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Pomeranian Health ProblemsCommon Pomeranian health problems include hypoglycemia, patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, teeth problems, and hair loss.
The Pomeranian is the smallest member of the Spitz family of northern breeds and is a descendent of sled dogs from Iceland and Lapland.
Today, the Pom is one of the most popular of the Toy breeds.
The Pomeranian is intelligent, very easily trained, active, and alert. Despite their size, Pomeranians can be bold with other larger dogs and can also be very
protective of their families, making them good companions and watch dogs.
The Pomeranian is a rather popular breed in the U.S.A. - Ranked 13th most registered breed by the AKC for 2008.
Common Pomeranian Health ProblemsThe Pomeranian is a very healthy, hardy and long-lived breed. However, despite the fact that they have relatively few health issues, the Pom, like all breeds, do have some common health problems. One common health problem with the Pomeranian is obesity. Because of their small size, they do not need a lot of food but owners tend to over-feed their Pomeranians. If you have a Pom, therefore, it is important to keep his weight in check for his overall health. Below are some of the more common Pomeranian health problems:
Pomeranian Health Problems - Teeth ProblemsThe Pomeranian has too small a mouth for its teeth, resulting in overcrowding. Overcrowding of teeth can cause various teeth and gum problems. For example, food can easily be trapped between the teeth, causing plaque and tartar buildup. If untreated, this may result in gum disease such as gingivitis, as well as premature tooth loss. Keeping the teeth clean is therefore important. Besides brushing your Pomeranian's teeth daily, you can help keep his mouth clean by giving him dental biscuits and dental chew toys. It is also advisable to feed your dog a healthy and natural diet; dry food is better for the teeth instead of canned or semi-moist food. Avoid snacks or poor-quality foods rich in starch and sugar. TopPomeranian Health Problems - Coat LossA coat loss problem called "Severe Hair Loss Syndrome" (SHLS) can afflict some Pomeranians. SHLS occurs mainly in males and often becomes apparent later in the dog's life. The dog starts out with a normal appearing coat but the coat slowly thins out, starting at the back of the thighs and buttocks and moving up the back. There is also a puppy-related version in which the puppy coat sheds but the adult coat does not grow. TopPomeranian Health Problems - HypoglycemiaHypoglycemia refers to abnormally low blood glucose (sugar) levels. Hypoglycemia is one of the most common health problems among toy breeds such as Pomeranians. Dogs with extremely low blood glucose usually show the following signs:
Pomeranian Health Problems - DistichiasisDistichiasis is a condition that refers to ingrown eyelashes. It occurs when the eyelashes grow abnormally, placing them in direct contact with sensitive eyeball tissue. The hairs are often long and stiff and grow out of oil glands within the eyelids. In most cases there are multiple improperly grown hairs, and both eyes are affected. If left untreated, the eyelashes rub continuously on the eyeball, causing pain and constant watering of the eye. Eventually, the lashes can cause a tear in the dog's cornea, which may result in scarring and vision loss. Symptoms to look out for include:
Pomeranian Health Problems - EntropionEntropion is a condition where the bottom eyelid rolls inward and causes the eye lashes to rub against the cornea, resulting in pain, tearing, and inflammation. It can be present in both eyes. Entropion can be treated by eyelid surgeries. TopPomeranian Health Problems - Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is a hereditary condition in which the knee cap slips out of its groove. Sometimes the kneecap will slip back into place; while other times a veterinarian
may need to put it back in place.
The dog will show signs of this condition only when the knee cap is sliding out of place. You will see the dog limping or
running with the affected leg held off the ground, and he will often stretch it out behind him in an effort to click the cartilage back into place. It is also
likely to be painful particularly if the kneecap is out of joint.
If it is not corrected through surgery, then osteoarthritis will usually result.
It is a good idea to prevent this condition by starting Pomeranians on chondroprotective medications
(glucosamine and chondroitin) when they are young.
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Pomeranian Health Problems - Tracheal CollapseTracheal collapse is a narrowing of the windpipe due to the weakening of the cartilage, which forms and supports the trachea. This condition is common in Pomeranians. Symptoms include a dry, honking cough, harsh breathing and gagging. The cough is worsened by exercise, heat, excitement, and humidity. Obese dogs are particularly vulnerable to this condition. Treatment consists of managing the cough and using supplements to strengthen cartilage. In particular, use a supplement with glucosamine to help keep the lining of the airway in a healthy, moist state. To protect your Pomeranian's throat and keep pressure off the airway, use a harness instead of a collar. TopPomeranian Health Problems - HypothyroidismPomeranians have a predisposition for hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body fails to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can be caused by problems in the dog's own immune system, or it can be caused by certain medications, toxins, or even a lack of exercise. Symptoms are related to a slowed metabolism including mental dullness, exercise intolerance, lethargy, weight gain (without increase food consumption), hypothermia, dry skin, and hair loss.
References Canada's Guide to Dogs (http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/pomeranian.htm) PetPom.com Pomeranian Health Problems (http://www.mbfonline.com/pomhealth/) TOP of Pomeranian Health Problems |
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