mixed breed or has caught some terrible coat disease. Don't worry. Unless bare skin is showing, this is the normal puppy shed. About 9 or 10 months of age, your naked Pom blossoms into a powder puff. Shed hair has to go somewhere. It can get tangled in remaining hair to form frightening mats, it can ball together into tumbleweeds that bounce down your hallways, or it can cling to everything from your furniture to your clothes. The only other choice is for your brush and comb to catch the shedded hair, which explains the need for daily grooming during shedding season. Brushing your dog every day cuts down on the amount of hair that decorates your home and clothing.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Living with a Pomeranian, or any pet, for many years, means dealing with illness. It's important to recognize signs of serious illness in your Pom and get help immediately. Keep your veterinarian's number handy, and if your Pomeranian shows any of the following symptoms call your vet promptly: Respiration: Quicker than 10–30 breaths per minute at rest Pulse: Higher than 80–150 beats per minute at rest Temperature: Higher than 100–102.5 degrees F at rest Capillary refill time: Color does not return to toenail in less than 2 seconds after being pressed until it turns white Hydration: Skin does not snap back into position within 3 seconds of being lifted Anal region: Redness, swelling; also scooting or licking the area Behavior: Weakness, lethargy, incoordination, stiffness, aggression Ears: Head shaking, head tilt, bad odor, debris, crusted tips Eyes: Unequal or unresponsive pupils, tearing, squinting, gooey discharge Feet: Swollen or misaligned toes, abrasions, split nails Gait: Limping, especially holding up a rear leg for a hop or two Gums: Whitish, bluish, speckled, or any color but pink Mouth: Bleeding, ulcers, bad breath, loose teeth Nose: Thick or colored discharge; crusted top Skin: Parasites, hair loss, itching, crusts, sores, lumps Stool: Black, tarry, or bloody diarrhea Torso: Swollen abdomen, weight loss

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Taking care of your Pomeranian with regular grooming just makes good sense — and a well-groomed Pom is even that much cuter to look at. The following table covers basic grooming steps (and necessities) and how often to do them so you can take your Pomeranian from ordinary to extraordinary: Do This This Often Wipe eyes Daily Brush coat Daily or every other day Brush teeth Optimally daily; at least weekly Check ears Weekly Clip nails Every other week Bathe Monthly Trim Optional; monthly Use a professional groomer Optional; every six weeks

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Make sure you dog-proof your house to keep your Pomeranian safe. Dogs are curious — they chew things, run under furniture, and squeeze into tiny spaces. Do a room-by-room search thoroughly checking for the following hazardous household items and put them away: Animal baits, herbicides, fertilizers Antifreeze Chocolate Detergents, bleach, drain cleaners Doors (including garage doors) that can slam Electric wires Gasoline and oil Medications Objects that can fall Open-sided balconies Pins and needles Rat traps Small toys that can be swallowed or partially inhaled Socks, yarn, and long things that can be swallowed Unfenced pool or yard

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

If you want information about Pomeranians, or dogs in general, a number of websites are available. You can find information regarding dog adoption, health, training, boarding, and competitions on the following sites: Need information on registration, competition, or other official matters? Head to the American Kennel Club. Want to find breeders, rescue Poms, or to just become more involved with all things Pom-related? Contact the American Pomeranian Club. Looking for motels and other places you can take your dog while traveling? Check out DogFriendly.com. Lost a pet or want to find one for adoption? She may be waiting at Petfinder. Looking for veterinary information? Go to Veterinary Partner.