Bonding should be something that happens naturally when you get any new dog, whether it’s a puppy or already an adult, of any breed. However, there can be obstacles to developing a strong bond with your Pomeranian.
Your puppy may be very young and uninterested in doing much of anything. This could make you feel ignored and not liked by your new pet. Older dogs may appear distant and aloof, not keen on petting, cuddling and other natural signs of affection.
It’s important to understand that all dogs have the capacity for powerful feelings towards owners BUT some owners may need to work harder than others to develop the relationship with their pet. Pomeranians require regular interaction with you to strengthen the bond and maintain a loving relationship.
Some dogs will never make the first move. They’ll take cues from their new owner and will only work towards a strong bond if the owner takes charge of that process. This knowledge helps you because you can develop a strategy to help build a loving relationship with your pet Pomeranian. However, if you don’t take action, the bond will be tenuous at best.
Indicators that a bond is weak.
There are specific signs that tell you more work needs to be done on your relationship with your Pomeranian. The more signs you acknowledge, the more effort and time you’ll need to put in to strengthen your relationship. If the bond is weak, it’s not a poor reflection of your dog or yourself. Many owners have discovered various reasons why you weren’t able to spend enough quality time with your Pomeranian to achieve a powerful bond.
These signs include:
- Little or zero eye contact.
- Minimal or no urge to play.
- Not obeying commands.
- Trying to get away when you attempt to pick him up.
- Not enjoying petting and cuddles.
- Aggressive behaviour such as growling or baring his teeth.
How strong should your mutual bond be?
Pomeranians are an affectionate and sensitive dog breed. As previously mentioned, your dog may not like making that first move. If he’s left alone, he may not even try to bond. However, if YOU go to him for the initial move, he’ll be very keen and ready to accept your move.
Emotions.
Scientists have verified that dogs have a large number of emotions. Parts of their brain structure is similar to humans, in the area of emotions. Science has established that a 2.5 year old toddler and a dog share the same level of emotional development. If you have/had toddlers, you’ll quickly appreciate that fact.
Pomeranians can feel jealous, happy, sad, excited and another powerful emotion that equates to the human emotion of love. Unless the dog has been traumatised, neglected or harmed in any deliberate manner, the love a dog has for you will be permanent and unconditional. Your dog won’t stop loving you even if you smack him occasionally for doing something bad. You’ll know he’s ok because his tail won’t stop wagging. He’ll never become angry or upset enough to stop loving you.
Once you have developed that strong foundation of trust and love, both you and your Pomeranian will constantly work towards strengthening it even more. He’ll be as emotionally close to you as possible. He’ll be your closest confidant, best friend and companion, even if he can’t actually speak real words.
Uninterested puppies.
If your Pomeranian puppy seems to have no interest in you and ignores you, don’t take it personally. Some puppies have trouble focusing on one thing at a time and it will take him time to learn who you are and how important you are in his life. Follow all the bonding advice mentioned and eventually your mutual relationship will grow in strength to the point where it’s impossible to break.
Health issues that may resemble emotional distance.
Many signs that your Pomeranian may not want to be cuddled, petted or generally not appearing to care may actually be due to a health problem and not merely a low care factor. Whenever a dog isn’t feeling well, he’ll want to be left alone due to feeling vulnerable, even if he’s with you. He may feel the urge to sit quietly out of everybody’s way. If you notice this form of unusual behaviour, and he doesn’t respond when you try to get close, you should get him properly examined by your vet.
Fear. If your Pomeranian is afraid of something, his personality may change. He may hide under your bed, cower on his own bed or hide in a closet out of harm’s way. He may be shaky if he’s near you and could have difficulty eating. He may be skittish (i.e. flinching or running away at the first sign of trouble). Any type of emotional distress can cause him to behave this way. This includes more serious issues such as loud noises (e.g. thunder or yelling voices) or being startled by bright lightning.
Separation anxiety is a typical cause of stress and nervousness. Your Pomeranian can become so distraught that he may find it tough getting back to his normal comfort level, even if you arrive home and spend quality time with him.
Bullying. There are two less common problems that you should still be mindful of if they do occur. One is bullying, where your Pom is bothered or harassed by your other pet(s). If you’re not home, you may not even know this is happening and it can cause your beloved Pom to be upset all the time, even when you are home. Your pet may be bullied so much that it affects his sleep, eating and interaction routines.
Abuse. Sadly there’s a scenario that’s unacceptable but it does happen. This is when an owner abuses his dog. Abuse can be verbal, physical or violent. He may be smacked hard for no reason. He may be locked in a laundry or other room, not fed and left to sleep and do his business, while the owner gives no thought to how he feels.
There are times when an owner buys a dog from a previous owner who had been abusing the dog. You’ll soon know because he won’t behave the way you would expect a much-loved pet to behave. This pet needs extra care and attention so that those bad memories quickly get replaced by happy, loving memories and he’ll feel safe enough to relax and come out of his shell.
No dog can have a good bond and behave normally if they’re constantly in fear for their safety. The home should be one of happiness, love and peace. Only then can a strong bond be forged between dog and owner. If you bring a Pomeranian home and you notice odd behaviour, it needs to be addressed urgently so you can help your new pet to become a happier animal.
Playing. Behaviour that can be misconstrued as a bonding problem is actually a form of playing. A prime example of this involves a Pomeranian (called Bouncer). Bouncer’s human is in one room and Bouncer is in another, Bouncer is called and he comes running in and then stops dead in his tracks and lies down, not wanting to get any closer. Bouncer refused to come any further and it seemed like Bouncer might be afraid.
So Bouncer’s human goes to Bouncer and picks him up. Once they have settled on the sofa, Bouncer’s tail starts wagging and he’s a happy, loving dog once more. Bouncer’s human had no idea why Bouncer behaved this way and so he asked the vet who explained that Bouncer wasn’t scared. He was playing a game he had learned. If he did as described, he knew his owner would lift him up and cuddle him.
Chaos. Lastly, the Pomeranian may live in a chaotic household where there’s loud music blaring in one room, a TV playing in another, and loud voices and yelling throughout the house. This means he can’t get any peace and quiet and so he’ll feel insecure, overwhelmed and unable to interact with others, so he’ll become very stressed.
You can’t form a bond with your Pomeranian if he doesn’t feel safe and happy in an environment that’s peaceful, calm, warm and loving. If his home doesn’t have these essential elements, you could be regarded as neglecting your dog and, if that’s the case, why get him in the first place?
Positive bonding elements.
There’s no magical spell for creating a strong bond between you and your Pomeranian. It’s a combination of these elements below that blend together to form a loving, mutually respectful, permanent relationship.
- Be the leader. You first need to establish yourself as the leader because every dog needs to feel they’re part of a pack and you’re the pack leader who forms a structured life for your Pomeranian to follow. He’ll feel calm, safe and less confused if he “knows his place” in the pack. If you don’t take on the leadership role, he may try to do it and that won’t work as you can’t follow a canine leader.
Leadership can’t be defined in a single day. It takes time and patience to develop your leadership skills as they relate to your Pomeranian. Rules must be followed all the time (this not only applies to you but also other human members of the household). If only some members follow the rules, the dog can become confused and problems will occur. Even after your pet has learned the rules, you need to constantly reinforce them. You need your dog’s respect before you can build a strong friendship with him.
- Agility exercises. Although Pomeranians can jump over short bars, the simplest and most enjoyable agility exercise is pole weaving and it can be done inside or outside. Weaving poles are a good size and are very colourful but you can use plenty of other objects if you choose.
- Teach new tricks or commands. When you and your beloved Pomeranian work to achieve a goal, whether it’s a new trick or command, it’s a great bonding exercise, regardless of the amount of time it takes to master. You must be enthusiastic and ensure your pet is rewarded when he tries his best because that’s the main aim. However, he’ll be better trained as well. Whether it’s simply telling him to sit or a harder task of shaking hands, when you both achieve any task, you’ll feel the bond between you getting stronger.
- Chores. Don’t just put your Pomeranian in his enclosure and do your household chores. Get him to help you with small things that will make it fun for both of you. Don’t rush around. Slow down a bit and let him follow you around so he can see what you’re doing. While he may seem confused the first few times, eventually he’ll begin to understand what you’re doing and then he can help you.
Sorting clean laundry is a task your Pom can learn. For example, he can be taught to pick up and give you socks and other small items. This process may take a while but the effort is worth it because he’ll learn something new, your relationship will grow and it will become an exercise he’s keen to do once he has mastered it. Remember to give him some treats for doing such a good job.
- Outings. Take your Pomeranian with you as often as you can when you leave home to run errands. Several issues may tell you to leave him at home.
You may think that if you spend too much time with your dog, it will increase separation anxiety when you have to leave him at home. This isn’t accurate. Your dog will love going out with you whenever he has the chance so think about your errands and whether it’s practical to take him.
You might want to go out and rush around to do things quickly so you can get back home to your Pomeranian as fast as you can. While this might be wise in certain cases, it’s a missed opportunity to further bond with him because it will be a new experience, riding in the car and staring out the window, as well as anywhere you can take him while you carry out your errands.
Lastly, you may have a long list of excuses why you can’t take him with you such as:
- He doesn’t like riding in the car.
- The shop forbids dogs from entering.
- He can’t have any fun in a shop.
- and so on and so on…
If your Pomeranian doesn’t like the car, driving him around will get him more comfortable when doing it. Lots of stores let small dogs enter if they’re in a sling or carry bag. The sling is good because your hands are left free and he can look around as you peruse the shelves. Lots of Poms like the feeling of movement as you walk around and it relaxes them.
Regardless of where you’re going, your beloved pet loves being with you. He’ll be far more bored at home than keeping you company and seeing more of the world. You may not think your errands are exciting, but look at it from his position…it’s all new experiences and your bond will grow even more if you spend more time with him in different scenarios.
- Be silly sometimes. Dogs have their own unique personalities but they will also mimic you a lot of the time. If you’re moody, depressed and sad, they’ll feel the same way. If you sing and dance to shows on the TV or on CDs or just for the fun of it, your Pom will quickly develop a sense of humour as well. If you’re outside on a hot day, hose yourself down and then see if he wants to be sprayed as well.
If you buy him a new toy but he doesn’t show any interest, be silly with it. Roll around on the floor, making funny voices and waving the toy in the air. Play with your pet like he’s a baby…engage him in play, smile and laugh and be enthusiastic. The home vibe should be fun, light and happy and he’ll be much more likely to want to play with you and bond.
- New challenges. Try new challenges. Take him out on a boat (making sure he is wearing a life jacket. Get up early and go to the beach to watch a sunrise together. Hike an easy track to find new sounds and sights. Find new and interesting activities to do with your Pomeranian. Some owners don’t do these things if they live alone but once you have a four-legged companion, you’ll never be alone again and it can make you more adventurous.
Remember. If you want to find other ways to bond with your Pomeranian, don’t think of what is missing. Look ahead with boundless enthusiasm in all that you do. You need to engage your beloved pet in every way possible. He may be young, shy or nervous and needs to be encouraged to interact with you so you take that first step and interact with him. He may never have played with toys before and doesn’t know how to do so. You need to take the toy and play with it and then let him play as well. Build his confidence and trust.
Dogs don’t speak English so assume he wants to do all the things that dogs generally do. He’ll enjoy going to new places, helping with chores, playing with toys, going for walks, learning new tricks and/or commands and much more.
It’s easy to live your life the same way you always have BUT you can’t do that once you introduce a dog into your life. A dog will love you unconditionally and you have to put in the effort to teach him new things and enrich his life. The love between a dog and his owner is a very special one and it lasts as long as the dog and owner live together.
Copyright. Pomeranian.Org. All Rights Reserved.
In the hot summer months, you’re always looking for as many ways as possible to keep your beloved Pomeranian cool. One way is through the food you give him. Cold treats are terrific because your dog will love them and the extra coldness will help keep him feeling more comfortable so you win on both counts. You also want to keep your Pom healthy and happy so it’s smarter to make the cold treats yourself. There are times when products are recalled due to health scares and no owner wants his pet to endure even a moment of pain or discomfort if it can be avoided. You’ll save money and can also provide more variety in the types of treats you make. Eventually you’ll identify what he likes and doesn’t like and then it’s easy to make his treats, while also saving you money.
Sorry the complete article is only available to our Premium members . Please join us now.
Copyright Pomeranian.org. All Rights Reserved.
Pomeranian Clothing
There’s an ongoing debate regarding pet clothing for Pomeranians and various other toy dog breeds. Part of the reason is that many celebrities are Pomeranian owners. if a celebrity is always having photos taken, the logical conclusion (for them) is to also dress their dog up in “fashionable” pet clothing too. The big question remains: is there a need for clothing specifically designed for Pomeranians? The real answer could amaze you. Big dogs are generally outdoor dogs. Most of the big dog breeds spend their days outside and cope quite well. However, small dog breeds are a totally different case. Special clothing for Pomeranians isn’t merely so you can play “dress ups.” It helps your Pom be more comfortable in various situations and is a necessity in extreme weather conditions.
Is There A Need For Pomeranian Clothing?
Although you may think that Pom clothing is a new idea, designing canine clothing dates back centuries. The concept has become more popular in recent years thanks to the obsession Hollywood stars have with dressing their Pomeranians. This has caught the attention of the media because it’s not only newsworthy; it’s also fun and something positive to help balance all the negative in the world. People who don’t have dogs as pets can’t comprehend the overwhelming desire to clothe their Pomeranians. Some claim that the dog’s fur is more than enough protection, particularly if the dog has a gloriously thick fur coat. The story is different for most large canines. They have been bred to be outside animals from the time when domesticating dogs first began, but the debate is also raging about when exactly this was. Most people theorise that it started at approx. 8000BC. Small dogs were bred to live inside and get pampered by their owners. Bigger dogs were bred to fulfil many functions including: work (e.g. pulling sleds), protection and as search and rescue dogs because their ability to find a missing child or adult far exceeds that of people. They only needed their senses to get started.
Pomeranian Clothes.
Pomeranian Clothing
Toy dogs (such as Pomeranians) were bred to be small house dogs that would live inside your home. If your Pomeranian is going outside in extreme weather conditions clothing is needed for protection. Clothing items can include: coats, hats, boots and sweaters, depending on the situation and the weather at the time.
Warm weather.
Unless absolutely necessary do not walk your Pomeranian outside in the heat. If your Pomeranian has Black Skin Disease (BSD) or Alopecia X, it’s critical that he wears clothing. He must wear a shirt or sweater to protect any exposed areas from the cold, rain and sun.
Fun clothes for your Pomeranian.
Pomeranian’s feet.
Your Pomeranian’s feet need to be cared for as well. Boots can protect pads from icy conditions. He should have boots or shoes to wear for other problem situations such as walking on rough ground (including twigs, slivers of wood, rocks, pebbles and more. His tiny paw pads are sensitive because he wasn’t bred over centuries to live outside. Instead, he was bred to sit in your lap, on the floor or anywhere else he wants to inside his home. During snowy and icy months, an “ice melt” is put on the ground. This can harm your Pom’s paws. On hot days boots are a necessity if you walk on your Pom on hot pavements. Sand, footpaths and other hard surfaces can become very hot and, if unprotected, it may burn your Pom’s paw pads. Boots or shoes will help him walk without fear or trouble. Not all opinions matter. If people scoff at dogs wearing clothes and thinking that it’s just a waste of time and money and a way to spoil their dogs. As an owner of a Pomeranian, make your own decisions about how to care for your pet and don’t be influenced by people who know nothing about the reasons. Clothing is essential in some situations and it’s the reason there are so many successful pet clothing manufacturers and retailers. The law of supply and demand applies here…the manufacturers supply what the public demand.
Shop For Your Pomeranian
Copyright Pomeranian.org. All Rights Reserved.
Plenty of people work full-time and still manage to care for a new puppy. However, there are many reasons why they cope so this article will explain all the aspects you need to consider when caring for your new puppy. For the purpose of this article, we’ll assume you have weighed up the pros and cons of getting a puppy and have decided to make that commitment. Plan on taking holidays from work so you can be at home when you first bring your puppy home. Remember that while your home is very familiar to you, it will be a strange environment for your new puppy. Sorry the complete article is only available to our Premium members. Please join us now.
Copyright Pomeranian.org. All Rights Reserved.
If your Pom is having a bowel movement, you may check it out and wonder if it’s normal, or if it’s too hard. You may see your Pom having trouble, straining and struggling, to empty his bowels. Then you’ll find other owners who just don’t care. This article will help teach you what Pomeranian stool samples should and should NOT look like, as well as many aspects of bowel movements.
Pomeranian Constipation.
If your Pom suffers from constipation, he’ll have various difficulties with bowel movements including: • Lots of trouble just pushing out one small log. • Small occasional movements. • No movements at all, even if he pushes as hard as possible.
Define “normal.”
Frequency.
A healthy Pomeranian will generally have 1 – 2 stools each day. More than that may indicate diarrhoea or problems with loose stools. If he only has a single stool every second day, it’s likely that he has constipation.
Consistency. Normal dog faeces should have a dough-like consistency. If you’re taking him for a walk and he stops to drop a stool, you would pick it up in a bag and it would be in one piece, although a little soft. If it comes out in a small pile of rocks or one hard piece, that’s constipation.
Shape. A dog’s normal poop shape will generally be like a log. However, it may come out in a spiral form, like a typical soft serve ice cream. Then it ends up as a small mound in a corkscrew form. If it still has a dough-like consistency, you can regard it as normal. With constipation, it’s often released like tiny shot gun pellets.
Colours.
• Normal. The colour of your Pomeranian’s poop has no direct link to constipation but it can still teach you things. If he has no problems, his stool will be a medium brown chocolate colour. If he’s eating manufactured foods with lots of artificial colouring, those green, blue or red colours may appear in his stool. If you’re giving him a large amount of colouring in his food, that can also affect the stool’s colour.
• Bright red colour. This can mean he’s bleeding inside because he’s so badly constipated that his internal tissues get torn while he struggles to push out the stool. It may indicate he has a different medical complaint needing further investigation.
• Dark black. If your Pomeranian’s stool is a “tarry black” colour, this can mean he’s bleeding inside. He may have an issue with his gastrointestinal tract because that creates this slick black colour. You need to talk to your vet urgently if this colour appears. • Very light tan. This colour often means he has liver problems and so a trip to the vet is necessary so he can be checked out properly.
Reasons for Pomeranian Constipation.
There are five main reasons for your Pomeranian to have constipation: 1) Dehydration is the most common cause. Your dog’s stools are 75% water. If he doesn’t drink enough water, there won’t be sufficient fluids to get into his intestines and soften his poop so it can be expelled without the need to strain. 2) Your Pom may ingest a foreign body. This list can include grass, coins, small pebbles and much more. 3) Side effects of medications. Is your pet on any medications? Many drugs can cause constipation. For example, antihistamines prescribed for allergies and iron supplements to improve deficiencies. 4) Habit. If your Pomeranian is left alone at home for lengthy periods and is forced to control his urge to visit the bathroom, he may get used to doing this automatically. If he’s in a for a long car ride, on a plane or in a boarding kennel, he may feel uneasy and stop himself from pooping. 5) If you feed your senior dog only dry food, that can quickly cause constipation.
Symptoms and Signs of Constipation.
if your Pomeranian is constipated, he’ll have infrequent movements of his bowels or he’ll have to strain hard.
Prevention.
Here are numerous actions you can take to protect your Pomeranian from becoming constipated:
1. Drink sufficient water. Some dogs are fussy when it comes to drinking water and they’ll refuse to drink warm, stale or dirty water. So, you need to ensure your Pom has plenty of fresh water and it’s replaced at least twice a day, depending on the weather and how much is consumed. It’s best to use filtered water because it won’t have any nasties in it. Use two or more bowls placed at strategic places around your home. Have plenty of spare bowls so you can replace a bowl of warm water with a clean bowl of filtered water and toss the replaced bowl in the sink for cleaning later if you can’t do it immediately. Particles from food can easily transfer to water so this should be avoided if possible. Never use cheap plastic bowls for water or food. Ceramic and stainless steel are the two best choices. The colouring in plastic bowls can leak and end up being stuck to your pet’s coat and face. Ask your vet or talk to a shop owner who specialises in Pomeranian products.
During hot weather, your Pomeranian will drink a lot more water so you have to be vigilant in replacing his water more frequently. If he’s very active, he’ll need more water on those days too. So keeping your Pomeranian properly hydrated at all times is a critical part of caring for your pet and ensuring he doesn’t get constipated.
2. Puppy proof your home. Regardless of whether your Pom is a puppy or an adult, you must still puppy proof your home because dogs are naturally curious. He may swallow things such as hair pins, coins, buttons and other foreign bodies if he discovers them. Remember your dog sees things from an entirely different angle to you so it pays to move around on your belly and look under everything, so you can see and retrieve items that may have been kicked under your table, chair, couch or bed.
3. Don’t eat the grass. Don’t allow your Pomeranian to consume grass because it’s not food; it’s regarded as a foreign substance. Watch him when he’s outside and stop him if he tries to eat grass. He may also ingest pebbles which can block create a blockage and constipation as a result. Most lawns will absorb polluted rainwater, stinging insects and lawn chemicals. The main reason dogs eat grass is if they’re not getting enough nutrients so feed them healthy greens instead.
4. Feed him a well-balanced diet. There’s plenty of information available about the ideal commercial and home cooked foods to feed your Pomeranian. There are also healthy manufactured snacks available for him. For example, small baby carrots are a food they enjoy. Green peas and beans can be mixed in with their regular food.
5. Medication. If your Pomeranian has been prescribed medication for allergies and also has constipation, talk to your vet. If your beloved pet is badly constipated, changing his medication dose or type may help or a constipation reliever may be needed.
6. Home alone? If your pet spends most of the time at home on his own, ensure you have organised a comfortable, happy environment so he’ll move his bowels when needed and won’t try to “hold on” until you arrive home. Don’t make his space too confined or he’ll try not to poop. Never keep him locked in a crate all day. They should only be used for transport. 
Instead, get either a canine playpen or canine gates so you can fence of an inside area. Ensure there is room for his bed, space to play with toys, and a corner he can use for a bathroom. Even if he doesn’t do his business in the right spot, it’s ok as your chief aim is to teach him how to do it outside. Lay a few pee pads in his space in case his aim isn’t true. You want him to feel comfortable having bowel movements in his pen and that will help avoid episodes of constipation.
7. Senior dogs. If your senior Pomeranian is being fed only kibble, he may become constipated. However, you can soak the kibble in water for 20 minutes before giving it to your pet. If you do home cooking, ensure there’s plenty of moisture in the food.
8. Long distance traveling. If your beloved pet becomes constipated during long car trips, pull over every two hours. Keep him on his leash but let him stretch, eat a snack, drink some water, and then go to the bathroom.
Constipated Pomeranian Remedy.
The steps mentioned above can help treat minor to moderate bouts of constipation.
Many Pomeranians will respond well to drinking milk. If your dog does NOT have constipation, too much milk can cause diarrhoea. But if you add a quarter of a cup of milk to your constipated pet’s food or in an empty bowl to drink (if he enjoys the taste), it can ease constipation. Don’t give him more than that or his stomach can feel queasy. If the problem persists, a vet is the best option. He may prescribe a laxative. NEVER give a dog a human laxative because it can kill him. The vet will prescribe a laxative containing lactulose, a substance very safe for your pet and also extremely effective.
If you think your Pomeranian has a blockage that prevents him from pooping, get him to the emergency vet hospital urgently.
Copyright Pomeranian.org. All Rights Reserved.
A Pomeranian is a toy dog and because of that, it’s not recommended that he should be treated as an outdoors dog, even though he can moderately tolerate the cold and hot weather. He’s much better off living inside your home with your family.
How old should your Pomeranian be before you take him outside?
This question has three answers:
1. Letting him outside in your yard. If other factors are covered, you can take your Pom out into your back yard when he’s eight weeks old. However, this is only if no other dogs can get in and this includes other dogs you own. It’s also essential that your yard is clean. i.e. you have treated the ground for weeds and fleas, etc. with necessary chemicals and how long those chemicals remain at a toxic level. If you don’t know how long, consider using a canine playpen and a ground sheet, so he’s still outside but protected from everything on the ground.
2. Carrying your Pomeranian in public. At eight weeks of age, you can take your puppy outside AS LONG AS YOU HOLD HIM AT ALL TIMES. Until he has had all the necessary shots, his feet can never touch the ground outside except in your back yard if safe. Taking your puppy out in public places until his puppy shots are complete should be avoided. This includes being out in your front yard, when walking along the footpath, at the shops, in parks, in yards belonging to neighbours and so on. 3. On the ground in public. Vaccination periods may fluctuate from vet to vet so it’s critical that you ask your vet if every needed shot has been given BEFORE allowing your Pom to put his feet on the ground in public. Even after he has been given all the shots, it’s best to wait an extra two weeks in case he’s still susceptible. So it means he’ll be 12-16 weeks old before he can safely be taken outside. Then you can put him on the ground and let him explore, as long as you have him on a leash at all times while he’s out.
Can I keep my Pomeranian inside 100% of the time?
Some owners do keep their dogs inside all the time but it’s very unhealthy. Unless you live in a spacious mansion, your home won’t have sufficient space for him to run around, enjoying himself and burning off all that energy so he’s tired enough to have good quality sleep. A small amount of sunshine each day is necessary for vitamin D. Regular exercise is essential for your Pom. If you take him for a 20 minute brisk walk, he’ll burn off lots of energy and that helps prevent the urge to bark and/or chew things. Plan your walks to happen at the same time every day (if possible) so he looks forward to it. Exercise helps him fight off diseases, smell, hear and see new things, is heart-healthy and balances out his muscle tone.
How can I stop my Pomeranian’s fear of going outside?
Your dog will usually be wary of new things and may react when facing something new by ignoring you and/or barking. Don’t be in a hurry to expose him to everything outside the home simultaneously and don’t go from 0 to 100 without stops in between. Take baby steps when introducing your Pomeranian puppy to new elements that will be in his life. Then he won’t feel bombarded. Take him for short walks and avoid possible triggers such as heavy traffic. Then gradually change the places where you walk him and include noisy areas. Don’t keep him inside all the time; It’s only by going out into the real world that your Pom pet will learn what he can/can’t do. This means that, over time, he’ll respond less frequently to loud noises or other distractions that may previously have greatly annoyed or alarmed him to begin with.
How can I encourage my Pomeranian to go outside if it’s raining?
Dogs either love running and playing in the rain OR they refuse to get their paws wet. Obviously you don’t want your Pom to get drowned in a torrent of rain so it’s wise to slowly teach him that rain can’t harm him. Take baby steps at first. Put a dog raincoat on him and/or keep him under your umbrella so he feels safe. If the weather is warm and it’s only drizzling, encourage him to go outside because the rain won’t feel so bad. The more often he gets wet, the less frightened he’ll be when it comes to rainy weather.
If my yard is fully fenced and dog-proof and I have a doggie door, can I let my Pomeranian go outside when he needs the bathroom?
When first considering how to train your dog to do his business outside, it may seem logical to train him to use a doggie door so he can come and go when he wants. However, you should consider a few other elements as well.
1. Choose one part of your yard for him to do his business. If you let him roam and do it wherever he desires, that can hinder the learning process. A Pom faces numerous distractions (and potential dangers) and this can prevent him from indicating to you that he needs to go outside when he needs the toilet. With no structure, your Pom won’t automatically associate going outside with his need to go to the bathroom as two aspects of the same event instead of two separate events.
2. If you’re not able to supervise your Pomeranian when he successfully does his business in the right area outside, you won’t have extra chances to praise his actions and even reward him, which all helps strengthen the training you’re doing with him. Otherwise he can easily forget what he has learned. The ideal method to teach your pet anything is to acknowledge and reward the moment he does his business and that’s impossible if you’re not outside when it happens.
3. When your Pomeranian is outside, there are lots of possible dangers he may face. Some owners claim they always let their dogs play or do bathroom business on their own and never had any problems. However, they’re fortunate and are in a small minority. If your Pomeranian is left on his own outside whenever he wants to go out, it’s most likely that, at some point, he’ll have a problem with one or more of these potential dangers:
• Poms are attractive and small so they’re potential targets for dognappers. Even if your yard is secure, there’s still the potential that you’ll lose him. • Pomeranians are small so they can be viewed as prey for hawks, eagles, owls and other wild birds. If you’re outside with your pet, he’s safe, but if he’s alone, he has little chance against large birds of prey.
• If your yard is securely fenced in, meaning your dog can’t burrow beneath it and he can’t jump over it, it still doesn’t guarantee that aggressive dogs and even coyotes may somehow get in. Poms are courageous and will often try to protect their territory. However, they’re also small and, when faced with a much larger creature, they don’t have much chance.
• Leptospirosis is an animal’s disease and is spread through the urine of creatures such as: raccoons, deer, skunks and other animals. If you allow your Pom to wander the yard alone, he may sniff out areas that you would never let him get near if you were outside with him. Not every dog gets all the possible vaccinations. Vets generally only vaccinate against Leptospirosis if you live in a risky area. For example, your home may back onto a forest. If not diagnosed early enough, this disease can kill your dog. Even if you 100% supervise your Pom when he’s in the yard, if you believe there’s a remote risk of this disease, talk to your vet about your pet having the vaccine.
• Insect stings. All stinging insects have the ability to affect your Pom when he’s outside. Bee stings may be painful, can cause dangerous allergic reactions and, if not diagnosed and treated quickly, they can cause fatalities. 
One sad stinging example occurred to a lady with two Pomeranians. They were alone in the yard. After a short while, they grew quiet and she was worried and went outside to make sure they were ok. A swarm of bees was attacking them both and, sadly, one died as a result. If the lady was outside with her dogs, she could probably have picked one or both of them up and ran inside. However, no supervision meant the loss of one dog.
• Mushrooms and plants. Yards often contain toxic flowers and plants. There are currently 96 potentially toxic weeds and plants listed.
• Running away. Jumping fences isn’t the only means of escape for dogs. Some can burrow under a fence, either by digging or pushing through a weak area. Poms and other small dogs don’t need much space from which to escape. Regardless of whether your Pom is the most loved dog in the world, there will still be possible reasons for running away, and this includes sexual canine instincts. • An un-neutered male can smell urine of an “in heat” female up to a distance of five kilometres. Females that haven’t been desexed may feel powerful urges to escape and locate males, including males that have been fixed, if they feel curious or bored, a feeling of something scary or a chase trigger.
How quickly could a Pomeranian succumb to hypothermia?
This depends on whether the dog has any protection, the weather temperature and length of time out in the cold. If he’s soaking wet, he would rapidly develop hypothermia. If anybody (dog or human) is outside in a temperature lower that they’re own body temperature for enough time, they would face hypothermia. A dog’s normal temp is 101 – 102.5 so 98F (38C is a hypothermic temp. In winter, if your Pomeranian trod in a puddle and got wet or was bathed and went outside before he was dry, hypothermia may set in within 15 minutes. If he played in snow and that wet his coat, the time would be 20-30 minutes. If his coat is dry and the weather is above freezing point (32F) but under 40F, he can last one hour outside. If he’s hydrated and active, he may be fine for two hours. If the temp is below freezing and he’s active, he may last 30-45 minutes. If he has some kind of coat, he may push that time out to 60 minutes. If the temp is 10F or below, he won’t survive more than 10 mins before hypothermia kicks in.
If a Pomeranian remains outside, can he get frostbite?
Of course he can! But he has to be outside for a long period in the winter weather and his ear tips, tail, nose and paws will be his mostly affected parts. How long he can last before suffering frostbite will vary according to wind chill and temperature. If you take him for a walk or just to do his business, that won’t be enough time. If the wind speed is 15mph and it is 0F, frostbite would hit in 30 minutes. If the temp is 5F and the wind is 30mph, the same results would happen.
If a Pomeranian remains outside, how long would it take before he gets heat stroke?
In summer, heat stroke is a serious problem. How soon it happens depends on variables such as the dog’s activity level, humidity and temperature. Many people think a thick coat (like the coat of Pomeranians) increases the risk when the reverse is actually true. Shaving your Pom isn’t always wise in summer because the coat helps protect against direct exposure to the sun. Heat exhaustion is the first indicator and symptoms include: weakness, panting, vomiting and confusion. When heat stroke starts, extra symptoms include: diarrhoea, disorientation, pale or red gums, heavier panting and an increased heart rate. If untreated, heat stroke can lead to a coma and even death. Heat stroke may occur in less than 30 minutes, depending on the variables.
Can a Pomeranian safely drink from puddles?
No! Puddles can contain all sorts of nasties including water-borne parasites, road salt and ice melt chemicals. Giardia is a parasite but the vaccine doesn’t cure it. It merely stops shedding which can spread the disease. Dogs of all ages may get coccidia. Not all dogs get vaccinated against leptospirosis. Campylobacter and cryptosporidium can affect puppies under six months the most.
Conclusion.
Dogs allowed time in your yard unsupervised face the risk of lots of different dangers. Consider your Pomeranian like you would a small child and protect him as much as you can. Your pet fully trusts you to keep him as safe as possible at all times.
Copyright Pomeranian.org. All Rights Reserved.
Benefits of Feeding Fruit to a Pomeranian
A big part of caring for your Pomeranian is to ensure he’s eating the right variety of foods to get sufficient vital nutrients. Some people use kibble more often while others will use more wet food. It’s best to feed him a combination of both food groups but that’s not the end of the list. Fruit should also be part of his healthy diet. You may find that the foods you’re using don’t provide him with all the essentials and this is where fruit comes into the picture. But why fruit? What makes it an important part of your beloved Pom’s diet?
Here are the reasons why you need to pay attention when thinking about the right fruits to feed your beloved Pomeranian.
Fruits are: • Full of nutrients and vitamins and are low in calories (mostly). • Full of antioxidants which are capable of preventing lots of diseases and contributing to a longer life span.
• Safe for consumption by dogs.
• Easy to feed your Pomeranian.
• Capable of being used in many ways and may help your dog eat other foods that might be a little less palatable.
Fruit should be a food staple for your Pomeranian, not a luxury, and here are powerful reasons and benefits for making sure this is the case:
Nutrition. Fruit is full of nutrients, minerals and vitamins essential to a dog’s good health. The actual content levels will vary from fruit to fruit. Some have large amounts of vitamin C. Many fruits also contain vitamins K and A as well as zinc, iron and/or potassium. How each of these will benefit your Pom will be explained further down. Antioxidants protect the body’s cells from becoming damaged, thereby making it easier for diseases to strike. Antioxidants battle free radicals that cause this damage in the first place. Scientists are still studying the enormous benefits of antioxidants but it’s already accepted that they help protect against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain forms of cancer, and age-specific muscular degeneration. They also boost the immune system.
Low in calories. Most fruits are low in calories. Pomeranians don’t usually have weight problems but it’s still wise to feed them low calorie foods when possible. This will be extra beneficial for senior Poms because they’re more likely to lead a sedentary lifestyle and gain weight.
Low GI. Many fruits are low on the glycaemic index (the rate at which sugar gets absorbed into your pet’s bloodstream. Lots of fruits contain fibre that helps prevent high sugar levels unless you give him too much fruit in one meal.
Versatile to use. The majority of fruits are easy to include in a Pomeranian’s diet. Some may be for snacks and others can be added to a regular meal. Small pieces can be included in his kibble for additional flavour and texture, as well as added incentive to eat.
Great reward treat. Fruit is an ideal treat when training your Pom. It’s essential to use different treats for training than you would for other reasons. Then your dog will understand that he needs to be obedient to get the fruit treat. However, you need to identify the fruits he enjoys the most, and that can take time considering just how many different fruits exist. Some are seasonal so it’s wise to have substitutes for fruits not currently growing.
Healthy to eat. Fruits are wholesome foods to eat. Instead of buying foods that are laden with chemicals (flavourings, preservatives, additives and colouring), fruit will help keep your Pomeranian healthy. Always wash fruit before eating it yourself or feeding it to your beloved Pomeranian to ensure complete cleanliness.
What are the best fruits for your Pomeranian?
All foods should be eaten in moderation. Too many carbs, too much sugar or fat and not enough protein can lead to an unbalanced diet. Your dog won’t be healthy if all he eats is fruit. However, snack ideas can’t get any better than fruit. Here are the best fruits for your pet Pomeranian: Blueberries. 
These berries sit at the top of the fruit list for dogs. They contain more antioxidants than any other fruits, seasonings or vegetables. Most of the antioxidants are phytonutrients and anthocyanins (a phytonutrient) makes the berry a dark colour. These berries are also excellent anti-inflammatories. The best blueberry is a raw, organic blueberry. Cooking kills most of the nutrients. Human research groups have revealed that blueberries help improve cognitive function and memory. It’s harder to study dogs for these specific issues. However, canine studies have revealed that heart disease can be prevented and cancers such as small intestine, colon, breast and oesophageal can be reduced in strength. Nutrition: ¼ cup of blueberries only has 22 calories and no sodium, cholesterol or fat. They have vitamins (B6 and C) and minerals (magnesium and iron). They have a low GI score of 40. Adding them to your dog’s diet: Pomeranians LOVE blueberries. They’re easy to mix with his food or give him some as a snack. But be careful or he’ll start begging for more all the time. If your adult Pom is having other fruits, don’t give him more than ¼ cup of blueberries per day. Puppies should have half this amount. Mix them well into his food so he doesn’t selectively eat them and ignore everything else in his bowl. The berries can be frozen for up to six months as it doesn’t affect their healthy attributes. Dogs love the frozen berries in Summer. Raspberries. 
Raspberries are almost as good as blueberries in many ways. Organic raspberries are much healthier than non-organic varieties due to a higher level of antioxidants. Raspberries should be bought when they’re bright red and need to be used up within a maximum of three days. Health properties: Raspberries have anti-cancer properties, mainly due to phytonutrients (as with blueberries). The cancers affected are: prostate, colon, cervical, oesophageal and breast. Nutrition: A ¼ cup of raspberries has a mere 17 calories. They have lots of vitamins and minerals including: vitamins E, C and K, folate, copper, fibre, magnesium, biotin, omega-3 fats, manganese and potassium. The GI number is 40, as with blueberries. Diet: The principles for using raspberries are mainly the same as with blueberries. Pumpkin. 
Pumpkin isn’t like most other fruits because it can’t be fed to your Pomeranian regularly. It has major benefits in specific situations which is why it’s high on the list of good fruits. Firstly, this information solely relates to 100% pumpkin, not a can you buy at the supermarket that contains a pumpkin pie filling. Always read labels before making a purchase and you really should spend most of your time in the fresh produce section. Benefits of pumpkin: It can ease constipation, diarrhoea and an upset stomach. If your Pomeranian has these issues, feed him some pumpkin until the problem settles. If he has diarrhoea, his stool will return to normal. If he had constipation, he should be able to do his business normally once more. An upset stomach will calm itself down. Pumpkin has plenty of soluble fibre which helps make your Pom “more regular,” instead of being at one extreme end of the spectrum. However, you only feed him two teaspoons if he’s an adult or one teaspoon for puppies. This can be included in a meal of plain chicken and bland rice. Pumpkin can treat coprophagia. This is when he eats either his own faeces or that of other dogs and/or cats. Stress and an unbalanced diet are reasons why this problem may manifest itself. Add a spoon of pumpkin to help with digestion and change the taste of his faeces, two elements that can fight coprophagia. Weight problems: Apart from senior Pomeranians, it’s uncommon for Pomeranians to be very overweight. If your dog is carrying excess weight, pumpkin is a great fruit because it satisfies him quickly and for a longer period of time. This is very useful if you need to decrease the amount of food you give him. Nutrition: ¼ cup of pumpkin only contains 8 calories. It also has vitamins and minerals including: C, A, B6, magnesium and iron. It sits at 70 on the glycaemic index (high) but is only a 3 on the glycaemic load. The difference is what matters. The GI doesn’t consider that serve sizes of foods, including fruits, can vary so the high reading may be incorrect. The Load is based on the specific size of the serve of whatever food you give your Pomeranian. Anything under 5 is regarded as a good level. Diet: Ask your vet before adding pumpkin to your beloved pet’s diet. It’s only necessary if he has intestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhoea, as diagnosed by your vet in the first place. A puppy can have 1-2 teaspoons and an adult can have 1-2 tablespoons. Mixing it with white plain rice and plain chicken breast will make the meal more palatable. If your Pom has coprophagia, pumpkin may also be a solution. However, coprophagia is an unusual health problem in that dogs may vary in how they react to different forms of treatment. Poms may slowly develop a resistance to a treatment that does work for a while. Mango. 
This stone fruit is full of delicious juices and is native to the Southern Asia region. The mango is listed here among the top best fruits for various reasons. It’s very heathy in that it has plenty of vitamins and other nutrients. It’s 84% water and is low in calories. Toxic core: As with many stone fruits, the mango’s core is toxic. Be wary of this and always remove the core before feeding your Pomeranian fresh mouth-watering chunks. Otherwise he’ll try to eat through the core, which is something he may actually do, to the detriment of his health. Nutrients: a quarter of a cup of pieces of mango contains a mere 25 calories. Its many nutrients include: vitamins K, B, A and K and minerals including: beta-carotene, folate, riboflavin, manganese, folate, niacin and potassium. The mango contains more vitamin C than all foods except for oranges. The vitamin C in mangos is a very strong antioxidant that has many benefits including: reducing cell DNA damage that may cause cancer, decreasing the risk of cataracts; improves overall cardiovascular health; acting as a natural antihistamine that can ease congestion in your Pomeranian’s chest, eases symptoms of allergies and keeping skin as healthy as possible. The folate in mangos helps with the creation of healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B6 helps keep your Pom’s fur, eyes and skin as healthy as possible. Diet: The ideal way to feed mango to your Pomeranian is by cutting it up into cubes. If it’s mixed in with his kibble he’ll enjoy it more and that can entice him to finish his food.
Other fruits your Pomeranians can enjoy.
The above list doesn’t contain ALL the safe fruits, just the best ones. However, whatever you feed your pet should be in moderation. Too much of any food can cause health problems. This is a list of the safe fruits for your Pomeranian to enjoy. • Watermelon is 92% water and is perfect for those hot days when you want to ensure your beloved pet stays hydrated. Because it has flavour, it’s more enticing than water on its own. • Apples are good and bad. You can’t feed your Pomeranian the core or seeds but some bite-size slices will keep him healthy. • Bananas are ok in moderation. Too much may cause constipation but a few slices are fine unless your dog has kidney disease or Adison’s disease and then bananas are a big no-no. • Strawberries. • Plums. • Pineapple. • Oranges but only the occasional slice due to their high sugar content. • Cantaloupe. • Kiwifruit. • Nectarines. • Cranberries can control and/or prevent urinary tract infections. • Pears. • Peaches.
Fruits that a dog may eat but be aware of the risks.
• Apricot. The pit is toxic and it’s very hard to remove the flesh from it due to its shape and size so only use apricots if you’re prepared to do the hard preparation work. • Avocado is toxic to cattle because it contains a toxin called persin. It’s not a problem for cats and dogs. However, the fact that it IS dangerous to bigger animals means it’s frequently listed as a dangerous food for all animals. If your Pomeranian eats a small amount, he should be fine but why take the chance? • Tomatoes ARE a fruit, despite much controversy. The green leaves are very toxic so if you happen to grow tomato plants, keep your dog away from them. But adding tomato to his food gives him another delicious flavour to enjoy. • Olives. The pits are high in sodium which is unhealthy for Pomeranians and so they’re best avoided. If your Pom does happen to eat a pitted olive, get him to the vet because the pit may have difficulty going through his system.
Dogs must NEVER eat these highly toxic fruits:
• Coconut can cause bloating and an upset stomach due to medium chain triglycerides. • Cherries. The seeds contain cyanide and because it’s extremely impossible to separate them from the rest of the fruit, never feed these to your Pomeranian. • Grapes are among the most toxic foods for dogs anywhere in the world, being not only poisonous but can actually kill dogs who eat them. • Currants and raisins. Some currants are technically called grapes and there are numerous types of currants that it’s definitely a food to avoid. • Grapefruit contains psoralens and oils that can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, depression, light sensitivity and changes in behaviour.
The bottom line is this:
If you own a Pomeranian, or any dog for that matter, you want to ensure he remains healthy. One major aspect is feeding him only the foods that won’t harm him. You’ll find the right kibble and wet foods, as well as snacks and treats. A balanced diet is one thing. To enjoy the taste of the food your dog eats is just as important and the right fruits can provide added nutrients and flavours, while keeping his meals interesting. Fruits provide lots of extra benefits so check out the fruit section when you visit the supermarket and don’t just buy the items you enjoy. Think about your four-legged family member as well. Although he can’t show it, he’ll appreciate the extra work you have done to enable him to live a healthier lifestyle in the long term. Copyright Pomeranian.org. All rights Reserved.
While these foods may be safely consumed by people, they should NEVER be fed to Pomeranians because of the serious health problems they can cause. 
Avocado is a delicious food to eat alone or with family and friends. However, when there’s food around, your Pomeranian is sure to be nearby. Avocados are very dangerous to dogs, particularly smaller breeds, because of a substance called persin. While it’s not necessarily fatal for dogs or cats to consume, the symptoms can be nasty. These include: diarrhoea, vomiting and/or constipation. If you know your dog has ingested avocado, watch for these signs and, if they occur, get him to the vet asap. The more serious risk is that the big round seed in the avocado can be swallowed and get stuck in your Pom’s oesophagus, intestinal tract or stomach. The green avocado peel may cause internal damage because of its sharp edges as it’s consumed.
Gum and candy. What person doesn’t love candy? However, all sweets and candies should be kept far away from dogs because many products (such as baked goods, toothpaste, gum, candy and certain diet foods) gain their sweet taste from a product called Xylitol. This ingredient can increase the amount of insulin in your pet’s body. That can make his blood sugar levels drop and cause liver failure in extreme cases. Early symptoms to watch for include: lethargy, vomiting and poor coordination. Seizures may then ensue and liver failure may occur with a few days so act fast if you notice symptoms, before it’s too late.
Chocolate.Pretty much everybody knows that chocolate is toxic to Pomeranians. The dangerous ingredient is called theobromine. This is found in most types of chocolate including white, dark and milk varieties. A single chocolate chip will often cause diarrhoea, vomiting and extreme thirst. More serious side effects include: abnormal heart beat, seizures, tremors and, if untreated, it may prove fatal.
Caffeine. In a large amount, caffeine can kill your Pomeranian and there are no antidotes. Symptoms include: fits, rapid breathing, restlessness, muscle tremors, heart palpitations and bleeding. Ensure you keep all products with caffeine in them well away from your dog. This includes tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, sodas, energy drinks and so on. This also means the grounds and beans of coffee. If you throw things in the bin, ensure your dog can’t get at them. Caffeine is often found in certain medications so be careful when handling painkillers, cough medicines and other drugs. If you drop a tablet, grab it before your Pomeranian can get to it.
Raisins and grapes. You may think that raisins and grapes are a delicious treat for your dog but FORGET IT! While scientists haven’t identified the reason, they have stated that consumption of these foods, even in small amounts, can cause dogs to suffer from kidney failure. Symptoms may include: continual vomiting, depression and lethargy. Enjoy these foods yourself but don’t give any to your beloved pet.
Milk and other dairy foods. The lactose in all dairy products can cause your Pomeranian to suffer from digestive problems and diarrhoea. I’m sure you don’t want to intentionally make your pet sick (Not to mention the need to clean up the unpleasant messes afterwards). Such products can also trigger allergies if consumed regularly. Itchiness is the typical side effect. Don’t avoid giving your Pom dairy products completely. Dogs, especially pups, nursing and pregnant mothers, require milk and other dairy products as part of their diet for calcium. Low fat cheese, yoghurt and milk specially formulated for dogs and pups are the best choices to feed your Pomeranian.
Macadamia nuts. I don’t like Macadamia nuts so there aren’t ever any in my pantry. However, if you love these nuts, keep them away from your Pomeranian. This applies equally to other products containing these nuts. If your dog does consume even a few, it may prove fatal. Six nuts are enough to make a dog sick but because your Pom is a small breed, it can take just two or three nuts to make him ill. Symptoms of Macadamia poisoning include: weakness and/or paralysis of his hindquarters, muscle tremors, vomiting, rapid heartbeat and an increase in body temperature. No Pomeranian should have to suffer these symptoms. 
Onions. Any form of onion can kill your Pomeranian’s red blood cells, thereby causing anaemia. As Poms are a small breed, even a small amount of onion can be fatal if not treated fast enough. Anaemia symptoms. include: loss of appetite, vomiting, breathlessness, dullness and weakness.
Plums, peaches and persimmons.The fruit isn’t the problem. It’s the seeds and pit that causes harm. Persimmon seeds can inflame your Pomeranian’s intestines, causing an obstruction. Consider how horrible it would feel trying to swallow a whole watermelon. Plum and peach pits contain cyanide, poisonous to dogs and people. Pomeranians are generally clever, but some still don’t realise that fruit pits can’t be eaten.
What happens if your Pomeranian eats these foods?
Pomeranians are naturally inquisitive and love tasting and sniffing things. While owners do everything they can to protect their beloved pets, it’s also wise to have a plan of attack if your Pom does eat something dangerous. Keep phone numbers of your vet, the animal hospital and the Poison Control Centre on your fridge where you can easily see them in an emergency.
Copyright Pomeranian.org
