The New Virus And Pomeranian Care Facts

Last Updated on 11/07/2020 by Dochlaggie. Post first published on March 19, 2020.

It’s incredible how fast our daily lives can change. This new virus has very quickly affected people all around the world. There are lots of things to think about, not the least of which is pet care.

I’m writing this article to give you answers to some of the important questions concerning Pomeranians and this virus and Pomeranian Care Tips. I will provide you with a list of actionable steps to maintain the health and well-being of your Pomeranian during this unprecedented crisis.

Before I go any further, I want to make one thing perfectly clear. To date, there has NOT been any evidence that dogs can get this virus from their human owners or pass it onto their owners. This means there’s no logical cause for concern.

FAQS Relating To Pomeranians and The New Virus

How is this virus different to the normal one you can get your dog vaccinated against?

There are numerous types of coronaviruses that can affect dogs.
The canine coronavirus is a non-core vaccine. This means your puppy only gets it if he’s regarded as a high risk. It’s for canine enteric coronavirus (aka CCV). This CCV usually causes an infection in his gastrointestinal tract. It’s totally different from the SARS-CoV-2 (this is regarded as the proper name for this new virus).

Can Dogs Get Cold Viruses?

There are a few but they’re exclusive to one species. Because dogs get them, people can’t catch them.

The most common one is the Canine Respiratory Coronavirus (CRCoV). Approx. half of the world’s dog population has had this during their lives and this figure is gauged by the number of canines that had these antibodies.

In dogs, the CRCoV may create symptoms like the common cold; however, cases that are more serious have a stronger link to kennel cough. The CRCoV is DIFFERENT from the new virus currently causing havoc amongst the human population.

Can The New Virus Make My Pomeranian Sick?

At present, it can’t do so. However, it’s a tricky situation. Getting sick and testing positive are two distinct things. Until now, no animals have become sick from this virus.

Having said that, on 27th February 2020, in Hong Kong, a single canine was tested and was found to have a “weak positive” for the new virus currently affecting the human population (a low infection). This diagnosis was made from results of nasal and oral swab samples. The Pomeranian was 17 years old. His human owner was a woman aged 60 years. She had signs of the virus and was tested positive for the new virus.

However, further blood testing was carried out and the test for virus antibodies came back with a negative result.

It was first thought that the dog’s low level of the virus that appeared on his test was because it had been transferred from his owner without him contracting this disease himself.

The World Organization for Animal Health and some officials from two universities in Hong Kong discussed the matter and concurred that this Pomeranian probably had the infection (but no symptoms), meaning it became the first official case of transmission from “human-to-animal.”

This classification still exists, despite blood tests being negative. It’s important to know that, until now, there’s no proof that a dog with a positive test can transmit it to a human.

So far, one Pomeranian has been tested as positive for the new virus. However, there’s no proof that canines can become ill or spread it if they actually do have the virus.

Second Dog Tests Positive For The New Virus

The most recent update is that a German Shepherd dog located in Hong Kong, although displaying no symptoms of the disease has tested positive for the new virus.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) said that contagious disease specialists and numerous worldwide health organizations, all agree at this stage, there is not enough proof to suggest pets will become sick with the new virus or that they may spread it to other animals or even humans.

That is merely today’s fact. As more information comes in, facts may change and I’ll provide updated information when necessary.

If My Pomeranian Seems To Have Cold Symptoms, What Should I Do?

It’s essential that you understand dogs may catch colds because of the CRCoV, kennel cough and various other viruses. They may contract the flu (from the H3N2 or H3N8 viruses) as this is highly contagious among canines but it can’t be spread to people.

Dogs can display flu or cold symptoms including: coughing, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, headache, watery eyes, sore throat (lost interest in eating), aching body and a typical low-grade fever.

If your Pom is sick with these symptoms, it’s probably because of:

One of the typical viruses that dogs often deal with.
Because of seasonal or contact allergies.
Or some other typical canine malady.

However, the smart thing is always to contact your vet, and this is even more critical if your Pom has been near anyone who has had a positive test. The vet can tell you what you should do and he might have to check your Pomeranian himself.

If he says to home care your dog and treat and monitor his symptoms, this means plenty of rest, lots of fluids, keep him eating but change to bland foods such as oatmeal and unseasoned chicken if he doesn’t want to eat.

Use a damp, warm cloth to wipe eye or nasal discharge. If he is congested in the chest and/or nose, run a cooling humidifier near where he rests and sleeps.

If An Owner Is Isolating And Under Home Care, What Guidelines Should Be Followed?

The term “home care and isolation” refers to what a person needs to do if they have been confirmed or suspected of having the new virus and the doctor has ordered the person to stay home, away from everybody, including other household members.

During this particular form of isolation, the CDC lists what to do to care for your pet (in points 1-3 and I have added point 4 myself. Here’s the summary:

Tell your health provider you own a pet.
Stay separate from all other members of the household (this also covers animals).
Remain in a different room to everyone else (if you can). Other people in the house who are healthy should care for pets if possible. This means everything including: feeding, bathing, walking, showering with plenty of affection, playing, and so on.
You can’t have any contact with your pet until you’re healthy again.
If you live by yourself and have to care for your pet, wash your hands thoroughly before and after each task. Also wear a facemask if possible.
Follow all protocols to avoid spreading germs. Even though the CDC doesn’t list steps under “pet care” advice, it is covered under general advice and for people living on their own, it’s logical to cough into your elbow and clean household surfaces
regularly.

8 Steps To Care For The Health and Well-being of Your Pomeranian During This Troubling Time

1. Remember that dogs are highly intelligent and can sense their owner’s feelings. Dogs are also incredibly gifted at reading facial expressions, their owner’s emotions, body language and other forms of non-verbal communication. However, they also mimic those things so if you’re stressed, your Pomeranian can become stressed as well.

Dogs that suffer from chronic stress are likely to get depressed (lose interest in food and other things) or the reverse, they may bark too much, chew things in a destructive manner, and various other ways to release the pent-up emotions.

Remember you’re the leader of your pack so you must remain calm and steady, but also vigilant and prepared for any situation.

2. Plan ahead. Find one or more people who can care for your Pomeranian and ensure his routine is maintained in case you get sick. Having other people look after your Pom will ease your mind as you recuperate, and it’s also suggested by the CDC.

If your dog isn’t used to anybody else looking after him, it’s wise to rotate a few tasks now. Get members of the household to take turns feeding, walking, bathing, brushing, trips to the bathroom and playing with your dog. Then, if you get sick, your dog will rust others to care for him until you return to good health.

3. Ensure you have a good stock of dog food, treats and snacks and ensure that bulk food doesn’t become stale. Unfortunately, people assume they can go shopping and get what they want at any time.

This global event has shown us that empty aisles in shops that were always full become a real eye-opener. You wouldn’t think a lack of toilet paper and bottled water would turn some people violent. We’re rapidly learning that products are available, until a crisis and then the tables are turned.

The CDC recommends that two weeks is a good period to purchase supplies for but some owners are buying enough stock for more than two months. It’s sheer greed!!!

If you’re stocking up on dog treats and dry kibble, you may wish to use:

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It’s simple to fill and dispense and food won’t get stale.

4. Plan for your Pomeranian’s drinking water. Don’t use unfiltered tap water because it’s full of contaminants including Chromium-6, heavy metals and many more. They cause organ damage, cancer, nervous system damage, and a lot more health problems.

If you’re using bottled spring it’s a healthy choice, but as this crisis drags on, it might be harder to find or you may be in self-isolation for weeks or more, then other options may be wise.

There are home water filtration products that work well and vary in the way they are designed. An under-the-sink system isn’t cheap but it filters most toxins. Smaller systems that are connected to your tap, and portable jug filters.

5. If your Pom needs oral or topical prescriptions, ask your doctor about getting 1-3 months’ worth so you’re always ahead.

6. Make sure you’re well stocked with all regular care products for your Pomeranian. Plan that you have two months’ worth of everything on the long list including:
Shampoo and conditioner, other products for his coat, grooming wipes, ear cleanser, dental products (sprays and chews), supplements, pee pads and poo pads, and anything else you can think of.

7. Plan for future changes in his daily exercise routine. There are so many benefits to regular exercise: good heart health, helps to maintain good muscle mass, promotes a strong, healthy immune system, helps to regulate the metabolism, aids good digestion, and so on. Because of this, it’s smart to maintain your Pomeranian’s physical activity as much as possible.

Most owners use daily walks as a good method for regular exercise. If you believe walking needs to be reduced or completely stopped, you’ll have to find different methods to ensure your Pom still gets exercise.

One good way is a fun, energized game of Fetch. It’s so active and incredibly versatile that it can be played indoors or outdoors and the pace can be varied. If your pet doesn’t have a favorite toy, there are a number you can buy.

8. You need some “boredom busters” to keep your Pom amused. A huge challenge for people who stay home and use social distancing is how you can keep busy. This equally applies to our canine friends.

If you need ideas for things to keep your Pomeranian busy, these are among my best choices:

8a – A snuffle mat is a brilliant way to keep any canine occupied. This soft mat has multiple flaps of fabric in which you tuck small treats. A dog uses his foraging skills to sniff until he finds them. Dogs love using their sense of smell like this, and finding the treats makes this fun, rewarding “work.”

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8b – An interactive toy such as the Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball is terrific for entertaining your Pom. It’s a ball that makes silly remarks whenever your Pom nudges it with his paw or nose. It’ll keep speaking while your Pomeranian plays with it. It’s only when your Pom has a break that it will turn off.

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8c – A treat-dispensing toy is a fun choice. One, like the Busy Buddy Toy, holding dry treats that a Pom will nudge to release it. I like this particular one as it has been designed for toy breeds and large dogs.

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Tip: All of these toys will work at their best if you choose treats with strong scents as incentives and only use such treats for these toys (instead of using them any time you want) so it’s even more special. Always choose treats with no additives, that are completely natural and are manufactured in America. One top recommendation is [easyazon_image align=”center” cart=”y” cloak=”y” height=”500″ identifier=”B003ARUKTG” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qOP8vjujL.jpg” tag=”petgal-20″ width=”500″]

One Final Thought

Each day seems to bring more news that only increases stress. Everybody is wondering what will happen next. One critical thing you must do, as an owner of one or more pets, is to be as prepared as possible. Check updates from the CDC and other trustworthy sites.

Lastly…be kind…not only to family, friends and neighbors, but to every person on the planet. We are all facing this together.

Disclaimer: The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your dog. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on ANY website.

References and Further Reading:

[1] Denise Leo “The Pomeranian Handbook”.

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