Sometimes called the Pom-Pom or Pom for short, the Pomeranian is a Spitz type toy dog. This breed has a soft downy coat and needs extensive grooming every day if you want it to continue to look nice and clean. Grooming can take a lot of time and this is an aspect that needs to be thought about before actually opting to get home a Pomeranian.
Feeding and Grooming
Most breeders today use and recommend fresh homemade food as against commercial foods that are available. While raw meat is not recommended, lean meat cooked at home with vegetables is the best choice. If commercial food is what you are opting for, make sure that the brand that you choose is approved and a reputed one. This breed is also prone to skin allergies and breathing problems that are caused due to grain intolerance.
Brushing a Pomeranian daily is essential if you want to keep the hair from matting. Brushing also activates glands and keeps the skin from getting dry. Many Pomeranian owners give their pets a nice 'puppy cut' which is essentially a short coat. Ear and nail inspection daily should also be part of the grooming routine. It is not required to bathe your Pom more frequently than once in a fortnight since bathing and shampooing can devoid the skin of essential oils. This breed is also prone to dental issues like tartar, plague and bad breath and therefore the teeth should be brushed at least once in a week. Vitamin and dental treats can help in managing dental problems better.
Exercise
Even though a Pomeranian is an active breed, its size does not necessitate outdoor exercise. A short walk for fun or indoor activity is enough. Since the breed is sociable and likes to spend time with humans, personal attention and involved activity is a must for proper stimulation.
Special care and health concerns
With a life span of anywhere between 12 to 19 years, Pomeranian's are generally healthy dogs. However there are some potential health issues that may arise.
- Hip dysplasia - A dislocation of the hip bone and socket joint that can be caused due to hereditary factors or environmental accidents or injuries.
- Patent ductus arteriosus - A congenital heart disease that can be tested for before bringing a puppy home.
- Collapsing trachea - A serious condition that can cause sever breathing problems.
- Skin diseases - Grain (wheat, soy or cereal) intolerance can cause skin diseases in a Pom.
Additionally, unless the long coat is groomed properly every day, ticks, matted hair and other skin diseases can manifest themselves.
- Follicular dysplasia - A specific skin disease also called alopecia X can result in chunks of hair falling off.
- Hypoglycemia - A poor diet can result in extremely low levels of blood sugar. If the levels plummet, your pet can actually go into coma.
- Hypothyroidism - Caused by an underactive thyroid gland, low levels of thyroid hormones can result in many typical symptoms.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - A degenerative eye condition that can lead to total blindness.
- Dental issues
- Luxating patella - A slipping kneecap, this condition is generally caused due to some injury or excessive exercise or running.
- Black skin disease - Usually present in the male of the breed, the black skin disease is one where shedding is not necessarily followed by regrowth.
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