Biggest Health Concerns in Pomeranians

Pomeranians have been firm favourites both in the UK and elsewhere in the world because not only are these little dogs adorable looking, but they are great fun characters too. Although small in stature, they are quite hardy little dogs providing they have been well bred which is why it's so important for potential owners to do as much research as possible into the breed and to check out breeders before buying a Pomeranian puppy from them.

Knowing which health issues are the most concerning in Pomeranians

Anyone wanting to share a home with a Pom should be the best pet parent possible. This means knowing all about any health issues these charming little dogs are known to suffer from and to recognise quickly when there is a problem. Below is a list of the most concerning health issues in Pomeranians and why it’s so important for them to be carefully bred.

A Collapsed Trachea

A collapsed trachea is one of the more common problems seen in Pomeranians and it happens because of the small size of a dog's neck. When a Pom's wind pipe is injured in any way, it makes it very hard for them to breath properly. The Pomeranian is predisposed to suffering from a collapsed trachea which can be inherited from parent breeds. Another reason for it to happen is because these little dogs pull on their leads which puts a lot of pressure on their wind pipes. Constant pulling can eventually lead to a collapsed trachea and why it is best for them to wear a harness rather than a collar.

Teaching a Pom puppy to wear a harness as soon as possible so they can be safely walked on a lead without putting any pressure on their necks reduces the risk of them having a collapsed trachea. It is the best way of preventing the damage from being done. However, if the problem is an inherited one, it takes a lot of care and veterinary management to resolved the problem. If a Pom's condition is severe, they would need to be hospitalised and given oxygen which means sedating a dog first. After this, a vet would typically prescribe specific medication to treat the condition. A responsible breeder would never use a dog that has suffered a collapsed trachea in a breeding programme just in case they pass the condition on to their offspring and why it is so important to contact reputable breeders if you are thinking of buying a Pomeranian puppy.

Patellar Luxation

Another common health issue seen in Poms is patellar luxation which causes dogs to walk in a peculiar fashion as if they are walking on stilts with stiff legs and they have hunched backs. The problem with this health issue is that all too often the first signs of there being something wrong are quite subtle which means the condition goes unnoticed, but it is worth bearing in mind that the quicker a diagnosis can be made and a treatment set in place, the easier it is to correct patellar luxation more especially in young Pomeranians.

Hypothyroidism

Pomeranians are also prone to suffering from hypothyroidism which is a condition that sees their metabolism slowing down because their thyroid glands do not work properly. They do not produce enough essential hormones and the result is that a Pom has trouble keeping weight on. The disorder can develop for various reasons which includes a lack of exercise or a reaction to certain drugs, but it can also occur due to a Pom having a compromised immune system.

Cataracts and distichiasis

Pomeranians often suffer from various eye issues two of which are cataracts and distichiasis. When a dog develops cataracts on their eyes, it makes it harder for them to judge distances correctly apart from other things. Over time, their eyes turn cloudy and often there is swelling and redness around the eye. Some dogs do eventually lose their sight altogether, but if caught early enough and the vet believes they can correct the problem, it is possible to do so surgically with dogs being referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Some Poms have very long eyelashes and although adorable, they can cause a lot of problems one of which is a condition known as distichiasis. It's a painful condition where the lashes literally poke into a dog's eyes making life very uncomfortable for them. Any sort of light causes excruciating pain to a dog suffering from distichiasis. A vet would be able to correct the problem using a specific procedure that involves electrolysis and Poms typically recover quickly.

Skin and coat issues

Some Pomeranians suffer from a skin disorder known as "black skin disease" otherwise referred to as BSD or Alopecia X. When a dog develops the condition, they slowly lose all their fur. To begin with their coats become thinner and dogs lose their fur in patches with the skin when exposed looking dull and dry. The problem typically starts around a dog's tail and on their back legs. Over time, a Pom's fur starts falling out leaving their skin exposed to the air which causes it to become discoloured and black looking.

Other conditions that can affect a Pom's skin are triggered by allergies and yeast infections which need to be treated sooner rather than later because they are so notoriously difficult to clear up.

Lastly

Pomeranians are adorable characters and great fun to have around. Choosing a well-bred healthy Pom puppy goes a long way in reducing the risks of them developing hereditary conditions like Patellar Luxation or a Collapsed Trachea. There are lots of cute Pom puppies for sale, but it is essential to check a dog's breeding and to ensure their parents don't suffer from any health issue they may have passed on to their offspring before buying a cute Pomeranian puppy.