Keeping your Pom Healthy

Best Flea Treatment for Pomeranians

Pomeranian Headquarters

Sharing is caring!

Last Updated on 09/02/2024 by Dochlaggie. Post first published on November 7, 2016.

Pom owners will discover at one stage that their Pomeranian has fleas. The next question relates to the safety of Pomeranian flea treatment and how to get rid of fleas on a Pomeranian?

My Pomeranian has Fleas and How Do You Get Rid of Fleas On a Pomeranian?

A necessary part of owning a Pom dog is using a Pomeranian flea treatment. Loving owners should do research on the best flea treatment for Pomeranians.

Pomeranian Owners need to know how to get rid of fleas on a Pomeranian safely.

Can Spot on Flea Treatments hurt your Pomeranian?

Unfortunately the sad truth of the matter is, Yes. The use of spot on flea treatments have caused many health issues in Dogs and Cats.  In rare instances,  these products have resulted in animal deaths.

Spot on flea treatments are actually poisons, with the dosage finely tuned to allow for your dog’s safety, yet at the same time kill any parasites.

The Slightest Behavioural Change Could Mean Your Pomeranian is Sick

Pomeranian owners learn very quickly that their Pom is one of the family, not a mere creature kept outsider on a leash all day. Owners lavish praise when necessary and love their dogs very much.

Unfortunately, Poms can’t speak English and tell you when something is wrong. So it’s critical that you closely watch their overall behavior to determine if problems do exist.

Catching and diagnosing illnesses such as toxic poisoning and overheating needs to happen as fast as possible. This may occur if he travels with you in your car,  but is more serious if he’s made to travel in a plane. The sooner he’s healed from toxic poisoning or overheating, the better he’ll become.

Flea Medications Can Be Detrimental to the Health of a Pomeranian Dog

Poms with their long hair have a great area for little parasites to hide. If your furry bundle of joy is scratching, it may be due to fleas. If it persists, then you need to take action It’s very important to use the right treatment because some may harm your Pomeranian.

Getting fleas, Lyme disease, tape worm and various other pests is a serious matter, but at times the cure causes serious health issues.

With many over the counter flea treatments there is a risk to your Pomeranian’s health. In small dogs, like Pomeranians and other toy breeds, this happens even more.

In March 2010, a year-long study into flea treatments by the EPA published their findings and these are the results they discovered:

  •  Most side effects were found in dogs that weighed 10 – 20 pounds.
  •  Mixed dog breeds had more reactions and the dogs in the highest risk group included: Pomeranians, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Dachshund, Miniature Poodles, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terriers apparently had the greatest risk.
  • Small breeds also seemed especially affected by products containing permethrin and cyphenothrin.
  •  Incidents happened most frequently in dogs under the age of three, mostly the first time they came into contact with a spot-on product.

The main problems cats and dogs faced were related to their GI tract, skin and nervous system.

  •  GI problems included: diarrhoea, vomiting and excessive salivation.
  •  Skin issues included: itching, redness, sores, hair loss and ulcers.
  • Nervous system troubles included: seizures, tremors, ataxia (movement issues), nervousness and lethargy.

These risks started increasing a number of years prior to the study after spot on flea treatments were being sold over the counter. This meant a vet visit wasn’t necessary to buy these medications.

Secondly, vets weren’t able to provide owners with practical advice BEFORE products were purchased. Generic brands began to match brand names in terms of sales.

This wasn’t a good situation because the medication (which is actually a pesticide) is applied to your Pomeranian’s neck.

Usually, at the very back of the dog’s neck. The pesticide is placed at the rear of the Pom’s neck so he doesn’t lick it. The pesticide’s job is to kill fleas without harming your dog.

Most Cases where Harm has Occurred is Due to Not Using the Pesticide in the Correct Manner

If you see a vet before buying a product, you’ll be given sound advice on where and how to apply the treatment. After generic brands were introduced to the marketplace, risks of harm increased as chemicals in these products were different or stronger.

Best Flea Treatment for Pomeranians

If you need to deal with fleas on your Pom, talk to your vet first (ideally a holistic vet if available). Then you’ll be given professional advice regarding the type, dose, location and frequency of the flea treatment. 

Caution is required when using all types of flea treatments. If your dog does not have fleas, your home and yard is flea free and the dog does not go to public places, DONT give unnecessary treatments.

Flea Collar Pomeranian

I don’t feel comfortable with a Pomeranian wearing a flea collar at any time.

Fleas are usually more active during the summer months.  Think about the option of not using Flea treatments on your Pom dog during the winter period.

BEFORE using any Flea Treatment in your Pomeranian dog, please contact your breeder for safe flea treatment options. Also do a quick Google search. There is plenty of information out there about dog’s who have had their life’s cut short as a result of these treatments.

Importance of Correct Usage of Flea Treatments for Pomeranians

Your Pomeranian MUST be weighed properly. This is critical because calculating dosages for flea treatments is based on body weight.If you have two or more Poms, don’t split the same treatment product between both animals because it’s unsafe.

Don’t use any flea products on pregnant or older dogs. Always read full instructions carefully and ring your vet if you have questions BEFORE using it.

Once it has been applied to your Pom, you need to monitor him to ensure there are no bad side effects or behavioural alterations such as diarrhoea, vomiting, twitching, excessive salivating, disorientation or seizures.

If anything like this happens, stop the treatment and ring the vet urgently to find out what to do next. You may be able to resolve the problem. If not your vet will be more than happy to help you protect your beloved Pomeranian.

Safer Flea and Tick Shampoo for Pomeranian

If you wish to bath a Pomeranian in a flea and tick shampoo ALWAYS choose a product which is recommended for cats. Shampoo advertised for use on Cats and especially kittens is usually a safer choice.

Flea Treatment for Home Environment

Safely and efficiently kill fleas in the home environment with Diatomaceous earth.  Diatomaceous earth, also know as DE is a safe product. DE is an all natural white powder consisting of the fossilized remains of organisms.

Diatomaceous earth is not to be used on your dog directly. 

Best Flea Treatment for Pomeranians
Best Flea Treatment for Pomeranians

Sprinkle food grade diatomaceous earth on your carpets and floors to kill fleas living inside your home. DE may be used in your garden, but only on dry grass as moisture reduces the effectiveness of this product. 

Please note: while I do discuss health, care, and behavioral issues, you should never use this information as a replacement for advice from qualified veterinarians, diagnoses, or recommended treatment regimes. If you have any worries about the health of your Pomeranian, your first contact should be your regular vet or, if you don’t yet have one, a vet that works locally. Never ignore or avoid treatment and advice from your vet because of a piece of information you have read on any website.

Copyright Pomeranian.Org. All Rights Reserved.

References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo “The Pomeranian Handbook”.

About

Denise Leo

Pomeranians are my passion, and I have shared my life with these darling little dogs for many decades. The creator and face behind this website is published author and Pomeranian breed authority Denise Leo of Dochlaggie Pomeranians.

Denise Leo
Denise Leo