Old Pomeranians can live up to 12-16 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.
Their small size, typically weighing between 3-7 pounds, makes them a great fit for apartment living.
Pomeranians are known for their thick double coat, which sheds heavily and requires regular grooming.
Old Pomeranians may experience joint pain due to their small size and weight, but regular exercise can help alleviate this issue.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a great breed for first-time dog owners who are willing to put in the time and effort.
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Physical Characteristics
Old Pomeranians are incredibly small in size, with a super thick double coat that's hard to resist.
Their faces are often what draw people in, with bright eyes, a big smile, and an alert expression that's next-level cute.
Pomeranians have small upright ears and tiny legs and paws, which make them look even more adorable.
They come in a variety of coat colors, including black and white, different shades of brown, red, and blue.
The orange-brown coat is particularly popular and has become a trademark of the Pomeranian breed.
Other coat colors include orange, orange sable, cream, cream sable, black and tan, and many more.
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Temperament and Training
Pomeranians are incredibly clever and alert dogs, boasting high levels of intelligence and being extremely loyal and protective.
They are natural extroverts, very lively in nature, with playfulness and curiosity making them endlessly entertaining and joyful to be around.
Poms are adaptable and can live in various different housing environments and with various owners, but they can have a tendency to get a little big for their boots.
They tend to be pretty docile for the most part, but small-dog syndrome can sneak in, encouraging a sense of self-importance, stubbornness, and extreme barking.
Poms are super smart dogs and very receptive to training and discipline strategies, making them excel as guard dogs despite their small size.
Praising and clicker-training have been found to be very effective with Pomeranians, as well as highly stimulating games and activities that will appeal to their curious and playful nature.
Socialization is vital to any dog's development, and especially to breeds that can be prone to over-independence and anti-social behaviors, so it's essential to socialize Poms with other dogs and people.
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Poms have been known to struggle a little more with house training, so persistence and patience is the key to success.
Teaching them that touch is safe and non-threatening will make for a calmer and easier time for both pup and owner, especially when it comes to grooming their long coats.
The Pomeranian is known for its ever-cheerful personality, being fun-loving, intelligent, and confident to the point of brashness, but it's also a bit on the stubborn side.
It's essential to choose a Pomeranian carefully, especially if you have a family, and make sure your children are calm and gentle with them to avoid any behavioral issues.
Care and Maintenance
Old Pomeranians require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles, especially in their long and dense coats.
Regular grooming is essential to keep your Pom's fur clean and comfortable. Schedule regular grooms with a professional groomer to ensure a thorough level of care.
Pomeranians can develop dry skin, so it's crucial to keep an eye on this issue to avoid itching and further discomfort. Your vet or groomer can help you monitor your dog's skin health.
To prevent eye-tearing and staining, keep the hair around your dog's eyes well-trimmed and clean their eyes daily with cotton balls and eye-cleaning solution.
Old Pomeranians need consistent training and regular exercise to be happy and healthy. Their thick coat also requires regular upkeep.
Pomeranians are prone to patellar luxation, a dislocation of the kneecap, which can cause hopping and may require surgery in severe cases. Regular exercise and monitoring can help prevent this issue.
With proper care and attention, your old Pomeranian can live a happy and healthy life.
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Exercise
Pomeranians have a medium energy level that shouldn't be underestimated just because they're small. They should get at least one hour per day of physical activity.
Regular exercise is essential for Poms to stay happy and healthy. This includes walks and playing with toys.
Pomeranians need the chance to freely run around each day, and they don't need much space to do it.
Puzzle toys can help provide the mental stimulation Poms need to stay engaged.
While Poms do fairly well in cold weather, their thick coat can cause them to overheat in hot weather. So even though they generally have good endurance, keep outside activity to short sessions in the heat.
Care and Maintenance
Regular brushing is a must for Pomeranians, with daily brushing recommended to prevent matting and tangling, and at least twice a week for optimal results.
Their thick coats can shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes, so be prepared for frequent brushing sessions.
Pomeranians have dry skin, which can lead to itching and discomfort, so keep an eye on this and consult with your vet or groomer for guidance.
A sanitary shave can help prevent waste from sticking to their fur, but this should be done by a professional groomer.
Daily eye checks are crucial to prevent eye-tearing and staining, and regular cleaning with cotton balls and eye-cleaning solution can help keep their eyes healthy.
Trimming the hair around their eyes can also help prevent these issues.
Pomeranians need regular nail trimming, ideally every four to six weeks, to prevent clicking on hard surfaces.
Their dental health is also a concern, so brushing their teeth daily is a must.
A bath and thorough brushing every four to six weeks can help keep their coat clean and healthy, and don't forget to clean their ears and express their anal glands at the same time.
Pomeranians are prone to patellar luxation, a dislocation of the kneecap, so keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or hopping.
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Nutrition and Health
Feeding your old Pomeranian requires careful consideration to prevent weight gain and digestive issues. Pomeranians tend to gain weight easily, so it's crucial for owners to monitor their dog's daily caloric intake.
Older Pomeranians may require a senior dog food that's specifically formulated for their age group. These diets are typically lower in calories and higher in fiber to support healthy digestion.
Pomeranians are prone to hypoglycemia, a sudden drop in blood sugar that can cause weakness and shaking. If your dog displays signs of hypoglycemia, you must seek medical assistance immediately.
To ensure your old Pomeranian stays healthy, it's essential to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly. A weight fluctuation of 1 pound is significant for these little dogs.
Here are some common health issues that can affect older Pomeranians:
- Luxating patella: This usually inherited condition causes the dog's kneecap to slip out of position, causing the leg to bend at an unusual angle, along with limping and pain.
- Collapsing trachea: This is a chronic, progressive condition that causes the dog's trachea (windpipe) to narrow or collapse, leading to coughing, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance.
- Hypothyroidism: When a dog's thyroid does not produce enough hormones, they tend to gain weight, become lethargic, and develop a thin coat.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: This is an inherited progressive disease that leads to blindness.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet and nutrition plan for your old Pomeranian, and consistently monitor their health to prevent any potential issues.
Nutrition and Feeding
Pomeranians are prone to weight gain, so it's essential to monitor their daily caloric intake. Obesity can lead to serious health problems.
Feeding your Pomeranian high-quality commercial dog food is the best option, as it contains all the necessary nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Additional supplements are generally unnecessary unless recommended by a veterinarian.
Puppies require a diet specifically designed for their age, and puppy food is typically higher in calories to support their growth and development. Many brands offer specialized "junior" formulas for young dogs.
Pomeranians should eat frequently, around 3-5 times a day, but this can be gradually reduced to twice a day after six months. Proper portion control is crucial to prevent weight gain.
A tiny amount of food is suitable for Pomeranians compared to larger breeds, and they can do well eating at least three times a day to prevent hypoglycemia. Consistently monitoring your pet's weight is essential, as even a 1-pound fluctuation can be significant for these little dogs.
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Health and Diseases
As a dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Pomeranian. Hypoglycaemia is a common problem in small dogs, causing weakness and shaking, even leading to seizures. If you notice any signs, seek medical assistance immediately.
Pomeranians can also be prone to eye issues, such as dry eye and tear duct problems, cataracts, and distichiasis, where the eyelashes grow inward toward the eye. Regular check-ups with your vet can help catch these issues early.
Dental problems are another concern, as small dogs can be prone to overcrowding and displacement of teeth, leading to food and tartar buildup. Regular brushing and dental check-ups can help prevent these issues.
A collapsing trachea is a common condition in small dogs, causing a "good honk" sounding cough. If left untreated, it can lead to further complications.
Pomeranians are also susceptible to hip dysplasia, a condition that can cause significant pain and arthritis if left untreated. Catching it early can make a big difference in your dog's comfort and quality of life.
Here are some potential health issues to watch out for in your Pomeranian:
- Hypoglycaemia: weakness, shaking, seizures
- Eye issues: dry eye, tear duct problems, cataracts, distichiasis
- Dental problems: overcrowding, displacement, food and tartar buildup
- Collapsing trachea: "good honk" sounding cough
- Hip dysplasia: pain, arthritis
By being aware of these potential health issues, you can take steps to prevent or manage them, ensuring your Pomeranian lives a happy and healthy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is considered old for a Pomeranian?
For Pomeranians, the senior years typically begin around 8 years old, with some small breeds like the Pom considered seniors as early as 7 years old.
What are the symptoms of Pomeranians getting old?
As Pomeranians age, common symptoms include slowing down, weight gain, poor vision, lumps, bad breath, incontinence, ignoring commands, and hair loss. If you're concerned about your Pomeranian's health, learn more about the aging process and how to provide the best care for your senior dog.
Can a Pomeranian live 20 years?
While it's possible for a Pomeranian to live into its teens, living 20 years is not typical for this breed. With proper care, a Pomeranian's lifespan can be extended, but 20 years is generally considered exceptional.
Sources
- The History of the Pomeranian (ampomclub.org)
- Pomeranian Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Pomeranian Dog Breed Information and Characteristics (pottybuddy.co)
- Pom Squad Rescue (pomsquadrescue.com)
- Pomeranian Rescue (rescueme.org)
- PetMD - Pomeranian (petmd.com)
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