Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small dogs of the spitz family, which includes the German Spitz, Zwergspitz, Toy German Spitz, and the like. Because of its small size, it is often classified under the toy dog group. A typical Pomeranian dog possesses two coats: a top coat and an undercoat. The former is often long, straight and coarse, while the latter is soft, thick and very fluffy. In fact, it is this fluffy appearance of Pomeranians that make them such popular pets and show dogs.

Pomeranian dogs are also very intelligent. Despite their diminutive size, they are very courageous and loyal companions. They are also quite sturdy and like the Chihuahua, which is another toy dog breed, are built very strongly for their size.

Even so, the Pomeranian is also vulnerable to certain congenital disorders specific to its breed. In other words, although Poms are generally healthy dogs, they can also get sick.

Here is a list of some of the more common health issues suffered by Pomeranians and what you can do to prevent the disease or, at the very least, minimize their degree of suffering as a result of these defects.

Patellar Luxation

Otherwise known as “weak knees,” this disorder is common among dogs of the toy breed group. Patellar luxation is a painful condition affecting mainly the knees (“patella”) and is often observed by lameness in one leg.

Although described as congenital or hereditary, this condition can also occur in Pomeranians due to injury. You can try to reduce the risk by not allowing your precious Toy Pomeranians from jumping on or off furniture. Neither should you try to teach them to stand on their hind legs or let them jump off your arms. And lastly, don’t let small children hold them.

As we said, patellar luxation is very painful and can be very costly to treat.

Coat Blow-Out

Sometimes, your Pomeranian will suddenly lose all of its coat. This is actually a normal occurrence and can be caused by any number of things. Usually, a Pomeranian will blow its coat after it has undergone surgery, spaying, neutering, dental cleaning, etc. It is usually no reason to be alarmed because the Pomeranian puppy or dog would just grow back its hair after two to four months. But sometimes, the blow-out might be caused by stress or injury. If that is the case, it may take longer for your dog to grow back its hair.

The whole growing back the hair is a process and there is usually no way to speed it up. In such a case, the best thing you can do is to lessen your dog’s exposure to needless stress.

Hypoglycemia

Another common ailment that Pomeranians share with other toy breeds is Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. The most prevalent cause of this disorder is lack of food and water. However, hypoglycemia may also be caused by stress and injury suffered by your Pomeranian dog.

Stress can result if you just got your dog from a Pomeranian breeder. The sudden change can adversely affect the dog’s health and reactions. He may not be used to the kind of food you are feeding him, or he is still adjusting to his new environment.

Fortunately, the adjustment period is temporary. You just have to sit tight and “ride the wave” so to speak. You can help by asking your Pomeranian breeder what food he was previously feeding the Pom and then try to use that.

Open Fontanel

Open Fontanel, or “soft spot” on the head, is not really a problem. Most of them just close by themselves. However, some Pomeranians do go through their entire life with this slight defect. It only becomes dangerous when coupled with another condition called Hydrocephalus, a condition where the dog’s head contains water. Protect the soft spot as much as possible in order to prevent any injury to the area.