DVM, University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 2019
MSc. (Hons.) Animal Breeding & Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 2021
Spaying is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on female Pomeranians and is an important part of responsible dog ownership. While the surgery itself is routine, proper aftercare plays a vital role in ensuring your Pomeranian recovers quickly, comfortably, and without complications.
This guide combines current veterinary recommendations with over 50 years of practical experience caring for Pomeranians. Denise Leo of Dochlaggie Pomeranians has been breeding, exhibiting, and educating Pomeranian owners since 1975, helping generations of owners provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.
For additional peace of mind, the information in this article has been reviewed by a veterinarian for accuracy. However, your own veterinarian should always be your primary source of advice, as they are familiar with your Pomeranian’s individual health needs and recovery progress.
In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect after your Pomeranian is spayed, how to care for the surgical incision, when normal activities can resume, warning signs to watch for, and practical tips to help your Pom enjoy a smooth recovery.
DVM, University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 2019
MSc. (Hons.) Animal Breeding & Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 2021
Expert Guidance for Pomeranian Owners
This article has been reviewed by a veterinarian and combines current veterinary recommendations with over 50 years of practical experience caring for Pomeranians.
Denise Leo, founder of Dochlaggie Pomeranians, has been involved with the breed since childhood and has spent more than five decades breeding, exhibiting, and educating owners about Pomeranian health and care. Her experience, together with veterinary input, helps ensure the information in this guide is both practical and accurate.
Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions, as they are familiar with your individual dog’s health needs and recovery progress.
What exactly is Pomeranian spaying aftercare? Once your Pom has been spayed, she will require extra care until she has fully recovered from what can sometimes be an ordeal. Aftercare for dogs after neutering is essential.
She isn’t allowed water or food until she has shaken the anesthesia and its potential side effects. Pomeranian dog spay aftercare involves checking her incision site twice a day.
Aftercare for a spayed puppy includes ensuring she wears the cone at all times and not washing her, ideally for 14 days. While two weeks seems to be far too long, there’s a logical reason for this.
I will explain the steps you should take to ensure your Pomeranian is as comfortable as possible during the post-surgery period, outline expectations, and explain how to identify complications during the puppy spay aftercare if they occur.
Pomeranian Spay Aftercare Tips
If you’re unsure about any aspect of your Pom’s care after surgery, you’ll likely find the answers here.
On average, cats and dogs need two weeks from the day of incision to fully heal, which is similar to humans. Despite the idea of restricting your Pomeranian for two weeks sounds ridiculous, you still need to make sure it’s done.
While your dog may heal faster, it’s still smart to be cautious rather than hasty, especially when it comes to surgical procedures and her health. If your Pom doesn’t heal within 14 days but you let her wander around anyway, there’s a high risk of health complications that may prevent her from functioning properly. The sutures might open, completely exposing her organs.
After Surgery, Your Pom Must Wear A Cone
It’s critical that your Pomeranian not scratch herself or bite at the stitches. Her incision might be so itchy that the only way to stop her from doing it is to make her wear a cone at all times. You can’t allow her to hurt the area around the incision.
In the beginning, she’ll absolutely hate it, and it will also be very uncomfortable and restrictive. However, after a few days of use, she will quickly get accustomed to wearing it.
Nevertheless, it’s imperative that you’re always directly watching her, even while you may be doing other household chores. Making sure she doesn’t destroy the cone is essential to her continuing good health. When you’re not closely observing your Pom’s activities, you would be surprised at the speed at which she bites and chews her sutures.
Many veterinarians send dogs home wearing a traditional hard plastic Elizabethan collar (often called the “cone of shame”). While these collars are effective at preventing licking and chewing of the surgical site, some Pomeranians find them uncomfortable and awkward to wear.
Fortunately, several softer and more comfortable alternatives are now available. Soft fabric recovery collars, inflatable collars, and recovery suits can often provide protection while allowing your Pomeranian greater freedom of movement and a more comfortable recovery experience. Many dogs find these options less stressful than a rigid plastic cone, making it easier for them to eat, drink, sleep, and move around normally.
Before replacing your Pomeranian’s cone with an alternative collar or recovery garment, always consult your veterinarian. The most important consideration is ensuring your Pom cannot reach the incision site, as licking or chewing the wound can lead to infection, delayed healing, or the need for additional veterinary treatment.
- 【 FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT 】Our dog donut collar enables your dog an increased range of movement .It does not block dog’s vision like traditional elizabethan collar which allows your doggie eat, drink, sleep, play at ease during the healing period. They can recover tress-free.
- 【 SAFETY PROTECTION 】This inflatable dog collar is a perfect dog cone alternative after surgery. The inner air bag made of high density material which is stronger and not easy to leak, prevent canine to stop biting and licking the injured area or surgical site, protect them from injuries, rashes and post-operative wounds.
- 【 EXTRA COMFY 】The doughnut cover is made of 3D fabric, which is fluffy and soft as comfortable as wearing a feather neck donut pillow.It helps reducing our pet’s anxiety and creating stress-free comfort experience.It is also easy to clean if needed.just unzip to take off the outer cloth and throw it in the washing machine.
- 【 ADJUSTABLE &PERFECT FIT 】The double-covered inflation valve can easily adjust air volume without pressing hard,put the e collars on the puppy’s head after blowing and then adjust the velcro strap to the suitable location
- 【 WARM PROMPT 】If the dog surgery collar is a bit large or you are concerned of the blow up collar from slipping down or getting taken off,please try to loop the daily collar with the protective dog collar,it would be helpful.Recommended size is just a suggestion ,if it doesn’t work for your pets, please contact us in time, we provide free return or refund after-sales service for you.
Restrict Your Pomeranian’s Activity After Spaying
One of the most important aspects of Pomeranian spaying aftercare is restricting your dog’s activity during the recovery period. Although your Pomeranian may appear to be doing well within a day or two after surgery, the internal tissues still need time to heal properly.
For the first 14 days following surgery, I set up a puppy playpen and restrict my Pomeranian to this area whenever she cannot be directly supervised. This helps prevent running, jumping, rough play, and other activities that could place strain on the surgical incision.
Excessive activity can cause swelling, delay healing, open the incision, or lead to other post-operative complications. This is particularly important for active young Pomeranians that may suddenly race around the house when excited.
I also avoid walks, games, and outdoor play during this recovery period unless specifically advised otherwise by my veterinarian. Restricting activity for a short period is a small inconvenience compared to the risk of complications that may require additional veterinary treatment.
If your Pomeranian has plenty of energy and becomes restless, consider food puzzles, gentle training exercises, and interactive toys, which can also help keep her mentally occupied while her body heals.
Although most Pomeranians would prefer to return to their normal routine immediately, a strict 14-day recovery period helps give the surgical site the best opportunity to heal properly and reduces the risk of setbacks.
- How We Achieve Stress-Free & Safe Play: Through a semi-open and expandable design, safe and sturdy build, and ease of access.
- Semi-Open & Expandable: Creates a stress-free environment and allows you to add more panels as your dog grows.
- Safe & Sturdy Build: No sharp edges and strong construction prevent injuries and withstand jumping.
- Ease of Access: Threshold-free gate allows easy walk-in cleaning for humans and worry-free running for dogs.
- 『GREAT PET PLAYPEN』➞ Our pet playpen the size is 42 x 42 x 25.6 Inches, the whole puppies playpen area is 12.25 square feet, which can accommodate many puppies to play together at the same time. Unlike a cramped cage or kennel, the XVISHX dog pen offers a spacious area for your dog to play in or as a lving space. Your pet can enjoy itself in a safe and sturdy environment, you can do what you want or rest as much as you want without worrying about their safety.
- 『STURDY AND SAFETY』➞ Unlike traditional iron dog playpens, we use high-strength mesh and cloth, thickened steel tubes, and connectors to assemble our playpen. This design is intended to protect dogs, as they have a tendency to bite and scratch. Iron fences can easily cause damage to their teeth and paws, and dogs may accidentally swallow iron shavings. The use of a cloth playpen can prevent these injuries.
- 『HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS』➞ Our puppies playpen, the fabric is made from high quality thickened 600D Oxford cloth, the mesh is made from high-strength nylon wire, which have strong abrasion resistance and toughness to prevent dog tearing and chewing. Thicker steel tubing keeps the fence from bending easily.
- 『DESIGNED FOR YOUR PET』➞ Our fence adopts non-capping design, which is convenient for the owner to carry the dog in and out, the open fence is more spacious and breathable space for the dog, surrounded by mesh fabric, which is convenient for the owner to see his beloved pets at any time and from any angle, and the Upward rolling door design is convenient for the dog to enter and exit the door.
- 『EASY TO ASSEMBLE & STORE』➞ Our dog playpen is made of stainless steel tubes with ABS plastic connectors, easy to disassemble and assemble without any tools. It can be removed in minutes. When disassembled, our products are very small and do not take up much space, easy to carry and store.
- 【Safe quality material】The pet playpen is made of high-grade thick mesh and 600D waterproof polyester oxford with reinforced seams. Consists of 8 mesh side panels and a half mesh top, well ventilated. You can have a 360-degree view of your pet’s condition, and you can also give your pet a panoramic view of its surroundings.
- 【Easy to use】The pet playpen on the side of this pet pen can be easily rolled up and pasted, making it easy for your pet to get in and out of the pet pen. Close the door and keep your pet safely inside. The detachable semi-mesh zipper top can be easily removed for indoor use and closed for outdoor use to provide shade. Make sure your pet is comfortable in any environment.
- 【No Assembly required】Opening the dog pen takes only a few seconds, is lightweight, strong, and does not require assembly. When not in use, it can be folded into the tote bag provided by us, which takes up minimal space and is easy to carry and store. Spacious interior Spaces allow your pet to play, sleep, hide or isolate. Perfect for indoors, lawns, beaches, parks, Tours, camping and more!
- 【Wide applicability】 This pet crate is suitable for cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, chickens, pregnant pets, and pets in recovery. It also provides a safe and secure temporary isolation area, comprehensively meeting your pet’s needs throughout different life stages.
- 【The dog pen tent is easy to clean】 simply wipe off any dirt or wash it with water, then let it air dry and continue to use. You can also put a blanket under the fence and wash it if it gets dirty.
- Versatile Dog Playpen for Mid-Sized Pets: Ideal for puppies, small dogs, and other pets up to 44 lbs, this adaptable puppy play pen offers two size options. It provides ample room for play, rest, and exploration, ensuring safety and comfort. Perfect as a dog playpen indoor or a cat playpen for multi-pet households
- Compact and Easy to Store: With panels only 2cm thick, this dog pen is highly space-efficient. Its lightweight build allows quick disassembly and portability, making storage simple. A convenient choice for those needing a puppy play pen for indoors or a portable dog play pen
- Stable Indoors and Outdoors: For dog play pen indoors, each panel features suction cups to secure it on smooth floors. Outside, included ground pegs add stability on grass or soil. Note that extended outdoor use may affect material durability. Suitable as dog fences indoor or a temporary corral para perros
- Safety-Focused Design: Featuring a tamper-resistant sliding lock and a small door for easy access, this puppy gate reduces the need to lift pets. With 4cm bar spacing, it prevents head entrapment, offering a secure puppy pen or kitten playpen for curious animals
- Durable Blow-Molded Build: NEWBULIG’s dog playpens use snap-lock joints and thicker blow-molded panels for enhanced stability. They resist deformation and wear, outperforming standard round-tube designs. Reliable for dog pen indoor use or temporary outdoor setups like a puppy playpen
- A win-win solution: The FXW Dog Playpen is designed to bring a win-win solution to you and your lovely dog. Different from a narrow enclosure cage or kennel, the FXW dog pen provides a spacious semi-open activity area specifically for your dog. Your dog will have fun in its safe and sturdy kingdom. Meanwhile, you can take a real break and be truly relaxed without worrying about your beloved pet. Fun, Relaxation and Well-being is the orientation of the FXW team.
- Unlock your freedom, savor the moment: The stakes are designed with rounded ball tops to protect the dog’s claws from injury. The rods are easily inserted into the ground for greater stability and rigidity, which won’t collapse when the dog leans against them. Also, the automatic gravity-actioned locking mechanism will ensure you can open and close the door smoothly and reduces the chance of dogs unlocking by themselves. All of this is designed for absolute safety, so you can really relax.
- Super easy to assemble: It won’t take you more than 5 minutes to assemble these portable dog fences as well as pack them away due to the rod-connected design. Meanwhile, panels can be added or removed freely to give you a fully flexible area and arrange the dog pen in any shape you need.
- Multi-scenario use: The FXW dog playpen features a powder coating that will help protect against rust and extend its life, which makes it ideal for RV camping, traveling, or for use in the yard. When used indoors, we recommend placing it on a dog pad or carpet to prevent the rods from scratching the floor, or please try our new floor protectors or dog pee pad for the same purpose.
- 【Durable 600D Oxford Fabric】The bottom pad was made of 600D thick oxford, which is durable and with high strength.
- 【Safe & Foldable Pet Playpen】Exercise dog pen has 8 connected panels (each panel 24H and 24W Inches) easy to set up puppy pet folding playpen and take it down,folds flat for easy storage and transport. No need tools for installing.
- 【Happy Floor Time】 Stressing out when your pet knocks over the food bowl or little piggies relieve themselves everywhere? The floor mat saves your day—Oxford fabric with a water-resistant coating is easy to wipe clean while protecting your piggy’s sensitive feet or your floor.
- 【Great for Small Animals】8 panels exercise pen works great as a dog fence or as an exercise area for non-climbing small to medium animals including rabbits, ducks, turtles & guinea pigs and some other small animals.
- 【Perfect for Indoor & Outdoor Use】The rust-preventive and water-proof,protects the dog playpen from the elements & included ground stakes fix to ground not to move,allow to configure into multiple shapes, great for indoor or outdoor use.
- VERSATILE INDOOR DOG PLAYPEN: 24-inch height 4-panel configuration creates a 35″ x 35″ x 24″ play area, perfect as a puppy playpen indoor or small dog pen indoor for training, rest, and safe confinement.
- CONVENIENT DOOR ACCESS: Built-in door panel makes entering and exiting easy for pet owners and puppies, eliminating the need to lift panels: ideal for dog play pen indoors daily use.
- DURABLE PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION: Heavy-duty plastic panels withstand chewing and scratching while being lightweight enough to move and reconfigure: functions as both dog fence indoor and pet playpen indoor.
- EASY ASSEMBLY & STORAGE: No tools required for setup; interlocking panels snap together quickly and fold flat for compact storage when not in use: perfect as a portable puppy play pen for indoors.
- DIMENSIONS: 35″L x 35″W x 24″H – A great size for extra small to medium-sized dogs, providing enough room to play and relax while staying safe and contained.
- Safe and Superior Design: 8-panel form a circular shape, puppy playpen is composed of high-grade thick mesh and 600D polyester oxford fabric. Made from durable water-resistant materials. Removable zippered top can be removed easily removed for indoor use & closed for outdoor use to provide shade. Zippered door provides easy in/out access for your pet. Close the door to keep your pet safely inside.
- No Assembly Required and Easy to Store: The Portable Pet Play Pen comes along with a convenient carrying case that can easily store your playpen. It takes seconds to open the dog playpen from folded storage bag, no assembly required. And it’s also easy to fold back flat when not in use. Our lightweight portable pet playpen can be used indoors, lawns, beaches, parks, Tours, camping and more!
- Multiple Sizes of the Dog Playpen: Small-25x25x17 inches, suitable for small pets up to 10 lbs; Medium-30x30x23 inches，suitable for pets up to 25 lbs; Large-38x38x23 inches，suitable for pets up to 45 lbs. Please Measure your Pets before purchase. All dimensions are measured manually, please allow deviation of 1 inch.
- Versatile and Multipurpose: This pet crate is suitable for cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, chickens, pregnant pets, and pets in recovery. It also provides a safe and secure temporary isolation area, comprehensively meeting your pet’s needs throughout different life stages.
- Easy to Care: Simply wipe off any dirt or wash it with water, then let it air dry and continue to use. You can also put a blanket under the fence and wash it if it gets dirty.
- Extra-Small 24-inch exercise play pen (no door) for dogs up to 16 inches tall or for other small pets
- 8 connected panels with thumb clips for connecting the ends together; 8 ground anchors for secure placement outdoors; made of durable iron wire with a rustproof finish
- Can be easily configured into multiple stand-alone shapes (round, square, rectangle) for playtime or be used to block off a room
- Sets up in seconds; simply unfold, shape, and connect (no tools needed); folds flat for easy transport and storage
- Note: Do not leave pets unattended outdoors
- Clear View, Less Stress – Everfront clear acrylic dog playpen adopts all-new clear view design by using transparent acrylic panels, which allows you to observe your pet at all times, and significantly reduces stress of pet comparing to dog fence type kennel as if being caged.
- No Escape, No Injury – Double lock + Seamless panels + No-Gap structure pet playpen can prevent pet from climbing/breaking out or getting their paws stuck in gaps. Great as puppy playpen, small dog playpen, kitten playpen, rabbit playpen, guinea pig playpen, x pen, Dog Playpen Indoor.
- Tool-Free Customizable Assembly – Assembly requires no tools – just snap-in the buckles between panels, and your acrylic dog pen shall be ready in minutes. Our clear dog play pen modular design allows you to DIY the dog pen shape and extend the space as you want. Wall-mount connectors and T-shaped connectors need to be purchased separately.
- Durable & Easy to Clean – Our indoor dog pen is made of top quality heavy-duty molded HDPE & Acrylic material, and the base connectors are equipped with strong suction cups to protect flooring and keep the Acrylic Dog Playpen in place and stable. The clear dog play pen is rust-free and paintless, waterproof dust-resistant panels are super easy to clean.
- Product Dimensions – For 23.6″H 10pcs kit: 60 x 40 x 23.6 inches (LxWxH, Rectangular/L-shape) or 80 x 20 x 23.6 inches (LxWxH, Linear Shape); 20 x 23.6 inches (LxH, per panel).
Avoid Bathing Your Pomeranian Until the Incision Has Fully Healed
It’s obvious that all dogs need to be bathed. If you get told that you shouldn’t wash your Pom for 14 days, it sounds ridiculous. I know how hard it is to avoid washing my pet. She might smell awful and she might even have peed or pooped in her carrier, making it even more urgent to wash the smell away.
There’s at least one serious issue your vet would have told you about, and that’s bacteria. If you washed your Pom after the surgery, the incision site could come into contact with bacteria, and you must certainly avoid this at all costs.
Another vital note: Never touch the incision with shampoo directly or indirectly. Always wait until her incision is completely healed before even thinking about giving her a wash. If you’re in doubt, ask the vet because she may heal quicker than anticipated.
If you are uncertain if the incision has healed, consult your vet; your pet might have healed faster than expected. But, check with your vet first before you make any sudden decisions.
Check Your Pom’s Incision Area Regularly
When checking her incision area, look for signs such as foul odor, inflammation, infection, or anything else that may seem unusual.
Think back to what her incision looked like on day 1 post-surgery. (Take photos if it helps. It needs to look healthy and not have any discharge, swelling, or redness.
If you have no idea how to check her area, do it like this. Roll her over and expose her tummy. If you can see swelling, bruising, or a few red areas, that’s what you would expect to see. However, there should NOT be any major changes in her tummy. If these symptoms are present, take her to the vet urgently and ring to advise him you’re coming so he’s prepared.
Think About the Quantity and Types of Food Your Pomeranian Consumes
The usual procedure is to leave your dog at the vet’s surgery and collect her once the procedure is complete. You would have been instructed to restrict all food on the day of surgery.
I am usually told nothing other than water after 10 p.m. the night prior to surgery, and no food prior to surgery. This is an extremely important instruction to follow.
That first evening after surgery, your Pomeranian needs nourishment; do not feed her too much or too soon.
Merely a tiny bit of her favorite dinner. My Poms enjoy roast chicken or a small quantity of canned cat food. Ensure she always has clean, fresh water available.
Paying close attention to your dog’s diet is especially important when she’s recovering from surgery. Ensure she is eating and drinking during the days post-surgery.
You must ensure she gets plenty of nourishment until she has fully recovered. Dogs who are recovering from surgery generally have a decreased metabolism. Depending on her age, you may need to reduce or increase their calorie intake, a decision your vet can help you with.
Potential Risks and Complications
Fortunately for us, risks and complications that may occur during or after spaying are rare. The procedures are very common and, over time, have been perfected, so any experienced vet who knows all the ins and outs can easily supervise the surgery.
Despite the rarities, it’s still possible for risks and complications to occur, so this is a list of what may go wrong after surgery (in no particular order).
- Infection.
- Urine Leakage.
- A reopening of the incision.
- Post-surgery trauma.
- Anesthetic complications.
- Excessive loss of blood (animals that may be pregnant, in heat or have pyometra are a greater risk during the surgical procedure).
In the rare chance that anything on this list happens, the vet will contact you urgently. If you notice an infection after you have taken your dog home, you’ll need to take her back for more tests.
Pomeranian Spaying Aftercare FAQs
How long should I restrict my Pomeranian after spaying?
I recommend restricting your Pomeranian’s activity for at least 14 days after spay surgery, unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. A puppy playpen is ideal for preventing running, jumping, rough play, and other activities that may strain the incision.
Can my Pomeranian jump on the couch after being spayed?
No. Jumping on and off furniture should be avoided during the recovery period. Jumping can pull on the stitches, cause swelling, delay healing, or even open the incision.
Can I walk my Pomeranian after spay surgery?
Only very short toilet breaks should be allowed, and your Pomeranian should be kept calm and controlled. Avoid normal walks, running, outdoor play, and rough activity until your veterinarian confirms she has healed.
Does my Pomeranian need to wear a cone after spaying?
Yes, your Pomeranian must be prevented from licking or chewing the incision. Many dogs are sent home with a hard plastic cone, but softer recovery collars, inflatable collars, or recovery suits may be more comfortable if your veterinarian approves them.
When can I bathe my Pomeranian after spaying?
Do not bathe your Pomeranian until the incision has fully healed and your veterinarian says it is safe. Keeping the surgical area dry helps reduce the risk of infection and delayed healing.
How can I keep my Pomeranian occupied during recovery?
Use calm activities such as food puzzles, gentle training exercises, chew-safe toys, and quiet companionship. Mental stimulation can help reduce boredom while your Pomeranian’s body heals.
Conclusion
Most Pomeranians recover quickly and uneventfully after being spayed, but proper aftercare is essential to give your dog the best chance of a smooth recovery. Restricting activity, preventing licking of the incision, monitoring the surgical site daily, and following your veterinarian’s instructions can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
Although it may be difficult to keep an energetic Pomeranian quiet for two weeks, a little patience during the recovery period can prevent setbacks and help ensure the incision heals properly. In more than 50 years with Pomeranians, using a puppy playpen and carefully restricting activity for the first 14 days after surgery has been one of the simplest ways to protect a recovering dog.
Before long, your Pomeranian will be back to her normal playful self, ready to enjoy life as a happy and healthy companion. By taking the time to provide excellent post-operative care, you are giving your Pom the very best start to a successful recovery.
⚠ Veterinary Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or another qualified animal health professional with any questions you may have regarding your dog’s health or medical condition.
Never ignore professional veterinary advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you have read on this or any other website.
If your Pomeranian is showing signs of illness, discomfort, skin irritation, or an adverse reaction to medication or treatment, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Copyright Pomeranian.org. All Rights Reserved.
References and Further Reading:
Official Standard of the Pomeranian (AKC). American Kennel Club, 2011.
English Kennel Club Pomeranian Breed Standard, 2017.
Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
