Pomeranians and Shedding

Contrary to popular belief Pomeranians don’t shed much fur. Most longhaired dog breeds also don’t shed heaps all the time. The shedding can be easily managed with most long coated breeds because it’s seasonal and, in the case of bitches, hormonal shedding after a season or after weaning a litter of pups. In contrast to Pomeranians and other long-haired dog breeds, smooth coated dogs are heavy shedders and they usually shed coat every day.

Pomeranian in full coat

There are 3 types of shedding experienced by Pomeranians:

1. The puppy uglies is the name for the period when Poms lose their “baby/puppy” fur and then grow their adult fur.

2. Seasonal shedding is experienced by most adult Pomeranians.

3. Pomeranian females typically go through a total shed after weaning a litter, due to hormonal changes.

Puppy shedding

Your puppy will be age 4 – 6 months when he starts to shed his baby fur. All puppies are different, of course, and the entire process will take around five 5 months before all the puppy fur is gone and he has adult fur. Your puppy’s baby coat gets replaced by an adult double coat; the outer layer is long guard hairs and the inner layer is dense and thick. The colour of your Pom’s fur can significantly change during this period. As an example, a heavily sabled Pomeranian baby may end up with an orange adult coat or a white Pom puppy can go through the puppy shedding stage to end up as a cream coloured Pom.

While the puppy fur is being shed, your pet can look quite funny. This is because, at different times during the process, he’ll have patches of fur that are missing. Don’t be concerned because this is normal and won’t last long. Once your puppy is 10 months old, his adult fur will be really starting to grow. By the time he hits the 12 – 15 month point, his adult coat will have completely taken over. You’ll feel the coat’s differences. A puppy has very soft fur and that will be replaced with a double coat consisting of harsh guard hairs and the soft fluffy undercoat.

Adult Pomeranian Shedding

Some Pomeranians will do a complete shed once again during the 12 – 18 month period. There does appear to be a greater chance of this occurring if your puppy turns 12 months old while it’s summer. After 18 months, your Pomeranian may do light seasonal sheds.

Pomeranian Louise Babbage after dropping coat.

There are several variables that govern when your Pom will shed. The climate you live in and the environment the puppy grows up in are both key factors. Light changes are also a factor and if it’s a major element in your pom’s shedding patterns, then shedding will likely occur twice a year. You can expect most adult Pomeranians to do some seasonal shedding. The seasonal shedding will be a heavier shed with females who haven’t been desexed. They’ll often experience shedding after each season. Adult desexed Poms of both sexes will undergo some light seasonal shedding. During the shedding process, how much fur will your Pom lose? If adults lose too much fur, to the point where there are patches missing, this isn’t regarded as normal, unlike puppies who do have it normally. Adult Poms rarely lose that much fur except if they’re females (as listed in the third shedding option). If patches appear, there’s a medical cause and you must contact your vet urgently. The reasons why this occurs includes: thyroid troubles, allergies, mange and much more. Your vet will do a barrage of tests and examinations to determine the actual cause and then the right treatment can begin.

The third type of Pomeranian shedding is the total shed after an adult female has whelped a litter of babies. Mothers typically do a total shed when the litter is six to eight weeks of age. A time period of at least six months is invariably required following a litter for a Pomeranian mother to return to her former full-coated beauty. Don’t be concerned about your new mother’s complete shed as this is normal owing to hormonal changes.

Removing shed hairs is vital Pomeranian owners should be prepared to brush the coat daily with a pin and slicker brush to remove dead hair during the moulting period. The quicker you remove the dead coat, the faster new hair will grow in its place. Brushing daily will also reduce the need to remove your Pom’s dead coat from your furniture and clothing.

White Pomeranian after a total coat shed.

You need to remember that if a dead coat isn’t removed speedily, it will become matted and that often leads to skin yeast infections and other canine ailments. If a matt occurs, it requires lots of work to extricate it without cutting it off. Coat conditioner can help, if applied, as it helps loosen the matt and the tip of a grooming comb should be ideal to get it out. If it doesn’t happen, you’ll have to cut the fur to prevent the matt from growing in size. The shedding of dog fur is a natural, healthy renewal process.

However, you need to groom your Pomeranian regularly to control the loose coat and avoid having hair spread all around your home

1. The best type of brush to use when your Pom is shedding is a large, soft slicker brush, together with a large dog comb and a good quality pin brush. If you’re able to run a comb through your Pomeranian’s coat without any hair coat coming out, brushing for that session is complete.

2. Plan a schedule for when you will do the grooming. It’s easier to do when you have the task included in the plan for a busy day. Some owners enjoy doing it after dinner, while they relax in front of the TV.

3. If you have nice weather, do it outside if you can. Warm, dry weather is ideal. Doing the grooming outside helps reduce the mess.

4. If your pet has been a member of your family for more than a year and you haven’t tried using a tape lint roller on your carpet, you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find. Regular vacuum cleaners aren’t powerful enough to grab all dog hair. Get a vacuum that’s designed for pet owners and the better models have special filters that can catch allergens that may affect your pet and your human family as well.

5. Don’t forget parts of your Pom’s coat. When he sheds, many owners mainly work on their pets’ backs due to it being the biggest area. However, fur can fall from any part of your pet’s body, and that includes his tail. So, the best way to deal with a heavy shed is to start brushing the underneath area first – e.g. the tummy area, then move to the chest area, hairs on the legs, ruff, pants, tail and then move onto to the back last.

6. Bathe your dog every week and shampoo and condition his fur well. Blow as much dead hair out with a dryer, prior to brushing.

Copyright Pomeranian.org. All Rights Reserved.