The Pomeranian is a breed of dog of the Spitz family. These include nutritional, neurological and genetic issues. There’s no precise age that indicates he’s a senior. Dogs are very adaptive to the loss of sight in one eye. It will assist in his attempts to manage his core body temperature and keep the cold away. All of these aspects combine to stimulate and solidify good health. Take an older dog to the vet every six months. Common Pomeranian Health Issues. Because of their small size and weight, the breed has a longer lifespan compared to other dog breeds. To make his food more appealing, simply heat it up a bit. Problems: Joint Pain, Arthritis, Stiff Joints. In other words, his thought processes aren’t as sharp as they used to be. As dogs age, they become more susceptible to cold and heat. You can create these in tandem with your veterinarian’s suggestions.The best dog food for senior Pomeranian dogs will also need to contain more fiber than younger Pomeranians, for the same reason as older humans. If this occurs for no apparent reason, it’s a precursor to numerous health problems that can range from an infection to full-blown diabetes. Some vets believe the rabies shot shouldn’t be given at precisely the same time as anything else. Regular grooming sessions are an essential part of an older Pomeranian’s life because he has a need for attention and physical contact. It’s critical to pat your dog a lot so he doesn’t think that you have stopped talking to him. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your dog. You probably know how important exercise is to people and some of the negative effects of not participating in some form(s) of exercise regularly. Take your Pomeranian outside for a walk or playtime at least twice per day. All Rights Reserved. Cushioning between his bones wears thin. This is often due to old age when your pom is 8 years or older. Cloudiness in your pet's eyes could be cataracts. Even when breeders do their best to breed for 100% soundness, these issues are so common, they can turn up in ANY breeding program. As the dog gets older, you may need to have your vet professional clean your pet's teeth on a regular basis to help remove plaque and tartar. It’s legal for tap water to contain various contaminants including factory run off, pesticides and cancer-causing agents. Before you consider one o… Let’s take a closer look at some of these health problems. Never think it’s too soon or too late to look after your Pomeranian by creating a dental health care plan. Hearing aids are no good for dogs. Senior Pomeranians can be slightly shaky on their feet or they might search for a way to be better balanced while he’s outdoors. The trusted Pomeranian blog. Information and facts about Pomeranian dogs. (If your Pom loses his life at age 12, that’s regarded as normal too. If your pooch tries to avoid exercise, gags, wheezes and hacks, he may have a problem that needs to be diagnosed right away. However, you can heal and protect his nose by applying a good quality nose butter. Environment as well as genetic influences play a big part in the health of your Pomeranian. Because his skin is protected by his coat, if his coat is in bad condition that may create further trouble. It may be sad, but all dogs eventually get older. Any coughing should be investigated and could also indicate worms, heart disease or hairballs. Pomeranian Chihuahua mix is a hybrid dog and is more resilient to the diseases that affect its parents. However, these issues tell you that a visit to the vet is needed. Breeder and Exhibitor of Best in Show winning Supreme, Grand Champion and Champions since 1975. Who best to educate you on all the ins and outs of ensuring your Pom has the best quality lifestyle ? They include a reduced tolerance for commotion and noise. If your canine family member is sedentary and sits or lies on the furniture or floor all day long, he won’t be healthy…and it’s your fault. Vets also call this adult onset growth hormone deficiency, while breeders often dub it black skin disease. It’s important to include your senior Pomeranian in as many of your activities as possible, bearing in mind his newer physical limitations. Because you live with him, you’ll usually notice any problems with behavior and typical aging signs. Do so gradually, taking away just a bit of food at a time until you're feeding about three-quarters of what you were feeding before. Diarrhoea and vomiting both cause dehydration and an energy drain in older Pomeranian dogs and this can happen quite fast. After your dog has the cataract procedure done, he’ll need lots of love and care but it’s certainly worth it for you and your dog. Have you included a thick mattress pad and a blanket in his bed so he can snuggle under or sleep on? If he doesn’t receive the right care throughout his life, once he becomes a senior, you’ll see the effects of negligence, and the potential to shorten his lifespan. Older Pomeranian dogs should still get some physical exercise but when it comes time for a rest, ensure his bed is soft and comfortable. In their later years, Poms can develop a number of health problems that will require your care. A senior dog’s nose may commonly start chapping, peeling or drying when he’s out in the elements. Details of best food for senior Pomeranian dogs provided. For example, hide some treats and get your pet to look for them. He’ll rule out issues with your dog’s cardio-pulmonary systems. There are a few issues to watch for, as they can mean he’s unwell: There’s a plethora of supplements for dogs and owners often get confusedabout which ones are best for seniors because their needs are different to their younger counterparts. To solve this problem, make sure you filter all water he might drink. During winter, it’s critical to concentrate on the extra needs of senior Pomeranians. During your Pomeranians’ yearly or bi-yearly visits to the vet, he must examine your dog’s gums and teeth thoroughly and professionally. Orange Pomeranians, Red and Orange Sable Pomeranians, Tips On Entering The World of Showing Pomeranians, The American Pomeranian Club National Specialty 2020, Pomeranian by creating a dental health care, Pomeranian dog needs more preventive actions to avoid such problems, Pomeranian dogs should still get some physical exercise, Pomeranian Panting Issues Explained in Detail. He can pull out any loose teeth and give your old Pomeranian dog’s mouth a clean and check up to detect other issues. Dental problems can reduce your dog's lifespan up to 3 years. When you briefly visit somebody else at home, ensure you have snacks, his favorite toy, blanket or anything else to make him feel comfortable. If you have the room and/or the water cold, it might cause him to feel chilly as his skin dries out. You’ll find food suitable for older Pomeranians in cans or bags in commercial stores or through your veterinarian. While this is fine for young and adult Poms, when your Pomeranian becomes a senior, you need to adjust the time and type of whatever exercise you’re doing with your dog. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels suddenly drop. It’s best to be safe than sorry. As a Pom slowly ages and becomes a senior, it’s vital that you maintain his regular grooming routine because that’s how he copes. Gum (periodontal) disease is extremely common in older Pomeranians, and one of the more serious health problems that occurs. He’ll slowly lose a certain amount of moisture, making his fur and skin dry and dull. A Pomeranian matures quite fast. Humans suffer from more health problems as we get older. Numerous senior Poms cope best if they have a quiet area they can to, that feels safer, but is still near their family’s various activities without being caught up in the loud, overwhelming chaos. He was very old and we think he left to die. The Yorkie-Pom is known by many names including “Porkie” and “Yoranian”. Disclaimer: The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. His lifestyle becomes more sedentary so he won’t need as many calories to maintain a healthy weight. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. It should always be at room temperature or slightly warmer. Are there any drafts blowing on your senior Pom’s sleeping areas? As a dog ages, his metabolism slows. Even if he doesn’t nap, laying in his bed observing what’s happening will increase his comfort level. This can result in your pet losing her teeth. Your vet needs to ascertain two major elements before operating: To assist your older blind Pomeranian in getting around safely, there are a few precautions you’ll need to take immediate action on, so he can lead as “normal” a life as possible, if he does go blind. A dog ages naturally and generally his appetite will decrease. As with people, most blind dogs can go on to lead long, relatively normal lives. Home » Dog Health » Mobility Issues » Sushi, Pomeranian & Stiff Joints or Arthritis. If your senior dog hasn’t had a drink for several hours, take a. One of the most common Pomeranian breathing problems is when they have a collapsed trachea. A good grooming session can spark energy and be a good diversion instead. There are other ways you can help. Thus, special diets should be used for pets over five years old. If your dog gets a bit fussy, just warm the food slightly to increase the taste and smell and he’ll most likely munch away! It's also referred to a hair cycle arrest or coat cycle arrest. Ensure food isn’t too hot. If that’s not your preferred solution, you can use a good-quality wax for his paws or dog socks that have non-skid bottoms. Most of the Pomeranian’s health problems can be grouped into categories such as eye problems, musculoskeletal issues, and allergies. You best call the vet if this occurs. If the condition worsens, surgery can help prevent the kneecap from becoming dislocated. That way, you know he’s not drinking any harmful substances. A couple weeks ago we also had a pomeranian. Cushing’s syndrome (there’s too much cortisol in his system) is another serious health problem. Once your Pomeranian is between the ages of 7-9 years, the vet should include extra tests when he has his 6-monthly check-ups. Check your dog's teeth for tartar buildup on a weekly basis. They can hear very high-pitched noises but that’s the initial problem. If your Pomeranian has trouble with mobility, get pet ramps to allow him easy access to your sofa, bed or any other favorite spots. Otherwise known as patellar luxation, dislocation of the kneecaps is common in the Pomeranian breed. The general thinking concerning senior dogs and vaccinations recently changed. This is the same way that people have their eyesight improved. His older skin can dry out and become allergic so you must always buy a shampoo that’s high in quality. Look for rough or dry parts of his skin, and all other symptoms that seem unusual. You might not even realize he’s slowly losing his vision until he’s virtually blind. However, simply being present in the family home and hearing voices and other noises as they going about their day. Discover why this tiny dog with the big attitude is unique. It’s normal for a dog and only minimally affects his sight. Sometimes, it’s possible to be in liquid form with a pleasant flavor, or as a patch. It’s useful to keep your senior Pom close by and it’s wise to create a few comfortable, orthopedic resting spots in your home’s busiest rooms to make him happy while he spends time with his family. The smaller toy dog breeds (the Pomeranian, for example), may be regarded as “senior ” when he’s as young as 8 years of age. Breeder and Exhibitor of Best in Show winning Supreme, Grand Champion and Champions. Spencer Platt/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images, Pet Care Veterinary Hospital: Pomeranians - Caring for Your Pet, “Pomeranians: An Owner's Manual”; Joe Stahlkuppe; 2000. These tests come under the umbrella of a geriatric screening and include the following components: Vets often recommend a visit twice a year after your dog becomes a senior but Pomeranians MUST be thoroughly checked at least once a year. Exercise is an integral part of a dog’s emotional, mental and physical health. Pomeranian care, Pomeranian training, Pomeranian grooming. There are many different forms of canine cataracts and these develop for varied reasons. As with people, dogs grow old. Most dogs like routines. Senior Poms often have issues with their teeth including: licking lips, doggy breath, a dislike for chewing and avoiding your hands touching his mouth. If your Pom does spend time in your bed, the two most popular places are the sofa and the bed. Your vet may prescribe various medications to help. Buying two ramps means you never need to get up and move one if it’s the only one you bought. A warning of a major problem is when his appetite diminishes to a dangerously reduced point. 20 Methods for Keeping Your Pomeranian Happy and Healthy Too, Other special tests according to your Pom’s history and current. Always contact your vet if you see any unusual symptoms. In most cases, treatment is simply anti-inflammatory arthritis medication. The best food for senior Pomeranian dogs have a basic protein content of around 18 percent (14 percent for Poms suffering from kidney disorders), a basic fat level of 10-12 percent, and a basic fibre level of 3-5 percent. When washing your beloved Pom dog, use a moisturizing conditioner. Due to her high-breeding, she has had problems with walking correctly her whole life, apparently due to stiff joints or annoying joint pain. If you see your Pomeranian drinking more than he usually does, without any increase in activities, and he also urinates more, these are potential indicators of diabetes. Having you for company is what all dogs crave. 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