Cheat Sheet
Pomeranians For Dummies
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.
Your Pomeranian's Grooming Schedule
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 |
When to Call Your Pomeranian's Veterinarian
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
Removing Household Hazards for Your Pomeranian
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
Helpful Websites about Dogs
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.
