Pomeranians For Dummies
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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.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book author:

D. Caroline Coile, PhD, has written 26 books and more than 300 articles about dogs. She has received numerous awards and has taught college classes in psychology and animal learning.

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