Pomeranians are an intelligent, extroverted breed. They make a great family pet and their foxlike face and double coat make them cute and cuddly. But with owning a Pomeranian comes a big responsibility. Because of their long, thick coats, they require constant grooming. If this is lacking, hairballs will form. Hairballs may seem harmless, but if ignored, they can cause a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract and require surgery.
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Understanding Hairballs
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Dogs have a natural instinct to lick themselves. It's their way of grooming. Unfortunately, a side effect is the hair is often swallowed. Usually, it's not an issue and the hair passes through the digestive tract easily.
However, Pomeranians have long hair that often gets caught up in the digestive process. The hair can get stuck in the throat or stomach, and as more hair is swallowed, it collects into an oblong ball. The body's natural reaction is to cough it up via wheezing or vomiting.
Grooming
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To help cut down on hairballs, brush your Pomeranian frequently. If possible, start grooming as a puppy so the dog can get used to the feel of the brush. A rubber brush is best for the safety and comfort of the dog. If you are not showing your dog at competitions, you also could keep its hair short. This will eliminate long strands of hair collecting in the intestines.
Feeding
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Doghealth.com recommends using dry food as opposed to wet food. According to their site, "These foods help to 'sweep' the fur along the intestines in the right direction." Pour a tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil over your dog's food every day to help move the food through its intestines and give the coat a nice sheen as well. Oil is harmless to animals and is a common ingredient in hairball medications.
Over-the-Counter Medication
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Cat hairball medicine also can work in dogs. However, if given in large doses, it can cause diarrhea. The same is true for laxatives or petroleum jelly. Make sure to speak with your veterinarian if you choose to try any of these remedies. He will advise you as to a safe amount and how often it should be given.
A product made specifically for cats or dogs is FurBall Dr. This can be ordered online and comes in capsule form with dosage recommendation.
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