ABOUT HEALTH POMERANIANS

     Pomeranian is a very active dog who is intelligent, courageous, and a loyal companion. The Pomeranian may not interact well with small children, and due to its small size can suffer abuse from children.Pomeranians are generally a healthy, hardy, and long-lived breed! Poms often live 12 to 16 years or so.
     However, just like other breeds, there are still things you should keep in mind about your dog that might pose a potential risk to them. The many different breeds of dogs have many different health problems, and knowing what your dog might have is an important step in making sure that they live a good life. Pomeranian health problems are simply something you have to deal with when it comes to your dog, just like every other dog owner. Pomeranian breeders, at least the good ones, will attempt to breed out the most serious health problems. They do this by breeding dogs who do not have these problems to other dogs that are problem free.
     The most common problem in Pomeranians is luxating patella (slipping kneecap). Also Legg Calve Perthes syndrome and hip dysplasia can occur, but are rarer in this small breed. Patent ductus arteriosus (a heart disease) and collapsing trachea have become serious problems in Poms. Dry eye, tear duct disorders and cataracts that can appear in young adulthood and often lead to blindness are also common. Skin diseases are quite common, especially allergies (that often leads to acute moist dermatitis or "hot spots") and coat loss problem in Pomeranians called SHLS (Severe Hair Loss Syndrome). It is also known as Black Skin Disease /alopecia X/.
     Other problems that occur regularly include hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and hypoglycemia. Occasionally, hydrocephalus can occur in Pom puppies. Cerebellar ataxia, which is a neurological disorder, also is one of health problems. This might be shown by wobbliness when your dog is on their feet. Another common Pomeranian health problem is Cryptorochidism, the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum, is also a popular problem with the Pomeranian dog. Poms, like many Toy breeds, are prone to bad teeth and harmless episodes of reverse sneezing.
     There is a somewhat substantial number of Pomeranian health problems, and therefore it is always important that you find a vet for your Pomeranian dog that will meet the needs of this breed. A good vet is often one of the most important steps in preparing for your Pomeranian's life, so you should know how to choose a vet for your Pomeranian puppy. This way, you can make sure that your dog is healthy and happy for his entire lifespan.

     This is a list of some of the most common health problems found in the breed and detailed information about them. Elimination of the most serious through accurate selection will lead to healthy, beautiful and quality offsprings!

• LUXATING PATELLAS <1> <2>
• HIP DYSPLASIA <1>
• HEART <1>
• COLLAPSING TRACHEAS < 1 >
• COAT LOSS PROBLEMS <1> <2> <3> <4>
• HYPOTHYROIDISM <1> <2>
• HYPOGLYCEMIA <1>
• EPILEPSY<1>
• HYDROCEPHALUS <1>
• DRY EYES <1> <2>
• REVERSE SNEEZING <1>
• OPEN FONTANELS <1>
• CRYPTOROCHIDISM <1>