By Sylvia Hauser
"Fluffypoms Pomeranians"
The Pomeranian is reportedly from an area near Pomerania, and was introduced to the UK by the wife of King George III, Queen Charlotte back in 1767.
The
Pom is a member of the Spitz family. When
the Pomeranian first came to the U.K., they were much larger in size
weighing up to 50lbs! and
produced litters of up to 10 puppies, over the years with selective
breeding, nowdays the correct size of an adult should be between 4 and
6lbs, the male should be smaller.
Due
to the small size, bitches now often produce only one or two puppies,
and as these are very popular little dogs, makes the breed rather scarce
and genine Poms can be hard to find, see my other pages Who & What
to Avoid and Pomeranian Scams - this is BIG business for the scammers -
be warned and be aware.
One
thing I would sincerely recommend you check when purchasing a small puppy is
that the "fontanelle" (fontanel) is not open, this is a small hole in
the scull and can of course make the puppy extremely delicate and is not
desirable in a pup. This is a genetic problem and you should not buy a puppy like this.
ABOUT THE POMERANIAN - NEEDS AND GENERAL INFORMATION:
Overall Exercise 0 - 20 minutes per day. (ideal for the couch
potato!)
Poms are very undemanding in their exercise requirements and are quite happy
with short walks or a run in the garden.They are able, however, to walk quite a
distance before becoming tired.
Distress Caused if Left Alone - Medium
Personal Protection - Good
Suitability As Guard Dog - Good
Risk of Sheep Worrying - Medium
Tendency to Bark - Medium/Good
Ease of Transportation - Good
Compatibility With Other Animals - Good
Suitable For Children - Good
The Pomeranian breed is full of its own self-importance and likes nothing better than to strut about either in the show-ring or when out for a walk! They are lively and energetic little dogs who are very loyal to their families. Poms love to be carried about and handled but do not overdo this, as they can become jealous and even a bit nippy! They make excellent guard dogs as they are very vocal and would certainly deter intruders. Despite their gentle and affectionate natures, care must be taken, especially with younger children, that they are not tormented or man-handled, as this can cause them to be nervous. They will accept other animals in the household but will not hesitate to attack outsiders, regardless of their size.
GROOMING
Coat Length Medium/Long
Grooming Requirement Once a week
During adolescence extra grooming is required to assist the coat change, but once this has happened, grooming can be reduced to once a week. Check regularly for matting in the undercoat. Do not use too fine a comb as this will damage the undercoat which will spoil the fullness. The coat should be well combed with a coarse comb and then lightly brushed. Occasional trimming is required around the feet.
Trimming: Requires Professional Groomer if trimming required.
Colour: Poms come in several colours! Choose from black, red, red sable,orange,orange sable, cream, cream sable, wolf sable and blue.
Shedding Little
THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL NEW
PUPPY OWNERS HAS BEEN PROVIDED
BY
ANDREA REID - "CHERISTAR
POMERANIANS"
Hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term used to describe abnormally low levels of
blood glucose. Blood glucose, which is another term for blood sugar, is
regulated by insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by cells that are called
"beta cells", that is part of the endocrine pancreas. Dogs that
go into hypoglycaemia suffer from weakness; they can collapse, and/or go into
seizures.
Some toy breeds suffer from hypoglycaemia as a metabolic disorder.
Hypoglycaemia can also occur due to poor conditioning and can also be related
to poor nutrition.
It is imperative that owners of breeds of dog that are susceptible to attacks
be aware of some of the clinical signs of the onset of an attack of
hypoglycaemia. These signs can include the dog becoming noticeably confused,
disoriented, becomes drowsy at unusual times, shivers, and/or staggers
about. In an advanced stage the dog collapses and goes into an
unconscious state. You must give your pet glucose (if you have no glucose the
sugar will do) and keep it warm at this time, a vet is required straight away
to delay any of these instructions may result in the death of your pet.
The entire sequence of clinical signs is not always seen, so close observation
of your pet and knowing when your dog is going into a distressed state can mean
the difference between life and death of your dog. Immediate treatment by
a veterinarian is imperative, as recurrence of, or prolonged attacks, can cause
permanent damage to the brain.
Sometimes a dog will outgrow this condition since it affects puppies 5 to 16
weeks of age most commonly. However, if the dog is high strung, or has a
lot of nervous energy, the dog will need to be watched carefully, and kept in a
calm state. Some instances that precipates an attack might be: the puppy
being placed in a new home, or while being shipped. It may occur if a
puppy misses a meal, becomes chilled, or becomes exhausted from too much play.
What can you do for your dog if you notice the early signs of
hypoglycaemia? The best product to keep on hand is Glucose. In an
emergency, sugar water, or even honey will work. A few licks may be all you
need if the dog is still conscious. You should call your veterinarian as soon
as possible. If your dog becomes unconscious get the dog to the vet
immediately. I would also put some dry glucose powder on or under the tongue
but not too much remember your dog is unconscious,
Web related site
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_toy_breed_hypoglycemia.html
Sometimes there is more to hypoglycaemia than just low blood sugar. While being
extra small and extra young is enough to drop one’s blood sugar, sometimes
there is more to the story.
Bacterial infection
Bacteria can be tremendous consumers of glucose (blood sugar). For this reason,
hypoglycaemic puppies frequently are given antibiotics.
Portosystemic (Liver shunt)
This is a problem the Yorkshire terrier in particular. In this congenital
malformation of the liver circulation, blood travels from the GI tract to the
general circulation by-passing the liver. The liver does not develop properly
and has abnormal function. One of the liver’s functions is to maintain the
body’s blood sugar level. An abnormal liver leads to low blood sugar. This
condition can frequently be cured with surgery. A liver function blood test is
an easy way to rule this condition out as a complicating factor.
Parasitism/Diarrhoea/Stress
Stress from any cause increases the body’s demand for sugar. This is why it is
especially important to insure the general health of the toy breed puppy. When
stresses are present, maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is all the more
difficult.
When your puppy comes home again after a hypoglycaemic episode, it is important
to watch food intake and be aware of any changes in energy level. As the puppy
gets bigger, risk factors diminish. Teeth get stronger, body fat stores
develop, and the immune system matures. Eventually, hypoglycaemia risks become
minimal and the puppy can continue life as any other puppy, playing, chewing things
up, and learning the behaviour control necessary to be a good house pet.
Article written by Pat Philips Playalong Pomeranians, also Carl Sparrow Casarow
Pomeranians, thanks for allowing us to use this article on our new site, it was
on the original cheristar as it saved our own Pomeranians life. Thanks again,
Andrea
HYPOGLYCAEMIA
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO HELP ENABLE OWNERS/BREEDERS
OF SMALL DOGS (NOT ONLY POMERANIANS) TO RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGLYCAEMIA
AND TO TAKE SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS TOWARDS PREVENTING ITS OCCURENCE - ESPECIALLY AS
REGARDS PUPPIES WHO CAN BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO IT.
Hypoglycaemia is a serious illness, which can occur very suddenly especially,
in small-breed puppies that can use up their energy levels faster than they can
replace them. Any chance of a full recovery depends on early recognition of the
symptoms and immediate treatment. Unless the hypoglycaemia is caused by
diabetes or any other underlying condition, preventative measures can be taken
to greatly reduce the chances of it occurring.
However, I shall start by quoting a very important article written by Carl
Sparrow (Casarows Pomeranians UK) which appeared in POMERANIAN FIVE, a very
interesting biannual publication by the joint UK Pomeranian Clubs. This article
has helped me save the lives of three puppies, and I hope that it (together
with my own case studies) does likewise for others. Thankyou Carl for giving me
permission to use your invaluable information.
The Floppy Puppy Syndrome By Carl Sparrow
This is the name that I personally use for the condition called
Hypoglycaemia. This is a condition, which can occur for various reasons:
if your dog has diabetes; if there is a delay in eating, or if there is a rapid
combustion of carbohydrates (glucose). (I shall add exposure to stressful
situations here). The puppy's brain can only survive for a short period of time
without glucose and oxygen. Consequently a period of Hypoglycaemia can result
in brain damage.
WE, AS OWNERS, CAN TEND TO MISS THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS AND BY THE TIME THAT WE
REALISE THAT THE PUPPY HAS HYPOGLYCAEMIA IT IS TOO LATE AND THE PUPPY DIES.
Everyone who has owned or bred a Pomeranian puppy (or other small breed puppy)
will know that they are full of energy, continually on the go, racing around
without a care in the world. This means that they burn up a lot of
energy, which must be constantly replaced.
From personal experience there are three stages to this syndrome:
FIRSTLY - THE EARLY WARNING PHASE
By observing your puppy over a period of time, it may seem a 'bad doer' ... you
may be able to feel its backbone, its eyes are sunken with a glazed
_expression. (I will add to Carl's article here and say that a perfectly lively
and healthy puppy can suddenly become uncharacteristically withdrawn and
listless thus entering phase one without showing any signs other than
those. I have one Pom who was hyperactive as a puppy (still is). He
ran himself to a standstill and collapsed straight into a Hypoglycaemic coma at
10 wks old .... There was no warning. By the time I discovered what had
happened a minute or two had passed and he had no lifespans. However, I managed
to revive him and he drank as much high glucose and vitamin fluid as he could
once he was back with us. His case study will follow this article. From
my personal experience, the onset of Hypoglycaemia could possibly be more
easily spotted in a livewire than in a normally healthy but quieter puppy).
SECONDLY - THE WARNING PHASE
Your puppy is very wobbly. Almost off its legs. If you pinch the puppy's
skin above the shoulder blades the skin stays together ... this is the start of
dehydration. Should you catch the puppy (and start treatment) at this
stage you should be able to save it.
THIRDLY - THE DO SOMETHING QUICK STAGE
By this stage it is often too late as the puppy is off its legs, lying
down. If it has been on its side for a period of time the puppy might
sound chesty. By this time the dehydration is in an advanced stage but the
puppy also has Hypoglycaemia. The puppy will also be showing signs of
shock (symptoms are ... the skin feels cold, it is pale and blue) therefore
veterinary attention is needed and TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. (Again I will
add to Carl's article here. By this stage, or closely approaching this
stage, you are between the devil and the deep and whatever decision you take is
going to be a gamble. You have a puppy in deep shock, whose blood glucose
levels are rock bottom. The least little further shock e.g. a trip to the
vets, the insertion of a drip, could use up any small remaining reserve of
energy and the puppy could go into a coma before you even reach your
destination. However, if you are sufficiently knowledgeable and
experienced, can face the trauma of treating a very sick puppy yourself and if
the puppy is a fighter willing to take high energy fluids fed through a syringe
orally, there might still be a chance of survival should you decide to treat
the puppy at home. I am not recommending this but putting both options forward
for consideration. Whichever choice is made, should the puppy die, the
question will remain ...did I make the right decision? It is difficult but so
many factors can affect each individual case that none can be certain of the
outcome whichever decision has been made.
If I suspect that a puppy is 'cooking' Hypoglycaemia I would be treating
it from the very early stage. It is a long haul administering fluids
round the clock for what could be 2 days and nights every two hours, during
which time the puppy initially worsens, then seems to reach a crisis when it
will suddenly 'turn the corner' or give up its battle. Once the crisis stage is
over recovery is relatively quick but the puppy must be confined until its
energy levels are completely restored). Should you be in the least doubtful
about attempting to treat the puppy yourself after reading this article then it
is important to get him/her to the vet as soon as you suspect the illness and
to either take a copy of the article with you or at least inform the vet of your
concerns about the possibility of Hypoglycaemia. Some Vets might never have
encountered puppies with Hypoglycaemia because sufferers of the illness might
never have survived long enough to have the chance of getting to a surgery in
time.
I always keep the following in the cupboard at home - powdered glucose, Sorb
Vit B (or something similar), diarolyte (Lectade), as these are invaluable for
bringing your puppy round from stages 1 and 2. Remember that if you are
syringing any liquid into your puppy they only need a tiny amount as their
stomachs are very small. If they are already ill, too much liquid could be more
of a hindrance than a help/ TRY NOT TO OVERDO IT ... THE GOLDEN RULE IS LITTLE
BUT OFTEN.
I am not an expert, just someone who has encountered the syndrome over the time
that I have been associated with Pomeranians. If you are worried
(especially if your puppy becomes listless and uncharacteristically reclusive)
take your him/her to your vet.
I hope that this article has been of interest to you. If we ignore
problems like this and do not talk about them how are we going to help (a) our
breed and (b) the new people interested in breeding Pomeranians (or other toy
dogs).
PREVENTATIVE STEPS
I would take the following precautionary measures for the more dainty puppies
until 9mths -12mths of age (depending on the individual). However,
a very forward puppy that matures early might only need the occasional top-up
once it is over 6 months old.
Add some glucose powder or Sorb-Vit B (in moderation) to the drinking water,
which should be available at all, times.
Personally, I make up a special 'high energy' drink, which I give to my puppies
individually from the time they reach the more active stage at about 4/5 weeks
of age. They are given 2.5mls (fed through a syringe or dropper) once a
day (twice a day if the puppy has been particularly active). Firstly I boil
water and let it stand until it is still warm. Then I pour 75mls of the
warm water into a measuring jug. Added to this is 2.5mls Sorb-Vit B, 2.5mls
honey and/or glucose powder. The solution is then stirred thoroughly, allowed
to cool and stored for further use. It is stored in the fridge but I do not
give it to my puppies straight from the fridge .... Little doses can be warmed
slightly or allowed to reach room temperature as required. Should I actually be
treating a puppy that is showing symptoms of becoming Hypoglycaemic I would
increase the strength of the solution as deemed necessary. By giving individual
puppies this solution I can be certain that each one is having its energy
levels topped up adequately. Please note that I add very little glucose or
Sorb-Vit B to their drinking water when they are receiving their individual
concentrated doses of the prepared mixture.
Enervite Paste or Nutri-drops are also handy to keep in the house for
emergencies ... either can be rubbed on the gums or tongue should your Pom ever
become uncharacteristically lethargic (which could indicate the onset of
Hypoglycaemia following a period of high activity or shock/stress).
Bach's Rescue Remedy can also act as an initial stimulant but, as it is in
liquid form, care needs to be taken if attempting to revive a dog just in case
'it goes down the wrong way'. I find the Rescue Remedy second to none in
lifesaving situations from reviving new-borns (once all else has proved
ineffective) to reviving a ten week old puppy who collapsed and showed no
lifespans whatsoever for some minutes (other physical methods of resuscitation
were also used but the Rescue Remedy was the additional factor which helped
trigger recovery). In an extreme crisis, when there is nothing to lose and you
do not have any Rescue remedy available, a little Brandy rubbed on the gums
might act as an initial stimulant.
More information about the Rescue Remedy can be found on the following
websites:
www.bachcentre.com
www.bachshop.com
www.webvitamins.com
Please allow your puppy to rest for at least half an hour after his/her meal.
It is unwise to let your Pom puppy run itself to the point of exhaustion (at
any time). Like any small, very active breed of dog, it can use up its energy
recourses quite quickly and the consequences could be serious. The key
word when rearing a small breed puppy is MODERATION.
