One of the most defining features of a Pomeranian is its full and luxurious coat. Often called a ‘pom’ or ‘pom-pom’, this breed is classified as a toy dog because of its size. A Pomeranian’s tail fans over its back in a beautiful display of fur. With their playful demeanor, Pomeranians are considered very socialable with other dogs and people. They are also intelligent and very obedient. Because of their double coats, Pomeranians require extra care and handling in the grooming department. Whether you have your Pom groomed professionally or do it yourself at home, there are important things you must keep in mind to maintain its beautiful coat.
Combing
Combing with a wide-toothed comb is one of the first things you must do to take care of your Pomeranian’s coat. Your Pom should be combed slowly and gently as running trying to run through a mat of fur is painful for the dog. You can also purchase a detangler which helps to remove knots. Combing should precede brushing and is a critical step in your dog’s grooming care.
Brushing
Brushing your Pomeranian daily is just as important to maintain the beauty of its fur. Like combing, brushing prevents matting which if allowed to happen can cause additional work in grooming (and frustration for both the owner and dog). If brushing does not occur daily, then matting can become so bad it must be cut out. Doing so runs the risk of ruining the integrity of the dog’s natural beauty.
Shampooing
At 8 weeks old, it is safe to give Poms a bath. Start with a small tub versus a large bath so as not to frighten the dog. Talk reassuringly to the dog as you shampoo him or her. You may blow dry your dog after shampooing at a low heat setting.
Be sure to use a high quality shampoo for your Pomeranian versus a generic shampoo as this can cause itching. Remember, never use human shampoo on your dog as it can be harmful.
Trimming Fur
You may want to consider trimming your Pomeranian’s fur along its paws or anal area just to keep him or her looking nice. Although you may think you’re doing your dog a favor, it is not okay to shave a Pomeranian during hot weather. Doing so is going against what nature intended for the Pom. Additionally, the coat will never come back in and look the same as its original one.
Nails
For Pomeranians, it is imperative to trim nails every 2 or 3 months. In the middle of each nail, you will see a “quick” which is actually a vein that should not be cut. Doing so can result in bleeding and discomfort for your dog.
Going to a groomer is highly recommended if you are not comfortable trimming your dog’s nails, or if you do not have a lot of experience. Pomeranians can get ingrown nails if the nails are not trimmed on a regular basis. Ingrown nails are very painful to the dog.
Teeth
You should strive to brush your dog’s teeth daily. Pomeranians are known to be extremely prone to tooth decay, so dental care, just like taking care of a Pom’s coat, is an important part of your dog’s health.
In any phase of grooming, your goal is to let your Pomeranian know grooming is a daily task which can be a time for bonding.
Sources: www.petpom.com/Pom_Grooming.html, www.helium.com/items/1189537-pomeranian-grooming
