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 termed “black skin disease.” However, the cause must be investigated, for alopecia can be caused by many things, including hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, allergies, excessive female estrogen, stress, fleas, mites and mange.

      In all, the Pomeranian is a healthy, long- lived companion that brings much joy to his lucky owners.

       HEART PROBLEMS

      Occasionally Pomeranians, like many other breeds, suffer from heart problems. It is therefore sensible to request your vet to check your Pom’s heart whenever you visit for routine examination or vaccination.

       KIDNEY STONES

      Kidney stones are not unknown in Pomeranians, but of course these can occur in many breeds and may appear in either sex. However, because the urethra of the male is longer and narrower than that of the female, obstruction is more common in males. Symptoms of kidney stones are frequent urination, bloody urine, dribbling urine, straining, weakness, depression, vomiting and pain, so it is evident that urgent veterinary advice should be sought. Although kidney stones can occur in dogs even less than two months old, they usually appear in adults between two and ten years of age.

       WHELPING AND WHELPS

      Newly born Pomeranian puppies are exceptionally tiny and can be held in the palm of your hand. Being so tiny and fragile, it is understandably important that they are treated with great care.

      Although bitches are usually larger than males in this breed, small bitches can require Cesarean section. The likelihood of this should be discussed with your veterinarian prior to a mating taking place.

       Physical Structure of the Pomeranian

       BREED STANDARD FOR THE

       POMERANIAN

      Compact and short-backed describe the desirable appearance of the Pomeranian.

      The American Kennel Club breed standard for the Pomeranian is effectively a “blue-print” for the breed. It sets down the various points of the dog in words, enabling a visual picture to be conjured up in the mind of the reader. However, this is more easily said than done. Not only do standards vary from country to country, but people’s interpretations of breed standards vary also. It is this difference of interpretation that makes judges select different dogs for top honors, for their opinions differ as to which dog most closely fits the breed standard. That is not to say that a good dog does not win regularly under different judges, nor that an inferior dog may rarely even be placed at a show, at least not among quality competition.

      The breed standard given here is that authorized by the American Kennel Club. It is comprehensive, and so is reasonably self-explanatory. However, as with most breeds, there are variances between the standards used in the US and that in Britain, where the Pomeranian first emerged as a show dog.

      Notably, the British standard allows less

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