We’re in the coldest season of all, Winter, so it’s normal to face icy cold weather, whether you’re human or canine. Heating pads for dogs may be the solution to keep your Pom warm in Winter.
The good news is that canine heating pads are a common product to keep your beloved pet warm. Manufactures have a tough time finding ways to stand out from the crowd. Here are a few tips to assist you when deciding which heating pad is ideal to keep your Pomeranian warm.
Unfortunately a lot of pets simply can’t cope with the severe hot and cold seasons they experience during their lifetime. As humans and owners, we may falsely believe that because they play in the icy snow for a short while, that it’s ok. The majority of dogs don’t have protection against the extremes of cold weather.
Do I need a heating pad for my Pomeranian?
Poms vary in shape, size and weight. Some are very lightweight while others are carrying extra pounds. Coats may be coarser in some while others maybe much lighter. Perhaps your Pomeranian may have been clipped short or suffer from coat loss problems. Here are vital points you must think about if you’re considering the purchase of a heating pad for your Pom.
There are times when the temperature affects a dog more than usual. Here are the times when you need to consider whether your dog needs a dog heating pad:
• If you have a puppy or a fairly young dog.
• If your dog is a senior citizen of the dog world.
• If your dog is female and is pregnant or nursing.
If you take your Pomeranian for a walk or if he spends time in your back yard, not having a heating pad may be harmful to his health, especially if it’s a recurrence. While walking your dog, you’ll see if the weather is affecting him. If he appears to be very cold, then it’s time to purchase a top quality heating pad.
Electric Dog Heating Pads
Heating pads that are electric are the best because they can heat your dog on even the coldest of nights. However, there are also dangers to using this type. Your dog might chew through the pad itself and then go further into the electric wiring, or may wet his bed and electrocute himself in the process. How shocking!
While there are both negatives and positives when it comes to using heating pads, spend a bit more and buy the best quality heating pads you can. Don’t buy cheap and nasty heat pads because you’ll face greater risks when it comes to the safety of your beloved Pomeranian. The best quality pads are waterproof and can’t be chewed through to the wiring.
Here are some of the best pads you can buy:
The K&H Manufacturing Lectro-Kennel Heated Pad with a FREE 22.5″ x 28.5″ large cover. It’s made for outside use and has been strengthened so it can handle the coldest temperatures and harshest elements the weather provides. It’s also tough enough to deal with typical wear and tear due to its tough ABS plastic and 5.5 foot cord wrapped in steel, all designed to ensure your pet is well-protected.
An extra positive factor is that you’ll save money on your power bill (as well as helping to save our planet) as it uses a low wattage and a self-controlled system that won’t ever exceed your beloved pet’s body temperature. K&H also includes a cover to keep it clean and it’s machine-washable to boot.
Thermal self-heating pads.
Many owners don’t need a super-sophisticated electric heat pad. They easily handle he cold weather with a normal self-heating pad for their dog. They’re sheepskin or fleece throws and are sold as “heating pads” for dogs, at a higher price tag.
Scruffs Thermal black self-heating pet mattress.
Instead of wasting money on a throw, it’s a better idea to buy a good quality thermal mat that’s self-heating and will keep your dog warm. The Scruffs Thermal has been specifically designed and made for dogs for this situation. 
When they say “built specifically for dogs,” it means they can handle the digging and scratching that a typical dog would do. It’s also machine washable because you can’t expect your dog to stay clean all the time.
Microwavable pet warmers.
I personally use Microwavable pet warmers for the Dochlaggie Pomeranians and recommend the SnuggleSafe pet bed heating pads. Lots of breeders and dog owners suggest using pet warmers if you have an inside dog. They’re easy to use and give enough warmth for hours. They’re handy if you have a Pomeranian or other toy dog that lives in the house but won’t last long outside. However, your home should be properly insulated or they may not function the right way.
Snuggle Safe pet bed microwave heating pad. snuggle safe
A dog warmer only needs a few minutes in the microwave and then you put it either near him or underneath him or his bed. It’s impossible to get anything wrong because it’s so simple. It’s always wise to have a couple handy as they’re cheap and there will be times when you need one.
If you have a whelping box and a bitch that’s nursing, these warmers will be ideal as you can keep the exhausted mother warm and the puppies will need additional warmth in the early stages as well.
Copyright Pomeranian.org. All Rights Reserved.
For most pet owners, sharing your bed with your Pomeranian is second nature, you have no problems and you both love it. However, there are reasons why your Pom should have a bed in which he can sleep.
If your Pom always sleeps in your bed, he’s more likely to face hurdles when he’s left alone all day. Because he won’t be accustomed to having naps and/or resting in that new bed, his own bed, he’ll often find it hard to settle in his playpen or gated area when it’s daytime. This may create feelings of anxiety and separation.
As a small dog breed, Poms can have toilet accidents and/or may fall off your bed or you might even roll on top of him while asleep. The more access your Pom has to your bed, the greater the risk will be that he wets the bed, soaking through the mattress.
Qualities of the Best Bed for your Pomeranian.
- It must have proper support. A top priority when choosing a bed for your Pom is the necessity for good support. Because he’s small, many owners might not know how important it really is. Stress on a body is related to his size.
When your dog rests, his mattress should curve to provide the right support for his body and ease any joint pressure. Your mattress is far to thick from being ideal in thickness thus causing the correct support for your pet’s body, being such a small breed.
Your Pom must also have good cushioning for on his elbows or they may stiffen and feel sore, as well as have a thinning of the fur on his elbows. If you have a senior Pomeranian, it’s vital that his orthopedic bed is made from memory foam.
- The correct size to provide security. Pomeranians generally have an almost overwhelming desire to feel secure and safe. They love nestling up to you to feel protected and this is what helps most Pom pets become fully relaxed. The bed you buy for your beloved Pom must be the right size for him.
Pomeranians vary in what they prefer in their bed. Some like a flat surface while others prefer it to be elevated. Your beloved pet may like bumper pads for his head.
Regardless of preference, your Pom needs his bed to be a quiet retreat so he can slip inside quietly, not making a fuss or allowing others time to help him. In his space he can rest and sleep away from noise and other animals, rest comfortably and get good quality sleep.
- High quality material to stop contact friction. Many things can affect your pet’s coat such as: arid Winter air, the hot Summer sun, the type of bristles on the brush you use, and ingredients in his collection of washing and cleaning products.
Contact friction occurs when your Pom’s coat rubs against various surfaces. Surfaces can only be gentle or rough and the intensity will vary, sometimes a little and other times a lot. If it’s a rough texture and the contact is prolonged, the coat can be badly affected, causing static, split ends, a frizzy texture and other issues.
- Washable. It’s a wise idea to buy a good quality bed with a washable cover (and a spare one) that’s easy to wash when needed. There are a number of things that can soil the cover such as:
An unspayed female Pomeranian, while in a heat cycle, usually “flow” for a minimum of two weeks. Although Poms may only produce a light, barely noticeable flow, it’s still something to watch for and then clean when necessary. If the bedding doesn’t get cleaned with soap and hot water, it’s very unhygienic.
Your dog’s body creates natural oils within his body 24/7/365. Every few weeks, the bedding needs a wash due to the oil build-up. Your dog must be washed every 3 – 4 weeks to prevent dirt and oils from accumulating. This is the ideal time to wash his bedding too.
As your Pom sleeps, miniscule amounts of these oils will sink into the bedding. Eventually it will begin smelling, either a musty smell or a weird sweet and sour smell. Food particles, dust, dirt and debris will affect his bedding and needs a wash so the bedding becomes hygienic again.
Types of dog beds.
Recommended good quality bumper beds.
Lots of Pomeranian adults and puppies feel safe, comfortable and secure in a bed that has raised sides. Beds’ mattresses are extremely supportive.
Recommended memory foam/orthopedic beds.
If your Pom of any age has problems with hips and/or knees, choose an orthopedic-style bed as it provides joint support, eases pressure and helps your dog get better quality sleep.
These beds are ideal for any age Poms because you can’t spoil your dog too much when it comes to comfort and health. You can have a bed with low or high bumpers and even a flat mattress if your pet loves sleeping and relaxing on your floor.
Specialty beds for Poms.
There are times when a dog is best suited to an atypical bed. Some prefer being raised up from the floor, ideal in Summer when air flows beneath them. A raised bed is a great method of allowing your Pom to relax in while enjoying the outdoors.
Your Pom might prefer to be raised so he’s level with your bed. If so, a raised indoor pet house is probably he answer.
Ramps and steps for human beds.
If your pet sleeps in your human bed with no problems, that’s fine. However, you must be wary of how your Pom gets up onto your bed and down again. Buy steps for small dog breeds or a ramp if your dog is a senior and you’ll help your Pom feel safe when trying to get up to you or down to the floor.
Copyright Pomeranian.org. All Rights Reserved.
Pomeranian Puppy Playpen
If you had to choose ONE product that would give your Pomeranian more happiness than you could have thought possible, it’s the humble playpen.
A great playpen with the right set-up can affect your Pom’s daily life in a variety of ways so let’s have a look at the reasons for this.
Playpens vs Crates.
FACT: There’s a gigantic difference between a playpen (also called an exercise pen) and a crate (also called a cage).
The crate: Crates used to be a popular method for keeping your dog in one place when you couldn’t watch him and/or as a place to sleep. They don’t help with house-training and often work in the reverse.
The positive news is that they’re rarely used today because they’re small, claustrophobic in nature and can cause emotional and physical stress in your dog.
The playpen: A playpen is more spacious, with difference spaces for sleeping, eating and eliminating. They’re comfortable, help with house-training and make your dog feel safe and happy.
The Top Four Benefits of Exercise Playpens (counting down):
4. As a house-breaking tool. The most common problem with all dogs is that they poo and pee wherever they want, inside and outside. Every time your Pomeranian wakes up, take him outside to show him where to do his business. This includes his night sleep and all naps. Take him before bedtime, approx. 20 minutes after eating, and at other times of the day, according to his age. (For example, 3 hours if he’s 3 months old and 4 hours if he’s 4 months old)
At times when you’re keeping your pet right beside you, you can watch him and the moment you think he needs to go, take him outside immediately. Apart from these examples, use his playpen so he adjusts his habits accordingly. Then you won’t have to worry about “little accidents.”
- To prevent destructive chewing. If he’s teething or may simply love chewing, you’ll soon learn that he’ll chew anything he can, and even try things to see if he can or can’t chew them.
If you’re watching him and you see him heading for something that’s NOT one of his toys, you have two choices. Either use a corrector spray as it sprays a short burst that stops your dog immediately, or clap your hands loudly. Then give him a toy to chew instead.
If you can’t watch your Pom, put him in his pen because he’ll have plenty of toys to chew and you won’t worry that he’s getting into mischief. Eventually, by monitoring and changing his behaviour, he’ll stop chewing things that aren’t for him on a permanent basis.
- To keep your Pomeranian safe. Your Pom’s safety is a major priority for you so you should go through your house, preferably before you even bring your puppy home for the first time, but also on a routine basis, and “puppy-proof” your home. Electric cords are a popular chewable item but can be lethal if charged. Cords can be concealed or moved off the floor so he can’t get to them. Socks are a source of interest because they have the scent of the wearer.
Anything on the floor or anywhere within his reach can be hazardous to his health. This includes: dropped paper clips, pins, needles, pen caps, coins, wrapping from food and so on. You may also drop food that’s poisonous to dogs or other things equally harmful. Keep all cleaning products in a closed cupboard. You need to crawl and even lay down on the floor so you can see things through the eyes of your Pom. The safest place for your Pom is in his pen, especially if you’re not home or can’t watch him.
An important point: ALL members of your family should be made aware of the dangers facing your Pom. They may drop something that seems innocent enough to them but your Pom could be harmed by it.
1. Separation Anxiety (SA). This is a major problem with dogs, especially puppies if they haven’t lived with you for long. The playpen is designed to keep him happy and ease any anxiety he may feel. Most breeds face this at times but for some reason, Pomeranians are more prone to it as they’re developed as lap dogs, in need of human interaction as much as possible. They may feel lost, lonely and have overwhelming feelings of isolation.
Creating a safe, comfortable environment will ease these feelings. Bigger spaces can make it worse. If he has the whole house to himself, that is worse than only having his pen. A good quality bed, toys, food and water and room to move are all aspects of a playpen that need to be designed properly.
Have some pee pads in his toilet area so he doesn’t soil the rest of the pen. Dogs don’t often mess their own possessions, especially if you have set up a space for him to do his business when you’re not around.
He can chase his round toys around the pen and they can’t escape. Companion and speaking toys are ideal. Have looped relaxation music playing nearby to calm him.
Summary of the benefits of using playpens.
Now you have learned a playpen can:
- Keep your Pomeranian secure and safe.
- Help housetrain him.
- Prevent him from chewing items he shouldn’t chew.
- Make him comfortable because of his bed, toys, water, food and bathroom area all being in one space.
- Play his calming music.
Qualities Shared by the Best playpens:
The pen needs to be a good size so it doesn’t feel like a cage. Instead, it should feel comfortable and safe.
- It must be portable so it can be placed in any room and even taken when you visit friends or family so he can still feel comfortable, despite being around strangers.
- It’s essential that it has a door because your Pom shouldn’t associate his pen with anything negative (e.g. like you going out). While you’re home, leave the pen door open so he can roam around, but can also get a toy from there or even have a nap.
Best Playpens for Pomeranians.
I use a playpen for the Dochlaggie Pomeranians and recommend the following puppy exercise pens.
You have two main choices, depending on your Pom’s needs and what you need from it.
Mesh/cloth pop-up playpens. These are great if you have carpet as they protect the carpet. They’re similar to a room in that there’s a floor, walls and a roof (if needed). The door is either a Velcro or zipper flap.
They’re made from mesh and washable/breathable cloth and open a bit like pop-up tents. They can be used indoors and outdoors and many of them also have a carry bag so you can pack up easily for travel.
Gated, heavy-duty plastic pens. The other fine choice. If your home has tile, wood or other flooring types, they’re easily cleaned. There’s no roof and the sides have gates that your dog can look out if he wishes. The better quality models use a heavy-duty plastic that’s moulded, simple to clean and long-lasting. Some have doors and others don’t but it’s better to have a door.
If you’re concerned about your Pomeranian’s safety, consider the purchase of a pen with a lid.
Copyright Pomeranian.org. All Rights Reserved.
