Pomeranian health is a subject everyone considering this breed should learn about.
The Pomeranian, or Miniature Spitz, is a long-lived breed; its average lifespan is given as 12–18 years. It has conditions associated with the breed, but crossbreeds can also develop them. People become ill too…
Before welcoming a dog of any breed, it is important to understand that individuals with health problems can occur in any breeding programme. Such problems are often not caused by a breeder’s neglect, but by the lack of available tools, such as genetic tests for particular diseases.
Below is a brief overview of conditions affecting Pomeranians and other small breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Maltese and Miniature Poodles:
1. Hypoglycaemia in Pomeranians
Hypoglycaemia means low blood sugar. It can affect young Pomeranians, Maltese, Chihuahuas and other miniature breeds. It is one of the common health problems new owners may encounter. Understanding how it develops helps prevent it.
Some Pomeranians and other miniature breeds cannot retain enough glycogen to supply energy. When their glycogen reserves are depleted, their bodies begin using fat. Once this is used up, signs and problems associated with hypoglycaemia appear. Very small puppies store almost no fat. Fat is fuel, and blood sugar falls when too little is available. Adult dogs can balance this better.
The most common causes are stress—moving to a new home, new people and unfamiliar surroundings—or insufficient food, including meals that are too infrequent.
Bear this in mind when planning to show your new puppy to friends and take it everywhere. Minimise stress and keep its daily routine, including meals, as close as possible to the breeder’s routine. Introduce changes gradually, in small steps.
Hypoglycaemia can also be secondary to infection or illness. Giardia and coccidia may contribute. Puppies smaller than the normal size for their breed are more susceptible. Keep this in mind when looking for a very small puppy, and understand its special needs, particularly its feeding routine.
Fortunately, puppies usually grow out of this problem. It is uncommon in adult dogs, and affected adults should not be bred.
Symptoms
– Severe exhaustion.
– A puppy lying on its side with its eyes rolled back.
– Behaviour resembling drunkenness.
– A Pomeranian that will not wake up.
– Jaw clenching and/or cold, pale gums.
– Seizures in severe cases.
– Death in exceptionally severe cases.
– Increased thirst.
– Loss of appetite.
Fortunately, hypoglycaemia can be prevented!
1. Make sure your Pomeranian puppy eats several meals a day.
2. Limit stress: allow it to settle into its new home and get to know you before taking long trips.
3. Take food for your puppy when going out.
4. During the first few weeks, avoid outings lasting more than two hours at a time.
First aid for hypoglycaemia
- Offer food as soon as the first signs appear.
- If the puppy will not eat, give a concentrated sugar source such as honey or maple syrup. Make sure it does not choke. If swallowing is a problem, rub honey or another concentrated sugar source onto the gums. The procedure may need repeating several times—roughly every five minutes, three times—before an effect is seen.
- As blood sugar falls, the puppy may lose its ability to regulate body temperature. Keep it warm with a blanket and a warm-water bottle.
- If rubbing sugar onto the gums does not improve the dog (improvement is usually expected within 10–20 minutes), or its condition suggests it is slipping into a coma, it needs immediate veterinary care. At the clinic, it will probably receive glucose by injection, warming and monitoring until its blood glucose is normal and it wants to eat.
Hypoglycaemia occurs in many small breeds. If you need help, contact your breeder immediately. The breeder is usually a knowledgeable person to contact about your puppy. Even if they cannot help directly, they can refer you to a veterinarian experienced with the condition. Not every veterinarian regularly treats such tiny breeds, and a breeder may have useful practical knowledge.
It is therefore inappropriate to automatically blame the breeder: in this situation, a Pomeranian’s health depends heavily on its owners and their prompt response.
2. Patellar Luxation
A dislocated kneecap is another health problem affecting Pomeranians and other small breeds, including Pekingese and terriers, and even some cats.
The kneecap can slip out of place and cause pain during movement. A typical sign is a dog lifting one hind leg every few steps while walking or running. It may also repeatedly stretch the leg backwards, trying to move the kneecap back into position.
The original article lists four patellar assessments:
- Grade 0: the patella is not dislocated.
- Grade 2: it can dislocate during examination or spontaneous movement. After dislocation it remains outside the trochlear groove even when finger pressure is removed, but returns spontaneously with a later movement or manual pressure.
- Grade 3: it is dislocated and can be pushed back into the groove during examination, but dislocates again when pressure is released.
- Grade 4: it is permanently dislocated and cannot be repositioned.
Any recommendation for surgery should be discussed with a second specialist.
Environmental factors, including appropriate nutrition and care, and genetic predisposition may both influence this problem. Pay particular attention to diet, prevent your Pomeranian from jumping off high steps, furniture or beds, and provide exercise that strengthens muscles: walks and even swimming! 🙂
3. Tracheal Collapse
This condition is typical of small dog breeds. The tracheal rings weaken and collapse, causing coughing. It most often appears at around six years of age.
The cough can sound like a goose or a cat trying to bring up a hairball, especially after excitement or exercise. Most cases can be treated by a veterinarian; severe cases are less common. If you suspect it in your Pomeranian, consult your vet. If an X-ray is inconclusive, the vet may recommend tracheobronchoscopy, using a small camera inside the airway.
Many other common causes of coughing are unrelated to tracheal collapse, including obesity, masses near the trachea, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, allergies, irritation from dust or cigarette smoke, heart problems and even excessive excitement.
Keep your Pomeranian in good physical condition, use a harness rather than a traditional collar on walks, and avoid dust, smoke and other irritants. Appropriate nutrition helps maintain a suitable weight and supports the whole body.
4. Alopecia X / BSD – Black Skin Disease
BSD and Alopecia X refer to the same condition. Alopecia X means hair loss of unknown origin (X stands for the unknown).
It affects Pomeranians, Keeshonds, Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows and Miniature Poodles.
Signs include hair loss on the body, mainly the back, rump and tail. The head and legs are usually unaffected. Dogs do not have other health problems caused by BSD itself, and unlike some other conditions, it does not cause itching or pain.
There are currently no tests for identifying carriers. Such a test would help breeders eliminate the condition.
How it is inherited is not known. It may appear between one and six years of age. However carefully and ethically breeders try to eliminate it, it must be assumed that it can appear in any breeding programme.
If a Pomeranian begins losing its coat, promptly arrange investigations, including blood and urine tests, a skin biopsy, and thyroid and adrenal hormone testing. These help rule out mange and other mites, allergies, thyroid or adrenal disease and other causes.
Appropriate nutrition is important for dogs with BSD. A RAW/BARF diet seems ideal, using natural ingredients without chemical preservatives, emulsifiers or similar additives. Some sources suggest that neutering may help.
Protect the skin from environmental exposure. Soft clothing made from natural fabrics may protect against cold and/or UV radiation. Appropriate skin care is essential.
Hair may grow back after six to nine months, although it may—or may not—fall out again.
Research is ongoing and may take a long time, despite every breeder placing Pomeranian health first.
5. Hypothyroidism
Pomeranians sometimes develop an underactive thyroid, meaning insufficient thyroid hormone. It primarily disrupts metabolism and may cause:
- Lethargy, reduced interest in play, frequent naps and tiring quickly on walks.
- Weight gain, often without increased appetite, or weight loss; digestive disturbances such as diarrhoea or constipation.
- Recurrent skin infections and/or dry skin.
- Increased thirst.
- Hair loss, particularly on the tail and back (“rat tail”).
- Darkening and thickening of the skin, especially in hairless areas.
- Intolerance of cold.
- A slow pulse or a “galloping” heart rhythm.
- Recurrent ear infections.
- Significant behavioural changes, including unprovoked aggression, head tilting, seizures, anxiety and compulsive behaviour.
- Depression.
Diagnosis is based on blood and urine testing. Sometimes symptoms occur without confirmation in the results; testing may need repeating later. Treatment involves replacement thyroid hormone tablets.
6. An Open Fontanelle in Pomeranians
A fontanelle is a soft spot, like that in a human baby’s skull. Pomeranians, particularly very small ones, are sometimes born with an open fontanelle. It is usually harmless and often closes as the dog matures. Occasionally it never closes. This is not necessarily fatal or painful, but take care to avoid blows to the head, particularly the soft spot. Given the small size of an adult Pomeranian, its delicate body deserves careful protection whether the fontanelle is open or closed. 😉
A Pomeranian’s health depends considerably on its future owner. Appropriate nutrition and keeping the dog in excellent physical condition are key to a healthy Pomeranian.
7. The Heart
Heart conditions can sometimes affect a Pomeranian’s health. Heart disease is often linked to an unhealthy lifestyle, including obesity, poor physical condition and inappropriate feeding. Proper nutrition and exercise are important for maintaining health.
Heart murmurs or an enlarged heart are among the more common findings in Pomeranians. In many cases they are harmless and do not affect longevity.