Common Pomchi Health Issues and Their Symptoms

As a Pomchi owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. One common issue is Patellar Luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and discomfort.

This can lead to arthritis and mobility problems later in life. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent this issue.

Dental problems are another concern for Pomchis, as their small jaw size can lead to overcrowding and tooth decay. Brushing your Pomchi's teeth regularly can help prevent these issues.

If left untreated, dental problems can cause pain, bad breath, and even affect your Pomchi's overall health.

As a Pomchi owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Despite being generally hardy and healthy, Pomeranian mixes can be prone to certain health problems.

Eye problems are quite common among Pomeranians, including distichiasis, a congenital condition where an extra row of eyelashes grows inward and causes irritation. This can lead to corneal abrasion if left untreated.

Entropion, another eye condition, occurs when the lower eyelid rolls inward, causing excessive tearing and squinting. Surgical correction is usually the treatment for this condition.

It's crucial to be aware of these health issues to ensure your Pomchi receives the best care possible and stays healthy and happy.

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Pomchi owners should be aware of two common health issues: hypoglycemia and hypothyroidism. Hypoglycemia is a common issue in small breed dogs, such as Poms, and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

If your Pomchi is showing signs of hypoglycemia, such as weakness, confusion, or shaking, give her some sugar by mouth immediately. You can use honey, corn syrup, or jam, and if she's lost consciousness, rub some honey inside her mouth and on her gums.

Hypothyroidism is another common issue in Poms, caused by a deficiency of the thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, and skin infections. If you suspect your Pomchi has hypothyroidism, ask your vet to check her thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4) and consider a thyroid hormone replacement therapy if necessary.

Here are some common symptoms of hypothyroidism in Poms:

Hypoglycemia is a common issue in some small breed dogs, such as Pomeranians, due to a metabolic disorder.

Low blood glucose levels can be fatal if left untreated, so prompt action is essential.

Signs of hypoglycemia include weakness, confusion, disorientation, shaking, and seizures.

If your Pomeranian is showing signs of hypoglycemia, give them some sugar by mouth, such as honey, corn syrup, or jam.

If your dog has already lost consciousness, rub some honey inside their mouth and on their gums.

Rushing your dog to the vet for further treatment is crucial.

Hypoglycemia in young, tiny, and active Pomeranian puppies is not unusual.

A young puppy with hypoglycemia will be lacking energy due to a lack of glucose, which is essential for the brain and muscles to function.

Glucose is the fuel the body burns for energy, and without it, the puppy will be lethargic.

In severe cases, the puppy might even seize and can become comatose and die.

If your puppy is lethargic and fatigued due to low blood sugars, immediately supply glucose, such as Karo Syrup or honey.

Contact your veterinarian without delay.

Nutrical High-Calorie Supplement is an excellent supplement for very small and young Pomeranian puppies.

Hypothyroidism is a common issue in Pomeranians, affecting their overall health and well-being. It's caused by an autoimmune disease called autoimmune thyroiditis, which can lead to a deficiency of the thyroid hormone.

Pomeranians with hypothyroidism may exhibit a range of symptoms, including recurring skin and ear infections, weight gain, lethargy, cold intolerance, joint pain, and constipation. These symptoms can be similar to those of other canine diseases, making it essential to have your vet check your dog's thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4).

Some Pomeranians may have thyroid test results that are within the average range but low, which can be a sign of hypothyroidism. If you're considering buying a Pomeranian puppy, be sure to ask for the parents' thyroid test results.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism in Pomeranians can include dry skin, weight gain, infertility, feeling colder than normal, depression, low energy, dry thinning hair and loss of hair, thickening of the skin, hyper-pigmentation (darkening) of skin color, skin bacterial infections, high cholesterol, anemia, and ear infections.

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Pomeranians can develop hypothyroidism due to various factors, including severe stress or trauma, insufficient iodine in their diet, autoimmune thyroiditis, nutritional deficiencies (particularly zinc), insufficient light, and idiopathic atrophy.

To diagnose hypothyroidism, your vet will need to do blood tests and a complete examination. If the diagnosis is hypothyroidism, your vet will likely prescribe thyroxin. There are also some FDA-approved drugs available, including THYRO-TABS CANINE and TyroKare.

A suitable diet, including rice-based food and premium lamb, can help manage hypothyroidism. You can also add a multivitamin/mineral supplement, such as Pet-Tabs Plus, and consider using ginger root, zinc, and "green" supplements like Phyto-Derm or spirulina.

Here's a summary of the treatment plan:

Pomeranians are prone to breathing problems due to their small neck and windpipes.

One common issue is a collapsed trachea, which can be caused by wearing a collar and pulling on the leash. This can put pressure on the windpipe and cause it to collapse.

Pomeranians with a collapsed trachea may exhibit symptoms such as honking noises, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

A collapsed trachea can be treated with medication, but in severe cases, surgery may be required to stabilize the windpipe.

It's essential to use a harness instead of a collar when walking your Pomeranian to reduce the risk of a collapsed trachea.

Pomeranians may also experience reverse sneezing, which is characterized by rapid, sudden inhalation of air through the nose, resulting in snorting, hacking, or honking noises.

Reverse sneezing can be triggered by excitement, eating, drinking, or pulling hard on the leash, and can be stopped by softly massaging the throat or gently shutting the nostrils until the dog swallows.

Pomeranians with breathing issues, such as coughing, should be investigated immediately, as it could indicate underlying conditions like worms, heart disease, or hairballs.

A healthy diet, avoiding snacks and low-quality foods, is crucial to prevent breathing problems in Pomeranians.

Pomeranians are prone to dental problems due to their small mouth size, which can lead to overcrowding of their teeth. This can cause plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, and even premature tooth loss.

Food can become trapped between their teeth, and if not removed, it can lead to a build-up of tartar and plaque. Regular cleaning of their teeth is crucial to prevent these problems.

In addition to daily brushing, dental biscuits and chew toys can help keep their mouth clean. It's also essential to have regular health checks with your vet to catch any issues early on.

Some common eye problems in Pomeranians include distichiasis, where an extra row of eyelashes grows inward and rubs against the eye surface, and entropion, where the lower eyelid rolls inward. These conditions can cause irritation, excessive tearing, and even corneal abrasion.

If you suspect your Pomeranian has cataracts, take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis through ultrasounds, blood tests, and possibly an electroretinogram. If diagnosed with cataracts, surgery may be necessary to remove them.

Here are some common symptoms of cataracts in Pomeranians:

Obesity is a common health issue in Pomeranians, often caused by overfeeding.

Because of their small size, Pomeranians should not be fed too much, but unfortunately, some owners tend to over-feed their Pomeranians.

Obesity can lead to various health issues, including joint pain and arthritis, diabetes, and more.

A healthy and natural diet can help prevent obesity, so it's essential to avoid snacks or poor-quality foods rich in starch and sugar.

Pomeranians are prone to teeth overcrowding due to their small mouth size.

This overcrowding can cause plaque and tartar buildup because food gets trapped between the teeth.

Gingivitis, a type of gum disease, can occur if plaque and tartar are not removed.

Daily brushing is essential to keep your Pomeranian's teeth clean.

Dental biscuits and chew toys can also help keep your Pomeranian's mouth clean.

Ignoring teeth problems can lead to serious health issues, including painful infections and sepsis.

Regular health checks with your vet are crucial to catch oral health issues early on.

Tartar and plaque can surround your Pomeranian's teeth and sink below the gum line if not removed, causing enamel to be eaten away and teeth to rot.

Eye problems are a common issue in Pomeranians, and it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect their vision. Distichiasis, a congenital condition, can cause irritation and corneal abrasion if left untreated.

Distichiasis is characterized by an extra row of eyelashes growing from the eyelid, which rubs against the eye surface. This can be treated through surgery, electrolysis, or cryotherapy.

Entropion, another common condition, causes the lower eyelid to roll inward, resulting in irritation and excessive tearing. Surgical correction is usually the recommended treatment.

In rare cases, Pomeranian puppies can be born with hydrocephalus, a condition where there's too much fluid around and in the brain, causing pressure and potentially fatal consequences.

Other eye problems that can affect Pomeranians include cataracts, which can cause vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Cataracts can occur at any age, from birth to seniorhood, and are often inherited or caused by diabetes.

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Here are some common symptoms of cataracts in Pomeranians:

If you suspect your Pomeranian has cataracts, it's essential to take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the cataracts and restore your Pomeranian's vision.

Black skin disease is a common health issue in Pomeranians that affects their coat and skin. It's also known as alopecia X. The condition begins with a thinning coat and eventually leads to the loss of patches, exposing dull and dry-looking skin that becomes discoloured and blackened over time.

This condition typically starts in the area around a Pomeranian's tail and back legs. The exact causes of black skin disease are unknown, but it's thought to be linked to hormone imbalances, allergies, obesity, and other genetic factors.

The good news is that black skin disease is painless, which makes it a bit easier to manage. Treatment varies from dog to dog, but the overall goal is to re-grow the coat and prevent further hair loss.

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