Pomeranian Puppies

Grooming a Pomeranian

Sometimes, a Pomeranian puppy will not look like a Pomeranian that you see at dog shows. This happens because he is growing and his coat changes. The change is quite natural and depends on the individual dog, the time of the year and other factors. You should accustom your Pomeranian to being handled and groom from his early puppyhood.

Taking Care of Pom's Coat: It is not necessary to bathe your puppy or grown dog unless he gets dirty. Daily brushing and weekly cleaning would be just enough. Too frequent bathing removes the oil from the coat and skin and leaves the coat soft and lifeless.

At four-to-five months the puppy coat will shed, so the puppy is often shorthaired for several weeks. At six months the coat will becomes fluffy again. At about ten months the puppy should have double coat with heavy, stand-off outer coat. The full adult coat may not develop until the dog is three or four years old.

You will need a wide-toothed comb, blunt-end scissors, brush and sponge. Use the scissors to clip the hair above, below and on the sides of his anus. The sponge is for removing particles of food from his face after each meal and occasionally cleaning the hair on his backside. Usually, only the outer coat gets dirty. His dense inner coat keeps the skin clean. Use the comb only when you find tangles or mats in the outer coat, and be careful not to pull hard. If neglected, mats will have to be cut off, seriously impairing the coat.

Caring for Teeth: Older Pomeranian dogs, especially those fed largely on carbohydrates, tend to accumilate more or less tartar upon their teeth. canned food tends to stick more easily to the surfaces of the teeth, even dry food will cause problems if the teeth are never cleaned. The tartar generally starts at the gum line on the molars and extends gradually to the cusp. Scaling can be done at home, but is best accomplished by the veterinarian dentist. But veterinary care alone will not prevent dental disease. Good home care is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Most important, you should brush your Pomeranian's teeth daily (!)

You should begin brushing when your Pomeranian puppy is 8-12 weeks old. The aily routine should not take longer than 30 seconds each day. After you have finished brushing, reward him with a treat. Your Pom will remember this treat more than the actual brushing. Do NOT use human toothpaste or baking soda on your pet's teeth. Use toothpaste formulated especially for pets, available at pet supply stores or your veterinarian's office.

There is a general misconception to the effect that feeding your dog hard food and hard biscuits will keep the teeth clean. The hard biscuit will NOT scour the tartar from the teeth! It will only help to remove some soft food particles. Furthermore, the increase of carbohydrates in the diet will contribute to growth of tartar instead of removing it! After cleaning, be sure your pet has access to fresh water.