Compact-sized, fluffy and spirited-natured, Pomeranians are like small energy balls that exhibit confidence everywhere they go. Along with the confidence, they exhibit one more thing very prominently – hair! These small Pom-Poms are small enough to fit in your handbag but can make you carry another bag just for all the hair they shed.
Pomeranians are known for their luxurious fluffy coat. However, it is their secret weapon for leaving a trail of themselves wherever they go. This is because they come with a double coat—a soft, dense undercoat that provides insulation and a long, coarse topcoat that protects them from dirt and debris.
Now, there are three types of hair shedding in Pomeranians – (1)
Puppy shedding – This is the period when these dogs lose their baby fur and start growing their adult fur. It is called ‘puppy uglies’.
Seasonal shedding – Once the adult fur is all grown, it will experience seasonal shedding. It happens twice a year, usually around spring and fall. This helps them regulate their body temperature during the hot months.
Hormonal shedding – The females experience a total shed after giving birth to a litter because of the hormonal changes. You’ll see this when the litter is around 6-8 weeks old. The mother will then take at least 6 months to grow back her beautiful coat.
The amount of shedding will also depend on which type of shedding the dog is going through. The heaviest is when the female experiences a total shed after weaning her litter. After that comes the seasonal shedding. The least shedding is the puppy uglies one where a few hairs are shed each day for months. This process usually starts when the baby is around 4-6 months old.
During the first few sheds, there will be times when your pup will look very funny. You’ll see different patches of fur missing at different times. But that’s completely normal. Once your pup is 12-14 months old, the adult fur will have kicked in completely and you’ll see a difference. From a very soft fur, you’ll notice a double coat with harsh hairs guarding the soft fluffy undercoat.
Pomeranian Grooming Tips
Every beautiful thing in the world requires and deserves good care. As a proud owner of a Pom Pom, be prepared to brush your pup daily. Here are some grooming tips to maintain the beauty of your dog –
Brush daily using a pin and slicker brush. This helps remove dead hair and allows new hair to grow in its place. It also helps remove mats and tangles. You can apply a pet conditioner to loosen the matt.
Bathe them once every 2-3 weeks (more often if they get dirty) with a vet-recommended shampoo and conditioner. Blow out the dead hair with a dryer after the bath.
Avoid bathing too frequently as it can wash away the natural oils that help keep the coat nice and shiny.
Trim their nails every 3-4 weeks.
Brush their teeth daily.
Clean their eye areas daily and ears every 3-4 weeks.
All of these can be done at home, but if you have some money to spare, you can take the dog to a professional groomer once in 2-3 months to get a full grooming service. They may even recommend a little hair trim if required. Avoid very short haircuts, though, as they disrupt the natural balance of their fur and skin.
Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic?
Pomeranians are not hypoallergenic. If you are allergic to dog dander then, unfortunately, Pomeranian, is not the breed for you. These dogs like to leave traces of themselves behind everywhere they do. They may not shed heavily daily, but for someone who is allergic, they are yet not the best option.
Are There Pomeranians That Don’t Shed?
No, there are no Pomeranians that don’t shed. However, the people of the United States have developed a solution for it – Pomapoos. They are a crossbreed between a Pomeranian and a Poodle. The primary purpose of this cross was to create a less shedding Pomeranian, and the hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle helps achieve that. These dogs do shed, but very less compared to a purebred.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
While shedding is completely normal in Pomeranians, if you see clumps of hair missing from their coat, it is not considered normal. There is a high chance of it being due to an underlying medical condition. It can include conditions like thyroid troubles, allergies, mange, and much more. You will have to take your dog to a vet immediately if you notice random missing patches of fur on your dog.
Apart from these issues, Pomeranians are also prone to other medical issues in their life. These include – (2)
Alopecia
Hypoglycemia
Eye problems like dry eye, tear duct issues, cataracts, etc.
Collapsing Trachea
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Some of these conditions can be quite severe and cost thousands of dollars to treat. With pet insurance, you can save up to 90% of the costs. With Spot Pet insurance, you can save that and many more costs.
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
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With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
Leo, D. (2024, April 25). Do Pomeranians shed a lot? The answer will surprise. Pomeranian Headquarters. https://pomeranian.org/do-pomeranians-shed/
Madden, A., DVM. (2024, September 26). Pomeranian. https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/pomeranian
