to children who are properly instructed in how to handle them.
THE “P” IN COMMON SENSE
To take a urine sample to your vet for analysis, the easiest way is to catch the urine in a large, clean bowl and then transfer this to a bottle. Owners attempting to get their dogs or bitches to urinate directly into a bottle will spend many fruitless hours in their efforts!
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Despite his small size, the Pomeranian is generally a healthy little dog, but, as in so many other breeds, certain health problems arise. It is in the best interests of the breed for new owners to know what to look out for. If owners are aware of the problems that can occur, they are undoubtedly in an advantaged position to deal with them in the best manner possible. Some problems are genetic and are carried via heredity, while others are not.
LEG PROBLEMS
Pomeranians are known to suffer from trouble with the knee joints, known as patellar luxation, a problem that is fairly common among Toy breeds. Many dogs with patellar luxation live with the problem without experiencing pain, in part because the breed is so light in weight. However, surgery has to be resorted to in severe cases. It is sensible to train your Pomeranian not to do any strenuous jumping, especially off high places, for this can result in damage to the knees. Climbing up and down stairs should also be restricted or, at the least, supervised. Another important factor is that a dog should not be overweight, as this is likely to exacerbate the problem.
Poms love to play and require exercise to stay fit. Well-behaved children can be ideal playmates for Poms.
THE JOYS OF YOGURT
At the first sign of any minor infect the author has often found that live yogurt, administered orally, is of gre benefit. This sometimes has the effect of rectifying the problem almost immediately, before a course of ant biotics becomes necessary.
DISC PROBLEMS
Occasionally Pomeranians can suffer from disc problems, and these can be very painful. The majority of vets treats this condition with steroids and restricted activity, usually with the dog’s being confined to a crate for a couple of weeks. Disc problems should always be treated seriously and veterinary attention is essential at an early stage. Pomeranians are resilient dogs and some heal well enough to continue to enjoy active lives when they have fully recovered.
Begin taking care of your Pom’s teeth at an early age. Active dental hygiene promises that your Pom will keep his teeth for a long time.
EYE PROBLEMS
Pomeranians can fairly frequently suffer eye infections, in part because their eyes are more exposed to dirt, dust and injury than the eyes of many other breeds. Always be sure to keep a careful check on the cleanliness and condition of your Pomeranian’s eyes and, at the first sign of injury, especially if the eye is starting to turn blue in color, urgent veterinary attention is required. Early diagnosis and treatment can often save a dog’s sight. Another problem within the breed can be excessive tearing, known as epiphora.
TEETH AND GUM PROBLEMS
As with many of the other smaller breeds, some Pomeranians lose their teeth at a relatively early age. It is therefore important to pay close attention to the care of teeth and gums so that they remain as healthy as possible, thereby preventing decay, infection and resultant loss.
WEIGHTY CONCERNS
Elderly Pomeranians, like other dogs, can sometimes be prone to putting on excess weight. The profuse coat deceives an owner into thinking that the dog is of correct weight, when in fact it is too fat. Over-eating or feeding the wrong foods may be the cause. Often an older dog requires a slightly different diet from a younger one.
Infection in the gums may not just stop there. The bacteria from this type of infection is carried through the bloodstream, the result of which can be diseases of the liver, kidney, heart and joints. This is all the more reason to realize that efficient dental care is of utmost importance throughout a dog’s life.
Feeding dry foods is recommended by many vets as a means of helping to keep teeth clean and in good condition, but of course regular, careful brushing with a veterinary toothpaste helps enormously.
Another dental problem that can occur in Pomeranians is retained deciduous teeth, meaning that a puppy’s baby teeth may not drop out on their own. Should they still be in place when the adult teeth have begun to erupt, it is worth taking your puppy to the vet to see if they need extraction. If they remain in place when the new teeth have come through, they will push the adult teeth out of alignment.
OPEN FONTANEL
An open fontanel, also called a molera, is a hole in the skull, and this can sometimes be found in small Pomeranians. If sections of skull bone are actually floating, there can be serious problems, but otherwise this need not be a major worry. Obviously there is danger if the dog knocks his skull on the soft spot, but the coverings of the brain are tough and there is a fluid “cushion” that protects the brain from minor bumps.
Most open fontanels close by the time a Pomeranian is around one year old, but sometimes the center one does not close completely. Even in the latter case, many dogs so affected live long lives.
BREATHING DIFFICULTIES
Breathing difficulties in the Pomeranian can be caused by tracheal collapse. Many Pomeranians are prone to “gagging,” but this should be monitored in case the problem is something more serious, in which case surgery may be needed. Some vets, however, make every effort to deal with the problem without surgery, and instead look more closely into conditions at home.
Some Pomeranians can suffer badly in smoky or dusty conditions, this being due to their tiny throats. Keeping them away from such environments can help greatly. Sometimes such an attack can also be brought on by over-excitement. On occasions when they do suffer a coughing attack, they should be picked up slowly and gently patted to reassure them.
SKIN PROBLEMS
Some Pomeranians suffer from skin problems, often
