Care of Female Pomeranians

A member of the toy-breed classification, Pomeranians are small dogs characterized by their thick, fluffy coats and energetic personalities. A relative of the spitz, Poms originated in the Prussian region Pomerania, what is now present-day Germany and Poland. Although some experienced breeders think female Poms can be higher maintenance than males, they also say female Poms make fantastic companions. Like any other pet, maintaining constant and proper care of this breed is vital to the health of your Pomeranian.

  1. Diet and Exercise

    • Although both male and female Pomeranians do not require a special diet, providing your Pom with a high-quality dog food is best. Because Poms may experience premature tooth loss, they should be provided with dry, crunchy food to ensure gum and tooth health. Pomeranians are also susceptible to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, because of their small stomachs and a fast metabolism. This can be regulated by feeding your Pom frequent, small meals. Poms are highly energetic and, although they tend to do well in smaller living environments, regular walking and outdoor play is important for overall health.

    Training and Housebreaking

    • Pomeranians are an intelligent breed and respond well to instructions, but there are a few possible issues when training and housebreaking your Pom puppy. One problem to avoid is allowing your Pomeranian dominance over you during training. Female Poms in particular tend to exert dominance over both humans and other animals and can quickly reverse the master/pet relationship. Housebreaking can also prove difficult, as Pomeranians have small bladders and slow-to-develop muscle control. The key to solving both issues is a rigid routine, patience and a consistent effort to establish dominance.

    Common Health Problems

    • Along with premature tooth loss and hypoglycemia, there are a few other known health problems common to Pomeranians, and new owners of this breed should discuss any potential risks with their veterinarian. These problems can include patella luxation, or slipping kneecaps, a skin problem called black skin disease, collapsed trachea and heart defects.

    Grooming

    • Because of the Pomeranian̵7;s long double coat, grooming for this breed can be extensive. Frequent brushing is highly recommended for this breed to deter matting and excessive shedding. Use dry shampoo as needed and use dog shampoo occasionally and clip depending on the season, as Poms generally shed their undercoats twice a year. Also make sure to clean your Pom̵7;s ears regularly to deter infection or parasitic infestation from mites or fleas.

    Spaying and Breeding

    • Whether you intend to breed your female Pomeranian or keep her solely as a pet, it is important to address issues of spaying and breeding early in the dog's life. You should spay your pet Pom preferably before her first heat cycle to decrease the risk of cancer, infection or hormonal problems later in her life. Signs of pregnancy in unspayed females include an enlarged stomach and nipples, lethargy and excess self-grooming. Pregnancy lasts between 60 to 65 days and home birth is not typically dangerous.