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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Antifree