top of page
0383D929-2930-4456-A0C9-390229C4EEC3.png

Things You Should Know

There are a few things I really want new Pom owners to know, especially when bringing home a tiny puppy. This is the same information I go over with my puppy families, all in one place so you can come back to it whenever you need it.

Pick Your Topic

Harnesses, Collars & Leashes
 

Why we recommend harnesses for Pomeranians, how to choose the right fit, and tips for safe leash walking.

Hypoglycemia in Toy-Breed Puppies

Hypoglycemia means dangerously low blood sugar. Very young and very small puppies have limited energy reserves and can use those reserves quickly. Pomeranian puppies are especially vulnerable when they're young, stressed, overly active, cold, sick, or simply haven't eaten enough.

Most puppies become less susceptible as they mature, but hypoglycemia in a tiny puppy can become serious very quickly. That's why we pay so much attention to eating habits during those first weeks in a new home.

KNOW THE SIGNS

Watch for:

• Unusual sleepiness or extreme lethargy
• Weakness or difficulty standing
• Wobbling or unsteady walking
• Trembling or muscle twitching
• Acting confused or “out of it”
• Refusing food along with weakness
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Seizures

​

Trust what you know about your puppy. If your puppy is difficult to wake, weak, wobbly, trembling, or simply isn't acting normally, don't assume they're just tired.

HELP PREVENT IT

Help prevent low blood sugar:

• Feed young puppies frequent, regular meals
• Make sure your puppy is actually eating — don't just assume they are
• Pay extra attention during the first days in a new home
• Avoid overly long or exhausting play sessions
• Give your puppy plenty of time to sleep and rest
• Keep very young puppies warm and comfortable
• Watch eating especially closely during stress, illness, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Contact your veterinarian if your puppy stops eating or isn't acting normally

​

Food is the best prevention. Sugar products such as honey or Karo are for suspected low blood sugar — they should not replace regular meals or be routinely added to drinking water.

WHAT TO DO

If you suspect low blood sugar:

​

1. ACT QUICKLY.
If your puppy is conscious and able to swallow, offer food.

2. GIVE A QUICK SUGAR SOURCE.
Rub a small amount of honey or Karo syrup on the gums. Do not pour liquid into the mouth of a puppy who is weak or not swallowing normally.

3. KEEP YOUR PUPPY WARM & QUIET.
Limit activity while you assess how they're responding.

4. CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN.
Severe symptoms, failure to improve promptly, or repeated episodes need veterinary care.

​

EMERGENCY: Collapse, seizures, loss of consciousness, severe weakness, or inability to swallow normally = emergency veterinary care now.

Why Are Tiny Puppies More Susceptible?

Young toy-breed puppies have very small bodies and limited energy reserves. They need a steady supply of calories to maintain normal blood sugar, but they can burn through those reserves surprisingly quickly.

​

The first few days in a new home can be an especially vulnerable time. Think about how much has changed for your puppy. New people, new surroundings, a different routine, lots of excitement and probably a whole lot more activity than they're used to. Some puppies get so distracted by everything going on that they simply don't eat enough to keep up with the energy they're using.

​

Things that can increase the risk of hypoglycemia include:

  • Missing meals or not eating enough

  • Stress from transitioning to a new home

  • Too much activity without enough food and rest

  • Becoming chilled

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Parasites or illness

  • Being exceptionally young or very small
     

This is one reason we are so persistent about asking new families whether their puppy is actually eating. With a tiny puppy, “there's food available” and “the puppy is consuming enough food” are two very different things.

Sleepy Puppy or Something More?

Young puppies sleep a lot, especially after playing, eating, or taking in all the excitement of a new home. That's completely normal. What matters is how your puppy responds when you wake them.

​

One of the easiest checks is simply to call their name or make a kissing noise. A normally sleepy puppy should respond pretty quickly. They may lift their head, look at you, get up, or otherwise become alert once you've gotten their attention.

​

If your puppy is slow to respond, doesn't want to lift their head, seems dazed, can't stand normally, or just isn't becoming alert like they usually would, it's time to take a closer look. Check whether they're willing and able to eat and watch for the other signs of hypoglycemia.

​

Another serious warning sign is a puppy who becomes unusually limp or floppy. A healthy puppy has muscle tone and will normally react when you pick them up or change their position. If you pick your puppy up and they seem to simply collapse in your hands rather than reacting, curling themselves up, or trying to right their body, this is not normal puppy sleepiness.

​

A very weak, limp, poorly responsive, collapsing, seizing, or unconscious puppy needs emergency veterinary care. These symptoms can occur with severe hypoglycemia, but they can also have other serious causes, so don't assume sugar alone has fixed the problem.

The First Few Days Home

Coming home is exciting, but it's also a huge adjustment for a young puppy. They've left their littermates, their familiar surroundings and the routine they've known their entire life. At the same time, everyone in their new family understandably wants to hold them, play with them and show them their new world.

​

For a tiny Pomeranian puppy, all that excitement can be exhausting. Some puppies also eat less when they're stressed or distracted, which means they're taking in fewer calories at the same time they're burning more energy.

​

During those first few days:

  • Keep meals on a regular schedule and make sure you actually see your puppy eat.

  • Give them plenty of uninterrupted time to sleep.

  • Keep play sessions reasonable, especially with children who may happily play with the new puppy for hours if you let them.

  • Keep your puppy warm and comfortable.

  • Don't overwhelm them with visitors, outings and nonstop activity right away.

  • Pay attention to changes in appetite, energy, stool and behavior.
     

Your puppy does need play, affection and socialization. They don't need to spend their entire first day home being passed around like the newest family trophy. Give them time to settle in and rest too.

 

If your puppy repeatedly refuses food, develops vomiting or diarrhea, becomes weak or unusually difficult to wake, or simply doesn't seem right, call your veterinarian. Don't assume it's just the stress of coming home.

Feeding to Help Prevent Hypoglycemia

For a young Pomeranian puppy, eating enough throughout the day is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent hypoglycemia. Tiny puppies simply don't have the energy reserves of a larger or older dog.

​

I recommend free feeding young puppies. Keep their regular puppy food available so they can eat throughout the day as they need it. This is especially important during the transition to a new home, when excitement and stress can affect both appetite and energy use.

​

During the first few days home, though, it can be surprisingly hard to tell whether a tiny puppy is actually eating. A puppy this small may only eat a few pieces of kibble at a time, which barely makes a visible difference in a full bowl.

​

For those first couple of days, put out a small, countable number of pieces of kibble and refill them as they're eaten. If you put down 10 pieces and later there are only 4, you know your puppy ate. Once you're reliably seeing your puppy eat and you're comfortable with their normal habits, there's no need to keep counting. Just keep the bowl full and let them free feed.

​

It sounds simple, but those first few days can be deceiving. A bowl that looks untouched doesn't necessarily mean the puppy hasn't eaten, and a bowl that looks slightly different doesn't necessarily tell you how much they ate. Counting temporarily takes the guesswork out of it.

​

Every Pepper's puppy goes home with a high calorie supplement, such as Nutri-Cal, for you to have on hand. This is there for times when your puppy isn't eating well or you're concerned about their blood sugar. Please keep it somewhere easy to find rather than buried in the puppy bag.

​

Nutri-Cal, honey and Karo syrup can provide a quick source of sugar and calories when needed, but they aren't a replacement for regular food. If your puppy needs these products repeatedly just to maintain normal energy or behavior, contact your veterinarian. We need to know why the puppy isn't eating or maintaining normal blood sugar rather than continuing to treat the symptom at home.

First Aid for Suspected Hypoglycemia

If you suspect your puppy's blood sugar is dropping, act quickly. Hypoglycemia can progress very quickly in a tiny puppy.

​

If Your Puppy Is Alert and Able to Swallow

If your puppy is weak or slow to respond but is still alert and swallowing normally, get the Nutri-Cal or other high-calorie supplement that went home with your puppy.

​

Put a small amount on your finger and offer it for your puppy to lick off. Most puppies will lick it willingly. If they won't lick it, gently place a small amount inside the mouth and scrape it onto the roof of the mouth, where they can lick and swallow it.

​

Don't put a large glob into the mouth or push it toward the back of the throat.

​

Then call your veterinarian immediately. You can call me too. I'm always happy to help you think through what you're seeing, but I can't replace veterinary care when a puppy is showing signs of hypoglycemia.

​

Keep your puppy warm and quiet while you watch their response and arrange veterinary care.

 

If Your Puppy Is Very Weak, Floppy or Not Swallowing Normally

If your puppy is barely responsive, very floppy, unable to swallow normally, having a seizure, or unconscious, do not put Nutri-Cal, food, water, or anything else into the back of their mouth.

​

Rub a small amount of honey or light Karo syrup onto the gums. Do not try to make the puppy swallow it.

​

This is an emergency. Call your veterinarian or emergency vet and go. You can call me on the way, but don't delay veterinary care while waiting to hear back from me.

​

Once Your Puppy Starts Responding

If low blood sugar is the problem, you may see your puppy begin to respond fairly quickly after getting sugar. They may lift their head, become more alert, respond when you call them, or simply start acting more like themselves.

​

That improvement is a good sign, but it does not mean you're finished.

​

Once your puppy is alert and swallowing normally, offer their regular food. Nutri-Cal, honey, or Karo can bring blood sugar up quickly, but now we want actual food in them to help keep it from dropping again.

​

Keep your puppy warm, quiet, and close to you so you can watch them. Don't put them back down to run and play just because they suddenly seem better.

​

Call your veterinarian even if your puppy perks back up. You can call me too. I want to know what's happening and I'm happy to help, but your veterinarian needs to be involved when a puppy has had a suspected hypoglycemic episode.

​

When This Becomes an Emergency

Do not wait at home if your puppy:

  • Is very limp or floppy

  • Is barely responding or won't wake normally

  • Cannot stand or keeps collapsing

  • Cannot swallow normally

  • Has a seizure

  • Loses consciousness

  • Has trouble breathing

  • Does not improve or continues getting worse

  • Improves and then quickly becomes weak again

 

At that point, go to an emergency veterinarian. You can rub a small amount of honey or light Karo syrup onto the gums while you're getting help, but don't delay leaving to see whether repeated doses will fix the problem.

​

Severe hypoglycemia can progress to seizures, coma, and death. These symptoms can also be caused by other serious medical problems, so don't assume low blood sugar is the only possible cause.

 
If It Happens More Than Once

One suspected hypoglycemic episode deserves a conversation with your veterinarian. Repeated episodes need veterinary investigation.

​

If you find yourself repeatedly reaching for Nutri-Cal, honey, or Karo because your puppy becomes weak, sleepy, or "off," we need to find out why. Not eating enough can certainly cause low blood sugar in a tiny puppy, but illness and other medical problems can cause it too.

​

One Important Warning

Never use sugar-free syrup or another sugar-free product as a substitute for honey or Karo. Some sugar-free products contain xylitol, which is extremely dangerous to dogs and can itself cause severe hypoglycemia.

​

Nutri-Cal, honey, and Karo are first aid. They are not a treatment plan.

Feeding Your Puppy

What Your Puppy Is Eating When They Go Home

Your puppy is currently eating Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula. This is the food they're accustomed to eating, and I recommend keeping them on the same food when they first come home.

Every puppy goes home with a small bag of their current food so you have something familiar while they're settling in.

Coming home is already a big change. New people, new surroundings, a new routine and plenty of excitement are enough for one little puppy to deal with at once. This is not the time to suddenly change their food too. Even if you eventually want to feed something different, give them time to settle in first.

If your veterinarian recommends a diet change for a medical reason, follow your veterinarian's advice.

How I Recommend Feeding Young Puppies

While your puppy is still young, I recommend free feeding. Keep fresh puppy food and fresh water available throughout the day so they can eat small amounts whenever they're hungry.

During the first few days home, don't be surprised if your puppy eats a little less than usual. Some puppies settle in immediately and others are too busy exploring their new world to care much about dinner. What matters most is that they're eating regularly and otherwise acting normally.

Pomeranians are tiny dogs, and the amount they eat can look ridiculously small compared with what you might expect a puppy to eat. Rather than focusing too heavily on the amount listed on the food bag, watch your puppy's body condition, growth, energy and normal eating habits. Individual puppies vary considerably in size, age, activity level and metabolism.

If your puppy suddenly eats significantly less than what's normal for them, especially if they're also lethargic, weak, vomiting, having diarrhea or simply aren't acting right, that's when I want you paying attention.

How Long Should I Free Feed?

I generally recommend free feeding until your puppy has completed their puppy vaccination series. At this age, my priority is making sure a growing puppy always has access to food when they're hungry rather than trying to create a strict meal schedule.

After the puppy series is complete, you can begin transitioning to scheduled meals if you'd like. There is no need to suddenly remove their food the day they receive their final vaccine. Gradually moving toward scheduled meals is perfectly fine.

When Should I Switch to Adult Food?

There isn't one exact age when every Pomeranian needs to switch from puppy food to adult food. Around 12 months old is a reasonable guideline, but individual dogs mature at different rates.

Some Pomeranians are still filling out and developing beyond a year, while others mature sooner. Watch your dog's growth and overall body condition and talk with your veterinarian if you're unsure when it's appropriate to make the change.

Changing Food, Treats & Extras

If you eventually want to change your puppy's food, that's perfectly fine. I just don't recommend doing it the day your puppy comes home.

Wait until they're settled in, eating reliably and doing well. Then transition gradually by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old food over several days.

The same idea applies to treats, chews, table scraps and other new foods. A normal-sized dog treat can practically be lunch for a two-pound Pom. Introduce new things slowly and in small amounts. Too many new foods at once can easily cause stomach upset, and then it becomes difficult to know what caused it.

When Not Eating Becomes a Concern

You will quickly learn what's normal for your puppy. Some puppies are enthusiastic eaters. Others wander over, eat a few pieces, go do something else and come back later.

What concerns me is a change from your puppy's normal behavior, particularly if your puppy:

  • suddenly stops eating or eats significantly less than usual

  • repeatedly refuses food

  • is vomiting or having significant diarrhea

  • seems weak, shaky, unusually sleepy or difficult to wake

  • doesn't respond when you call or try to wake them

  • seems painful or uncomfortable

  • simply isn't acting like themselves

Poor appetite combined with weakness, unusual sleepiness, shaking or other signs of low blood sugar should take you back to the Hypoglycemia section above and be treated seriously.

If you're ever unsure whether something you're seeing is normal, I'm happy to help you think it through. If I believe your puppy needs veterinary care, though, I'm going to tell you to call your vet

Vaccines & Safe Socialization

Understanding Your Puppy's Vaccine Series

Puppy vaccinations aren't a one-and-done thing. Your puppy needs a series of vaccines while they're young because antibodies received from their mother can interfere with a vaccine's ability to create immunity.

Those maternal antibodies gradually disappear, but they don't disappear at exactly the same age in every puppy. That's why puppies receive vaccines repeatedly as they grow. We're trying to make sure vaccination reaches them once those maternal antibodies are no longer standing in the way.

This is also why I don't consider a puppy protected simply because they've “had some shots.” Where they are in the vaccine series, their age and their individual response all matter.

Bring the vaccine records I send home with your puppy to their first veterinary appointment. Your veterinarian needs to know exactly what they've already received and when so they can properly continue the series.

Why I Take Parvo So Seriously

Parvo is one of the things I worry about most with puppies. I've seen firsthand how quickly it can become devastating, and I never want one of my puppy families to experience it.

Parvovirus attacks rapidly dividing cells, particularly in the intestinal tract and bone marrow. A sick puppy can deteriorate very quickly, and tiny Pomeranian puppies have very little reserve when they're losing fluids or aren't eating.

The important thing to understand is that your puppy does not have to meet a sick dog to be exposed to parvo.

The virus can survive in the environment for a long time and can be carried from place to place on shoes, clothing, equipment and other contaminated objects. That means exposure can happen in places frequently visited by dogs even when there isn't a sick dog standing there.

Until your puppy has completed their vaccine series, use extra caution with places such as:

  • dog parks and public dog-potty areas

  • pet-store floors

  • groomers, boarding facilities and daycare

  • rest stops and other heavily traveled dog areas

  • veterinary hospital floors and outdoor potty areas

  • sidewalks, parks and other places frequently used by unfamiliar dogs

Your private yard is not automatically sterile, but it is generally a much more controlled environment than a public area regularly visited by unknown dogs. Think about who and what has access to your property and use common sense.

Safe Socialization Before Vaccines Are Complete

Protecting your puppy from potentially contaminated areas doesn't mean keeping them isolated until their vaccine series is finished. Those first few months are an incredibly important time for puppies to experience the world and learn that new people, sounds, places and situations aren't scary.

Take your puppy places. Let them see people, hear traffic, experience car rides and encounter normal everyday life. Just control how they're exposed.

Carry them, use a stroller or shopping cart with a clean barrier, visit trusted homes and allow interaction with healthy, fully vaccinated dogs you know. At the veterinary office, I carry young puppies inside and keep them off the floor.

The goal isn't to raise them in a bubble. It's to give them lots of experiences while being thoughtful about where their paws touch until their vaccine series is complete.

Recognizing Parvo Early

Parvo doesn't always begin with dramatic symptoms. Early signs can be surprisingly easy to dismiss. Your puppy may:

  • stop eating or suddenly eat much less than normal

  • seem unusually tired or “off”

  • become weak or difficult to wake

  • vomit

  • develop diarrhea

  • become dehydrated

  • seem uncomfortable or painful

A puppy who stops eating and becomes weak or lethargic could also be experiencing low blood sugar, which is why the Hypoglycemia section is so important. But hypoglycemia can also occur alongside another illness. If your puppy isn't acting normally, don't assume it's just low blood sugar and ignore everything else.

If your incompletely vaccinated puppy stops eating, vomits, develops diarrhea, becomes unusually lethargic or simply isn't acting like themselves, call your veterinarian. Don't wait for the classic bloody diarrhea before considering parvo.

If you suspect parvo, call the veterinary hospital before walking through the door with your puppy. Parvo is extremely contagious, and the clinic may have you wait outside or use a different entrance to protect other patients.

If Your Puppy Is Diagnosed With Parvo

Parvo is serious, but early veterinary treatment can make an enormous difference. Treatment typically focuses on supporting the puppy while their immune system fights the infection, including fluids, medications to control nausea and vomiting, nutritional support and other care as needed.

There is also now a canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody treatment designed specifically to target parvovirus. Availability can vary, so if your puppy is diagnosed with parvo, ask your veterinarian about the treatment options available and whether they're appropriate for your puppy.

After the Puppy Vaccine Series

Once your puppy has completed the vaccine series recommended by your veterinarian, you can start relaxing many of these precautions and gradually introduce more public environments.

Until then: use common sense, control where your puppy's paws touch, socialize them safely, and pay attention when something doesn't seem right.

Potty Training & Outdoor Safety

Starting Pee Pad Training at Home

Your puppy has not been pee pad trained before coming home. That's intentional.

Puppies eventually need to learn to potty somewhere other than where they sleep, and pee pads are no exception. Because I can't supervise an entire litter every second of the day, I don't begin disposable pee pad training while the puppies are still together. They can tear the pads apart, drag them around and potentially swallow pieces.

That doesn't mean you're starting from scratch. Your puppy has already begun learning that there are appropriate places to potty, and that foundation makes the transition easier.

I strongly recommend a pee pad holder. It keeps the pad secured so your puppy can use it without turning it into a chew toy. I've included the type I recommend on my Recommended Supplies page.

Setting Them Up to Succeed

Young puppies don't have great bladder control yet, so accidents are going to happen. They aren't being stubborn, spiteful or trying to make your life difficult. They're babies.

Keep the pee pad somewhere easy to reach and reasonably close to where your puppy spends most of their time. If your house is large, more than one potty area may make sense at first.

Take your puppy to the pad frequently, especially:

  • after waking up

  • after eating or drinking

  • after active play

  • before bedtime

  • anytime you notice sniffing, circling, wandering away or looking for somewhere to go

When they use it, praise them immediately.

Don't punish accidents. Clean them thoroughly and move on. If you catch your puppy looking for somewhere to go, calmly move them to the pad and praise them when they use it.

Consistency matters much more than perfection.

Moving Potty Training Outside

Once your puppy has completed their vaccine series and your veterinarian is comfortable with them using outdoor areas, you can begin transitioning from pee pads to outside.

The easiest way is to use the connection your puppy already understands: this is where I potty.

Take a used pee pad outside to the area where you want your puppy to go. Put a familiar cue on it and take your puppy there regularly. When they potty outside, praise them immediately.

As they become reliable, gradually phase out the pad.

During this transition, take them outside frequently, especially after waking, eating, drinking and playing. Young puppies may also need to go during the night.

Remember: They're Tiny

A Pomeranian puppy has a tiny bladder. Expecting a very young Pom to “hold it” for long periods simply isn't realistic.

As they mature, bladder control improves and their routine becomes much more predictable. Accidents during that process don't mean potty training has failed.

The goal isn't to teach a tiny puppy to hold their bladder for as long as possible. The goal is to give them enough successful trips to the right place that the right place becomes a habit.

Never Leave Your Pom Outside Unattended

Even in a fenced yard, I don't recommend leaving a Pomeranian outside alone.

Hawks, owls and other predators can see a tiny dog very differently than we do. Depending on where you live, snakes and other wildlife can also be a concern. A fence doesn't protect your puppy from everything that can enter the yard.

Florida adds a few special considerations:

Heat: Pomeranians have fluffy double coats and don't tolerate overheating well. Florida heat and humidity can become dangerous quickly, particularly during the hottest part of the day. Keep potty trips short when it's extremely hot, provide plenty of fresh water and don't leave your puppy outside because they haven't gone potty yet.

Hot pavement: Asphalt and concrete can become hot enough to burn paw pads even when the air temperature doesn't seem outrageous. Check the surface before walking your puppy.

Pools: Don't assume your Pom can swim well enough to get themselves out of trouble. If you have a pool, supervise your puppy around it and teach them where the steps or exit are. A dog that accidentally falls in may panic, become exhausted or be unable to figure out how to get back out.

Plants, mushrooms and wildlife: Puppies explore with their mouths. Florida yards can contain mushrooms, toxic plants, insects and other things that can make a curious puppy very sick. Keep an eye on what they're investigating.

Most importantly, go outside with your puppy and pay attention to what they're doing. They're tiny, fast, curious and remarkably talented at finding the one thing in the yard you didn't know you needed to worry about.

Harnesses, Collars & Leashes

Why I Recommend a Harness Instead of a Collar for Walking

Pomeranians are particularly prone to tracheal collapse, a condition where the cartilage that helps hold the windpipe open becomes weakened and the airway can partially flatten.

​

Because of that, I don't recommend attaching a leash to your Pom's collar for walks. When a dog pulls against a collar, suddenly reaches the end of the leash, or you need to quickly stop them from going somewhere, that force is concentrated directly around the neck and throat.

​

With a tiny Pomeranian, I don't see any reason to repeatedly put that pressure on the trachea when we can avoid it.

​

Instead, use a properly fitted harness for your leash. A harness distributes the force across the body rather than concentrating it around the throat.

​

Your puppy can absolutely still wear a lightweight collar for identification. The distinction is where the leash gets attached: collar for tags, harness for walking.

​

You'll sometimes hear the classic "goose-honk" cough associated with tracheal collapse. Coughing can also be triggered by excitement, heat, drinking, or pressure around the neck. If your Pom develops a persistent or recurring cough, has difficulty breathing, or you notice other respiratory symptoms, have your veterinarian evaluate them rather than assuming it's normal for the breed.

​

Getting the Fit Right

All that Pom fluff can be deceptive. Check the fit against your puppy's actual body rather than judging by how the harness looks over their coat.

​

It should be snug enough that your puppy cannot back out of it, but not so tight that it rubs or restricts normal movement. Check the fit regularly while your puppy is growing.

​

I also don't recommend leaving a harness on all day. It can rub and mat the coat, and there's no reason for them to wear walking equipment around the house.

​

A Few Leash Basics

Use a lightweight leash appropriate for a very small dog. Before every walk, make sure the harness is secure and your puppy can't slip backward out of it if they're startled.

​

Keep them close around traffic, unfamiliar dogs, crowds, or anywhere else where you may need quick control. Tiny dogs can get into trouble remarkably fast.

​

For the specific harnesses, collars, and leashes I recommend, see my Recommended Supplies page.

Coat Changes & Grooming.

The Infamous Puppy Uglies

Pomeranian puppies start out looking like tiny fluffy teddy bears, but that baby coat doesn't last forever.

At some point during the first year, your puppy will begin shedding their soft puppy coat while their adult coat grows in. This stage is affectionately known as the “puppy uglies.” They may suddenly look thinner, scruffier, uneven or considerably less fluffy than the puppy you brought home.

Their face often changes too. As the fluffy baby hair around the face disappears, their muzzle can look longer and their ears suddenly look enormous. We sometimes call this the “monkey face” stage.

It's normal. Your Pom isn't losing their coat forever.

The timing and severity vary quite a bit from puppy to puppy. Some sail through it without looking particularly awkward, while others spend a few months looking like they have several questionable life choices.

Their adult coat gradually develops as they mature and can continue filling out well beyond the initial puppy-coat transition.

Thinking About Shaving Your Pom?

Pomeranians have a beautiful double coat, and shaving that coat is something worth understanding before you decide to do it.

Their coat includes a soft undercoat beneath longer guard hairs. When a Pom is shaved very short, there's a risk that the coat may take a long time to grow back, grow back with a different texture, or in some cases not return exactly as it looked before.

If your Pom has a lot of coat to maintain, it requires regular brushing, bathing, drying and dealing with shedding and tangles. Not every family wants to maintain that much coat, and that's okay.

I want you to understand the potential effects shaving can have on the coat before you make that decision. If you understand the risks and decide a shorter coat works better for you and your dog, that's your choice.

Bathing & Drying

Pomeranians can be bathed as needed. How often really depends on your dog, their lifestyle and how much coat they have.

Use a good-quality shampoo and conditioner and rinse thoroughly.

Drying is just as important as bathing. A Pom's dense undercoat can stay damp long after the outside feels dry. Properly blow-drying the coat while brushing helps dry the undercoat, remove loose hair and prevent tangles and matting.

Regular bathing and blow-drying also helps loosen dead undercoat, making brushing and shedding much more manageable.

Nails, Ears & Feet

Check nails regularly and trim them before they become excessively long. Starting nail handling while your puppy is young makes life considerably easier later, whether you eventually do their nails yourself or have someone else do them.

Check their ears periodically for unusual odor, excessive debris, redness or irritation. If they seem painful, very dirty or otherwise abnormal, have your veterinarian check them rather than repeatedly cleaning them and hoping it goes away.

You can trim the hair around the feet to keep them neat and tidy, and the sanitary area can be trimmed as needed.

Professional Grooming

If you plan to use a professional groomer, start getting your puppy accustomed to grooming at home first. Brushing, combing, bathing, drying, nail handling and simply standing calmly while being handled are all things you can practice.

Because of the parvo risks discussed earlier, I recommend waiting until your puppy has completed their puppy vaccine series before taking them into a grooming salon where many dogs come and go.

Shedding, Coat Blows & Compacted Coat

Pomeranians shed, and sometimes they blow coat, meaning they lose a large amount of undercoat over a relatively short period. When this happens, you may wonder how one tiny dog has produced enough hair to build an entirely new Pomeranian.

Intact females may also blow coat after heat cycles, and hormonal changes can cause a dramatic shed.

The biggest thing to watch for during a coat blow is compacted undercoat. Loose undercoat doesn't necessarily fall neatly onto your floor. A lot of it can stay trapped underneath the longer outer coat and pack itself down against the skin.

This is why brushing only across the surface isn't enough. You need to work through the coat in sections, separating the hair so you can brush and comb from the skin outward. After brushing, use a metal comb to check your work. The comb should travel through the coat from the skin all the way to the ends without getting hung up.

If the comb stops partway through, don't assume that's just because your Pom has a thick coat. There may still be loose or compacted undercoat that needs to come out.

Compacted coat can eventually turn into significant matting and become much harder and more uncomfortable to remove. Staying on top of it during a heavy shed is considerably easier than trying to fix it afterward.

You'll find the shampoo, conditioner, grooming tools and other products I personally use and recommend on my Recommended Supplies page.

Foods & Household Toxins

Pomeranians are tiny, which means an amount that seems insignificant to us can be a very big dose for them. Keep potentially toxic foods and household products out of reach, and if your Pom gets into something questionable, don't assume the amount was too small to matter.

​

Foods That Can Be Toxic

Xylitol (birch sugar)
Found in some sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, toothpaste, peanut and nut butters, and other products. Even small amounts can be extremely dangerous.

Chocolate & cocoa
Dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder are especially dangerous because they're more concentrated.

Grapes, raisins & currants
Can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. There is no reliably established safe amount.

Onions, garlic, chives & leeks
Fresh, cooked, and powdered forms can all cause problems. Powders are particularly concentrated and can hide in seasonings and prepared foods.

Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks and foods containing significant amounts of alcohol should be kept away from your dog.

Raw yeast dough
Can expand in the stomach while also producing alcohol as it ferments.

Caffeine
Coffee, coffee grounds, tea, energy drinks, caffeine pills, and other concentrated sources can be dangerous.

Macadamia nuts
Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and other symptoms.

Moldy or spoiled food
Some molds produce toxins that can cause serious neurologic symptoms. Garbage and compost deserve attention too.

Wild mushrooms
Some are harmless and others can be extremely dangerous. If your Pom eats an unknown mushroom, don't guess.

Stone fruit pits & certain seeds
Peach, plum, cherry, and apricot pits can be dangerous and are also choking and intestinal blockage hazards.

Large amounts of salt
A particularly important consideration with such a small dog.

Cannabis/THC products
Keep marijuana and especially edibles securely away from pets. Edibles may contain more than one dangerous ingredient, such as THC along with chocolate or xylitol.

 

Not Toxic Doesn't Always Mean Safe

Some foods aren't necessarily poisonous but can still make your Pom sick.

​

Avocado flesh isn't considered highly toxic to dogs, but the pit is a serious obstruction hazard and the high fat content can cause digestive problems.

Milk and dairy products can cause diarrhea or stomach upset in dogs that don't tolerate lactose well.

Coconut and coconut oil aren't generally considered toxic, but larger amounts can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

Citrus fruit flesh in small amounts generally isn't a poisoning concern, but peels, seeds, and concentrated citrus oils should be avoided.

Fatty foods and table scraps can cause significant stomach upset and may contribute to pancreatitis.

Raw meat and eggs can carry harmful bacteria. Raw bones and cooked bones have different risks, but either can cause problems including broken teeth, choking, or gastrointestinal injury. Cooked bones can also splinter.

​

Medications & Household Products

Never give your Pom a human medication unless your veterinarian has specifically told you what to give and how much. Common medications that seem harmless to us can be extremely dangerous to dogs.

 

Also keep medications, vitamins and supplements, nicotine products, cleaning products, pesticides, rodenticides, fertilizers, antifreeze, and other household or garage chemicals securely out of reach.

​

And don't forget about purses, backpacks, nightstands, and visitors' belongings. Gum, medication, chocolate, and other dangerous things often enter the house in places we don't normally think of as hazardous.

​

If Your Pom Gets Into Something

Don't wait for symptoms before asking for help.

​

Find out what they ate or were exposed to, approximately how much may be missing, and when it happened. Keep the package, label, or ingredient list if you have it and call your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian for guidance.

​

Don't induce vomiting or give a home remedy unless a veterinary professional specifically tells you to. What should be done depends on the substance involved, how much was consumed, how long ago it happened, and your dog's condition.

​

With a tiny Pomeranian, I'd much rather have you make an unnecessary phone call and find out everything is fine than wait because the amount they ate didn't look like very much.

Florida Hazards, Especially Cane Toads

Living in Florida comes with a few hazards that people moving here from somewhere else may never have encountered. With a tiny Pomeranian, some of them deserve extra attention simply because there isn't much dog there to work with when something goes wrong.

​

Cane Toads: Know What They Look Like

If you live in an area with cane toads, please learn to recognize them.

Cane toads, sometimes called Bufo toads, produce a powerful toxin from glands behind their heads. A dog doesn't have to actually swallow the toad to become poisoned. Biting, licking, or mouthing one can expose them to the toxin.

​

And dogs being dogs, apparently a large hopping object in the yard looks like something that absolutely needs to go in their mouth.

​

Cane toads are especially common around developed areas such as yards, and pet food left outside can attract them.

​

Signs of Cane Toad Poisoning

Symptoms can begin very quickly after contact. Watch for:

  • Heavy drooling or foaming at the mouth

  • Very red or pink gums

  • Pawing at the mouth

  • Head shaking

  • Vomiting

  • Loss of coordination or weakness

  • Abnormal or rapid heartbeat

  • Tremors or seizures

  • Collapse

Severe poisoning can cause cardiac arrest and death.

 

If Your Pom Mouths a Cane Toad

Act immediately.

​

UF/IFAS recommends wiping the mouth with a damp cloth and rinsing the mouth with running water for about 15 minutes, keeping the dog's head positioned so the water flows out of the mouth rather than down the throat. Then seek veterinary care immediately.

​

Don't blast water straight down your dog's throat. You're trying to remove toxin from the gums and mouth, not make them swallow more of it.

​

With a tiny Pom, I would consider cane-toad exposure an emergency.

​

Make Your Yard Less Inviting

Don't leave pet food outside, and keep areas around the house as clear of hiding places as reasonably possible. Cane toads are often active at night, so pay particular attention during nighttime potty trips.

 

This is another reason I don't love simply opening the back door and sending a Pom outside alone. Go with them.

​

Florida Wildlife Is Bigger Than Your Pom

Cane toads aren't the only consideration.

​

Venomous snakes occur in Florida, and curious dogs can get themselves bitten investigating one. Keeping a tiny dog close and supervised outdoors is one of the most practical ways to reduce that risk.

​

And if you live near a pond, lake, canal, retention pond, or other body of water, assume an alligator could be there. Don't allow your Pom to wander along the water's edge, swim, or drink from water that could contain alligators. Dogs can be viewed as prey, and Florida guidance specifically warns owners to keep pets away from the water's edge in alligator habitat.

​

You don't need to be terrified of letting your Pom into a Florida backyard. You just need to remember that a five-pound dog occupies a very different place in the food chain than we do.

Household Hazards

Pomeranians are tiny, fast, and surprisingly good at putting themselves in places you didn't know a dog could fit. Most of the time that's funny. Occasionally, their size can turn completely ordinary furniture into a serious danger.

​

Please Take Recliners Seriously

Recliners are one household item I specifically warn my puppy families about because I've had previous owners tell me firsthand how badly things can go.

​

In one tragic case, a puppy fell from a recliner, hit his head, and died from the injury.

​

In another, a Pom became trapped inside the mechanism of a recliner so badly that the family essentially had a jaws-of-life situation. They had to cut through the metal bars of the chair to free the dog. Thankfully, that dog survived, but it very easily could have ended differently.

​

Tiny dogs can crawl underneath or inside reclining furniture without anyone realizing they're there. They can also fall from the chair when someone moves, gets up, or changes the position of the recliner.

​

Before opening or closing a recliner, know where your Pom is. And be especially cautious about allowing puppies on reclining furniture where both the height and the moving mechanism create risks.

 

Beds, Couches & Those Tiny Legs

A normal couch or bed doesn't look very high to us. For a tiny Pomeranian puppy, it's a substantial fall.

Toy breeds are particularly susceptible to foreleg fractures from relatively minor falls, including jumping from ordinary furniture.

​

These injuries aren't necessarily simple "put a cast on it" broken legs either. Toy-breed fractures can require orthopedic surgery, and treatment can easily run into

​

If your Pom regularly gets on your bed or couch, doggie stairs or a ramp are a very worthwhile investment. Teach them to use it instead of launching themselves off the furniture. Stairs and ramps are specifically recommended as a way to reduce big jumps from furniture for toy breeds.

​

Think Small

You don't need to Pom-proof your house like you're preparing for a natural disaster. Just remember how incredibly small these dogs are.

​

Watch closing doors, gates and anything with a moving mechanism. Be mindful of where your puppy is before sitting down or moving furniture. Be careful when carrying them, especially if they're wiggling or trying to jump from your arms.

​

And if you have children or larger dogs, supervise their interactions while your Pom is small. Something that would be harmless roughhousing for a 60-pound dog can be a significant injury for a puppy weighing only a few pounds.

​

You don't need to be afraid of everything. You just need to occasionally look at your house from the perspective of a dog that's roughly the size of a loaf of bread.

Dental Care

Dental Care Matters More Than You Think

Dental care is especially important in Pomeranians and other toy breeds. We're fitting the same basic number of adult teeth into a very small mouth, which means crowding is common and plaque and tartar can build up quickly.

This isn't something I recommend waiting to think about until your Pom is older and has bad breath or visibly dirty teeth. Start dental care while they're young, while their teeth are still clean. It's much easier to maintain a healthy mouth than to fix years of dental disease later.

Getting your puppy comfortable with having their lips lifted and mouth handled now also makes brushing, dental checks and veterinary exams much easier throughout their life.

Retained Baby Teeth

This is something I especially want Pomeranian owners to know about because retained baby teeth are very common in toy breeds.

As your puppy's adult teeth come in, the baby teeth should loosen and fall out. Sometimes they don't. The adult tooth then erupts while the baby tooth remains firmly in place, leaving two teeth trying to occupy the same tiny space.

Retained baby teeth can cause crowding and trap food and plaque between the teeth. They can also push an adult tooth into an abnormal position.

Most puppies have their adult teeth by around 6–7 months old, so if you see an adult tooth coming in while the matching baby tooth is still hanging on, mention it to your veterinarian. Don't try to pull a stubborn baby tooth yourself.

If a retained tooth needs to be removed, your veterinarian can tell you the appropriate timing. If your puppy is going to be spayed or neutered and retained teeth are still present, ask whether they can be removed during the same anesthesia rather than scheduling a separate procedure.

Start Dental Care Young

You don't need an elaborate dental routine. What matters most is doing something consistently.

Brushing with a dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste is the gold standard for home dental care. Start slowly while your puppy is young. Let them taste the toothpaste, get comfortable with you touching their mouth, and gradually work up to brushing the outside surfaces of the teeth.

Never use human toothpaste. Some ingredients used in human products aren't appropriate for dogs.

Dental chews and other dental products can be helpful additions, but they shouldn't replace brushing. If you use them, choose products appropriate for your dog's size and supervise them.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Even with good home care, some Pomeranians will eventually need professional dental cleanings. Toy breeds can accumulate tartar surprisingly quickly, so have your veterinarian check your Pom's teeth during routine exams.

A proper veterinary dental cleaning allows the teeth to be cleaned above and below the gumline, which is important because dental disease isn't limited to the tartar you can see.

Things to Watch For

Keep an eye on your Pom's mouth and talk to your veterinarian if you notice:

  • persistent bad breath

  • red, swollen or bleeding gums

  • heavy tartar buildup

  • loose or broken teeth

  • difficulty chewing or dropping food

  • pawing at the mouth

  • swelling around the mouth or face

  • suddenly refusing hard food or treats

Dogs can be remarkably good at continuing to eat despite dental pain, so “they're still eating” doesn't necessarily mean their mouth doesn't hurt.

Between regular home care, watching for retained baby teeth while they're young, and having their mouth examined during routine veterinary visits, you can prevent a lot of the dental trouble Pomeranians are known for.

Spaying & Neutering Your Pom

When Should I Spay or Neuter?

There isn't one perfect age to spay or neuter every dog. Recommendations have changed over the years as we've learned more about the role hormones play in growth and development, and timing can depend on your dog's sex, size, health, and individual circumstances.

​

Because of that, I recommend discussing the timing with your veterinarian rather than automatically scheduling surgery at a certain age.

​

You may decide with your vet that allowing your Pom additional time to physically mature before spaying or neutering makes sense. That's perfectly reasonable. What I don't recommend is deciding to wait and then simply never revisiting the decision.

​

If your Pom isn't going to be used for breeding, make a plan with your veterinarian and come back to it when the time is right.

​

Intact Females Need Special Attention

If you choose to delay spaying your female, remember that she will continue having heat cycles in the meantime. She must be kept completely separated from intact males during her heat, and pregnancy isn't the only thing you need to think about.

​

Intact females are at risk for pyometra, a serious infection of the uterus that can become life-threatening very quickly. The risk increases as an intact female gets older and continues going through heat cycles.

​

This is one reason I especially don't want owners to let "we're waiting until she's mature" accidentally turn into "somehow she's six years old and still intact."

​

Know the Signs of Pyometra

Pyometra commonly develops in the weeks following a heat cycle. Signs can include:

  • Lethargy or acting unusually sick

  • Loss of appetite

  • Vomiting

  • Drinking or urinating more than usual

  • Vaginal discharge

  • A swollen or painful abdomen

  • Fever, weakness, or collapse

And importantly, there may be no discharge at all. With a closed pyometra, the cervix is closed and infected material remains trapped inside the uterus. These dogs can become critically ill very quickly.

 

If your intact female becomes sick following a heat cycle, tell your veterinarian when her last heat occurred. That information matters.

​

Pyometra is an emergency and typically requires prompt veterinary treatment.

​

What About Males?

There's generally less urgency surrounding an intact male because pyometra obviously isn't part of the equation, but timing is still worth discussing with your veterinarian.

​

An intact male remains fertile and may develop hormone-related behaviors such as marking, roaming, mounting, or becoming extremely interested in females in heat. Not every male will develop these behaviors, and neutering isn't a guaranteed cure for every behavior problem.

​

The same principle applies: you don't have to rush the decision, but make it an intentional one.

​

The Bottom Line

I'm not here to dictate exactly when you alter your dog. My goal is to make sure you understand the benefits and risks of both doing it and waiting.

​

Talk with your veterinarian, consider your individual Pom, and make a plan that works for your dog.

​

If you choose to delay, especially with a female, don't simply forget about it. Hormonal maturity can be beneficial, but leaving a dog intact also comes with responsibilities and risks that continue for as long as they remain intact.

When to Call Your Veterinarian / Emergency Vet

One of the hardest things with a tiny puppy is deciding whether something can wait or whether it's time to head to the vet.

​

My general advice is simple: you know your dog. A sudden change from what's normal for them matters. With a very small Pomeranian, things can sometimes progress quickly, so I'd rather you make a phone call and be told it's okay to monitor than wait too long on something serious.

​

Call Your Veterinarian

Contact your regular veterinarian when you notice something concerning that isn't immediately life-threatening, including:

  • A significant change in appetite

  • Vomiting or diarrhea that isn't quickly resolving

  • Persistent coughing or unusual breathing sounds

  • Limping or signs of pain

  • Ear irritation, skin problems, or persistent itching

  • Changes in drinking or urination

  • Dental pain, broken or loose teeth

  • A change in behavior, energy, or personality that doesn't seem normal for your dog

  • Anything that simply isn't improving the way you expected

 

Go to an Emergency Vet

Some things shouldn't wait for the next available appointment. Seek urgent veterinary care for:

  • Difficulty breathing or struggling for air

  • Collapse, extreme weakness, or inability to stand

  • Seizures

  • Severe or repeated vomiting or diarrhea, particularly in a young puppy

  • Suspected parvo

  • Suspected poisoning or toxin exposure

  • Cane toad exposure with symptoms

  • Significant trauma, including a fall or suspected broken bone

  • Uncontrolled bleeding

  • A swollen or painful abdomen, especially with repeated attempts to vomit

  • Severe pain or distress

  • Signs of pyometra in an intact female

  • A puppy who is rapidly getting worse

 

Tiny Puppies Can Change Quickly

A two-pound puppy doesn't have the same reserves as a 60-pound adult dog. Dehydration, low blood sugar, blood loss, vomiting, and diarrhea can become serious much faster simply because there's so little body there to begin with.

​

Don't wait for a puppy to look catastrophically sick before asking for help.

​

If something doesn't feel right, call your veterinarian. Tell them your puppy's age and weight, what you're seeing, when it started, whether they're eating and drinking, and anything they may have gotten into.

 

And you can always call me too. I'm happy to help you think through what you're seeing, especially if you're unsure whether something is normal for a young Pom. But I can't replace your veterinarian, and if I think your puppy needs veterinary care, I'm going to tell you to make that call.

 

Trust Yourself

​

You spend more time with your Pom than anyone else does. You'll learn what's normal for them: how they eat, sleep, play, respond to you, and generally move through their day.

​

Sometimes the first sign that something is wrong isn't a dramatic symptom. It's simply:

“This isn't my dog.”

​

Pay attention to that feeling.

bottom of page