HOW TO GROOM YOUR POMERANIAN

How to Brush a Pomeranian

Contrary to what you might think, brushing your Pomeranian dog is not particularly time-consuming. Outside of moulting periods, brushing their coat 2-3 times per week will suffice. On the other hand, during moulting periods in spring and autumn, you will need to brush your dog daily and be very careful to avoid the formation of knots. Take them to a professional dog groomer during this time to help you along. Also, never shear or shave your dog, even if their coat gets matted. Your dog’s fur protects them from the cold, but also the sun.

Choosing the Right Dog Brush

Not all brushes are suitable for all dog breeds. The choice of which brush to use depends largely on what type of hair your pet has. For Pomeranians, we recommend you choose a boar bristle brush, which is much softer than a metal tooth comb. Brush the topcoat gently against the grain to maintain its volume. Do not use a comb, which will only flatten the hair. Avoid attacking the dense undercoat for the same reason.

How to Bathe a Pomeranian

Baths are also an important feature in the maintenance of your Pomeranian. However, be careful not to bathe your dog too often, at the risk of damaging their skin. One to two baths per year is normally enough to keep your Pomeranian clean and healthy. Of course, if your pooch gets their coat particularly dirty or smells bad, don't wait to bathe them. If the smell persists, this may also be because they're suffering from skin problems. Always check with your vet if you suspect a health issue.

Given the size of your Pomeranian, you can wash them in a bathtub, in the shower, or even in a small basin. Make sure that the water is neither too hot nor too cold; it should ideally be around 35 or 36°C. Water that is too cold can be very dangerous for a puppy.

Choosing the Right Dog Shampoo

The choice of shampoo is very important. A good dog shampoo respects your dog's hair, but also their skin type (dry, oily, etc.), as well as any potential problems, such as parasites, for example. Never use human shampoo on your dog. Dogs have a different pH from humans, so human products are not suitable for your Pomeranian's skin.

Complementary Health Care

In addition to grooming your dog's coat, you also need to take care of their teeth, eyes, and claws. Oral hygiene is essential for preventing the development of tartar, gingivitis, and periodontitis, which can lead to teeth loosening. Teach your dog to accept a toothbrush from an early age and brush their teeth at least once a week. You can also give them bones to chew on to help get rid of tartar.

Eyecare is also important for your little Pom, who is susceptible to developing eye problems, chronic discharge in particular. Use cotton pads and saline solution to clean their eyes daily. Avoid using cotton wool or Q-tips which may leave cotton fibres behind. Proceed gently so as not to injure your dog. Take a pad soaked in the saline solution and run it over your dog's eyes to sweep away any impurities. Start from the inside of the eye and move outwards, so as not to allow other dirt to get in. Do the same with the ears, from inside to outside. 

Remember to also trim your Pomeranian's nails to prevent them from getting in the way when your dog moves. You can use a nail clipper, being careful to locate the quick of the nail before cutting to avoid injuring your pooch. The quick is the live part of the nail which contains blood vessels and nerve endings - it is recognisable by its pink colour. You only want to cut the white part of the nail. If your dog has black claws, it's best not to cut them too short, as a precaution.

Preventive Care for a Pomeranian

Finally, don't forget about preventive medical care for your Pomeranian. Make sure to take your dog for regular deworming treatments and anti-parasitics against ticks and fleas, and to keep all their vaccines up to date. Choose a high-quality diet for your Pomeranian to help preserve their life expectancy. It's a good idea to schedule at least one veterinary check-up a year, especially as your dog gets older. All these things play a big role in your Pomeranian's health.