THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR NEW PUPPY

DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE USING CLEANING PRODUCTS!! Pomeranian puppies are very small; therefore, cleaners pose a big risk! Avoid plug in fragrances and candles unless made with pet safe products. Pine products are toxic to dogs and will lead to organ failure of the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Pine oil can be absorbed through skin, inhaled as fumes or ingested. Avoid products containing ammonia, bleach, fragrances, glycol ethers found in all-purpose sprays which can lead to kidney damage and metabolic acidosis, and benzalkonium chloride which is found in disinfectant wipes and sprays. Never let puppy onto a mopped floor until it is 100% dry. A great natural alternative to these cleaning products is a simple 50:50 water to white cleaning vinegar ratio. Add in some baking soda and a few drops of Dawn dish soap. Seventh Generation disinfectants, Nature’s Miracle and unscented Dr. Bonner’s are some safe commercial products to use.

Pomeranians go through a phase called the “puppy uglies.” This is a normal transition phase where the puppies lose their puppy coat, and their adult coat grows in its place. You may be shocked when your puppy suddenly no longer looks like the little ball of fur they did as a baby. They look scraggly and nothing like what you would imagine as a Pomeranian, leading unsuspecting owners to question if their baby is a purebred Pomeranian or if there could be an undetected health issue causing the loss of fur. This transition is perfectly normal and usually begins between 4-8 months of age and lasts until 10-12 months of age. There’s no need to worry! Their adult coat will grow thick and beautiful! Note that every puppy is different, and some may stay in this phase longer or shorter than others. For some, this phase is barely even noticeable.

Beware that in small dogs, some flea and tick treatment can cause seizures. This is especially true with Capstar. You should never use this brand! Discuss this with your vet before administering medication.

Pomeranians have double coats. While the ever-popular teddy bear and lion cuts are obviously cute, it is not a good idea to partake in the trend. Once you cut into the undercoat of a Pomeranian, their coats will not grow back the same. Doing this can also cause alopecia for your puppy to live with for the rest of their lives. Some Pomeranian owners trim their pups down “for the summer,” but this is not effective for Pomeranians. Their double coat regulates their heat and helps them stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Unless you are directed by your vet to keep them trimmed, I strongly advise not doing it. Of course, this is your pet, and you can do whatever you desire. Just be mindful of the risk you take when cutting into the undercoat of a Pomeranian.

When feeding your new puppy, be sure to allow them to be in a safe and quiet area. Puppies this small can easily become startled by loud noises, running children, or playful fur siblings and can choke very easily. For the first couple of weeks, we recommend letting their puppy food soak in warm water until it becomes somewhat soft and puffy. You may gradually transition them to whichever food you and your vet deem best for your puppy. Transitioning suddenly will upset their stomachs. We feed the pups about a quarter cup of softened food at 7 am, 12 pm and 7 pm.

Pomeranians should always use a harness instead of a collar. Using a collar can lead to collapsed trachea in poms.

When taking your pup outdoors, always have them on a leash and supervise them. Especially as small puppies, they are prime targets for hawks, coyotes, etc.  Therefore, don’t get too comfortable just because you have a fenced in yard!

Because we live in a heavily wooded area and have all types of wildlife roaming through our property, our pups never go outside during their time with us. It’s not worth risking the dangers of picking up any illness or having one snatched up by a predator. They are used to using a pee pad to potty. I recommend doing the same until you are comfortable with your pup venturing outdoors. Direct them to their designated potty area as soon as they finish eating each time. I also suggest introducing them to this area first thing when you get your puppy home rather than introducing them to common areas of the home first.

Be careful letting your puppy onto furniture, even as an adult. A simple fall off a couch can cause broken bones. Right now, your puppy’s bones are not yet joined, and they will not be fully grown until they are one year old. Therefore, your puppy’s bones and joints are fragile. Be mindful of larger animals and/or small children around your new puppy.

The age recommended for spaying and neutering is 2 years old. Waiting until after puberty to spay/neuter can reduce orthopedic health problems, can reduce certain cancers, and can possibly improve behavior.

Anyone looking to breed a Pomeranian should be mindful that you cannot breed two merle dogs together. Doing so causes double merles, which can lead to blind, deaf, or generally unhealthy puppies. Pomeranians are known as the heartbreak breed because they are born super tiny, sometimes weighing less than 2 ounces. It takes a lot of time, attention and experience to keep these babies alive and thriving.