Questions & Answers On: Care, Medical, Pregnancy & Breeding

How To Care For Your Pomeranian Questions and Answers

(If your question is not listed or you need further information feel 

free to email us. We will update this as frequently as possible.)

1.)Q: How often to give a bath? Often to brush their fur?

     A: A bath once every three weeks is a good idea and blow dry after each bath. (Any more this can dry out 

         their skin.)  If you need to use a detangling spray for dogs.  To freshen up their coats in between use a

         conditioner detangler and brush through.  Brush their fur 3 times a week.

2.)Q: What kind of shampoo to use?

     A: Only use dog shampoos that are mixed with the dogs skin and fur in mind;

          some shampoos help with body, some help with skin problems.  On my links

          page there is a link to a company from which I by my shampoo for my dogs.

          They are very reasonable.

3.)Q: How often do you give them a pedicure (clip nails)?

    A: Clip their nails about every 4 to 5 weeks, more often if the nails seem to be

         curling down. Also, at the same time as clipping the nails it is a good idea

         to trim the fur on the bottom of their feet.

4.)Q: What kind of dog food should you feed them?

     A: Purina l  Puppy Chow, with lamb and rice. I always feed them puppy food

         because it is high in calcium and small enough for them to eat.

5.)Q: How to housebreak them?

     A: I put out piddle pads down and show them where to go, and if they go 

         else where I show them what they have done wrong and look straight into

         their eyes and in a firm voice say, NO! NO! NO!  You can do the same thing 

         with taking them outside.  If they go in the house show them say no firmly 

         and then take them outside.  Try to establish a routine.

6.)Q: How can I get my puppy to stop nipping me?

     A: Turn around and slap their nose (not really, but hard enough to make 

          notice). Then shake your finger at them and say No! No! No! While looking

          in their eyes until they look away.  They need to know you are in charge,

          so make sure they look away first.

7.)Q: How can I train my dog not to bark all the time?

     A: I have found by taking a rolled up news paper or something like that and

          hitting it on my hands or against something to makes a loud noise  while

          saying NO! several times.  Again do this while looking them directly in the

          eyes.

8.)Q: Do poms get along with cats?

     A: Yes, but you need to be with them until they get use to each other to make

          sure the cat doesn't use their claws on the eyes or hurt the pom.

9.)Q: Do poms like kids?

     A: Yes, they are very good with kids, if they are raised with children, or 

          around them a lot.  However, children need to be taught how to a treat 

          a pom and not be cruel to it.  Poms are very loving animals and need 

          lots of attention.

10.)Q: Will poms and big dogs do well together?

       A: Poms will not get along with big aggressive dogs.  Big aggressive dogs

            usually think poms are play toys and hurt them.  A med size dog is a 

            better if your pom is not extra small.

11.)Q: Do poms like to ride in a car?

       A: Poms love to ride in the car and go everywhere with you. They are 

            great travel pets.  However, if it is hot it is not a good idea to take them

            with you if they will be left in the car at all because their fur makes them

            extremely hot.  Their temperatures normally are over a hundred, so to

            them warm weather is extremely hot.  It is a good idea to have an air

            conditioning.  If it is warm at all do not leave them in your car for any

            reason.  They get overheated very fast.

12.)Q: Do poms need a play mate?

        A: Yes, they do. They are much happier little dogs with a play mate and

             studies have proven that having dogs with playmates live longer. They

             will also have someone to play with when you are not home, which will 

             help keep them from getting to mischievous.

13.)Q: How often to feed your pomeranian?

       A: I keep their dishes full and in front of them at all times, where they can eat 

            whenever they want.  Pomeranians are nibblers and they don't eat a lot

            at one time.  Since they have hypoglycemia problems it is important for

            them to be able to eat whenever they feel the urge.

 

 Medical Questions

1.)Q: Do poms have a history of seizures?

     A: No, seizures are not in the history of poms.  There are reasons for these.

         Seizures can stem from epilepsy, poisoning, head injury, hypoglycemia (low

         blood sugar) and low calcium during pregnancy (refer to pregnancy question

         number 1). In case of a seizure keep your pet cool, turn on the air. They burn 

         a huge number of calories. Give them karo syrup or honey. If they have gone

         into shock rub gums with karo syrup or honey. Take to a vet immediately

         if problems. Any other questions please ask.

2.)Q: What is hypoglycemia?

     A: It's the drop of insulin which moves glucose into the body's cells. It can be a

          killer if not cared for right away.  If a pom is not eating much they can have 

          hypoglycemia problems. They can also have these problems during 

          pregnancy (refer to pregnancy question 2).  It can kill faster than high blood

          sugar.

          What to look for: It can effect puppies between 5 to 16 weeks of age, it

          can be recognized when a healthy puppy suddenly becomes shaky, weak,

          listless, unaware of its surrounding, even unable to walk or stand. Advanced

          stages included: seizures before lapsing into coma, which is followed by

          death.  Steps should be taken Immediately, give glucose or sugar, karo 

          syrup (which is an excellent source mixed with warm water and given by

          eye dropper.  (You should always keep one of these on hand). I also use

          nutra-cal, they will usually lick it off your fingers if the dog is strong enough.

          Nutra-cal is a paste supplement that contains vitamins, fat, carbohydrates,

          and proteins. It should be given at the first signs of shakiness.  (I carry

          Nutra-cal with me everywhere I go with the dogs). If none of this helps

          see a vet right away. The pom may need some shots of glucose.

3.)Q: What to do for pets with diarrhea?

     A: I treat with Pepto-Bismol or you can  use Kaopectate, 1/2 teaspoon to 1

          teaspoon per 5 pounds of weight, to a maximum of 2 tablespoons up to 

          three times a day or one tablet per 15 pounds of body weight. Don't give 

          Pepto-Bismol to cats without vets recommendation. Kaopectate is

          best for cats because of danger of aspirin like compounds in Pepto. 

          This can be dangerous to cats. If the treatment doesn't help after a day

          take your pet to a vet.  Also put your pet on a bland diet such as, rice and

          cottage cheese mixed, this is good for them.  Also, keep lots of fresh water

          down to keep them from dehydrating which can set in fast. It is a good idea

          to use Pedialyte or Gatorade mixed 50/50 with plain water and offer in pets

          water bowl.

4.)Q: What if your pom gets into poison?

    A: Call your vet IMMEDIATELY!! Pets will eat anything so you need to literally

        dog proof your house.  Below is a list of things that are poisonous to your 

        pets.

        Poisonous plants indoor or outdoor are something to worry about. Dogs eat 

        anything from plants to candy coated pills. They will chew through bottles and 

        drink or eat anything that smells half way good or sweet.

        Pet poisoning can happen in different ways some are listed below.

        -Something being spilled on their fur:

        Also cleaning supplies:

        DO THIS IMMEDIATELY: 

        These are medicines that you can have on hand for pets that your vet will 

         inform you to use to help until you can get him to a vet:

 

Pregnancy Questions

1.)Q: What can be done about seizures during pregnancy?

     A: Seizures during pregnancy can be because of low calcium.  During the

          entire pregnancy you should feed the pom high calcium food such as,

          yogurt, and cottage cheese.  Calcium shots should only be given by a

          very experienced breeder because you can kill the female very easy. 

          You should take your female to the vet immediately if seizures occur

          during pregnancy. You should know that calcium shots have to be

          measured so carefully and they can be dangerous even given by a vet,

          however sometimes they are the only answer.

2.)Q: Do pregnant females have hypoglycemia problems?

     A: Yes, pregnant females have lots of problems with hypoglycemia because

          they don't always eat a lot while pregnant.  I have found that sometimes the

          female will eat better if you give them turkey or a little of what you are eating.

          If you have a female that is shaking or not eating much give them some

          nutra-cal or karo syrup.  This will help to keep them from having to much

          problem.