The Tools Needed to Groom a Pomeranian

Types of Brushes

• Maintain the dampened coat with a slicker brush. The brush should be soft in order to avoid breaking hair. Slicker brushes are used to achieve a full, puffy appearance to the dog's coat. Brush forward, taking care to do so gently as you flip the hair and run the brush through it. Use a large and very soft bristled slicker to prevent damage and remove the thick shed hair in the undercoat as you brush. Avoid pin brushes with knobs on the tips as they are damaging.

Metal Comb

• Use a metal tooth comb on your pommie's coat when grooming. Metal combs are obtainable in various sizes and you should have a large one for the long hair and a small one to use on the shorter hair of the legs and feet. Wide tooth combs are gentler for removing large tangles. Choose a narrow width comb for use on the top of the pommie's head and her face.

Scissors

• Purchase a quality pair of grooming scissors to shape the crown of hair surrounding the pommie's face, and for trimming stray hair around the anus. Scissors for use around the face and eyes should always be the blunted type. Use a pair of smaller, straight scissors to trim the fine hair on the feet and between the toes. They can also be used for the soft hair around the pommie's ears. Reserve a pair of large scissors for the rougher outer coat.

Nail Clippers or Grinding Tool

• Choose a pair of high quality clippers with a non-slip grip to trim the nails of younger pomeranians. For adults, the better choice may be a grinding tool, such as a dremel. Since pommies are highly energetic dogs, trimming the nails can prove challenging. A grinder will give you more control and create less of a chance of harming a wiggling dog while you work. Hold the dog on your lap for greater ease during the process. Use caution and do not cut the nails too short.

Conditioner

• Obtain a small plastic spray bottle to use in dampening the coat before brushing. Mix water with approximately 1 ounce of a quality hair conditioner for pomeranians. Spray the mixture on the coat sparingly as you brush. This will aid in removing tangles and matted hair. Be sure to continue misting the coat as you work. Start at the skin, working outward, then brush. Never brush a dry coat as this is damaging.

Shampoo

• Locate a pet shop that specializes in quality products and choose a shampoo for bath time. There are many types of dog shampoos and it is important to get the best one for your pommie's coat. Discuss this with the proprietor. The store owner should be well-versed in the types of products she sells and can help you choose. A low-suds shampoo is always recommended for a pommie due to coat texture. Oatmeal shampoo is excellent for dry skin and would be a good choice during winter months when you will be bathing your dog less.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

• Remember to tend to your pommie's teeth and gums. The toothbrush and toothpaste are a crucial part of the grooming process. Toothbrushes constructed solely for dogs make it easier to brush their teeth. Special toothpastes are available at your pet shop as well. Look for a quality brush and paste. Since dogs will swallow whatever you use to brush their teeth, this is very important. The paste should be palatable to the dog so it will enjoy the experience rather than resisting having its teeth brushed. It's a good idea to buy small quantities and try out different brands.