Pomeranians may be small, but they’re big on personality.
These lively, confident dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and distinctive fluffy coats. As a toy breed, they thrive in close companionship with humans and bring a spark of energy to every household.
Despite their size and spunk, Pomeranians are prone to several health concerns—some due to their delicate bone structure, others tied to their genetics. Tracheal collapse, dental disease, and joint instability are among the more common issues seen in the breed.
Understanding what to look for helps you catch problems before they escalate. With the right preventative care and vet support, Pomeranians can enjoy long, active lives well into their teens.
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How Healthy Are Pomeranians?
Pomeranians are considered a relatively long-lived breed, often reaching 12 to 16 years with consistent care. But their toy size comes with vulnerabilities, especially involving their teeth, windpipe, knees, and spine. Certain conditions, like luxating patella or collapsing trachea, may not be obvious until symptoms start to appear.
Their thick coat and fine bone structure also mean owners must pay close attention to both skin health and injury prevention.
Routine vet visits are key. Small dogs tend to hide pain well, so early signs can be subtle. A tailored diet, regular monitoring, and good dental habits go a long way toward avoiding more serious issues.
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For feeding tips designed for Pomeranians with dental, coat, or digestive sensitivities, explore our nutrition guide:
Common Pomeranian Health Issues
Pomeranians might be small in size, but their health needs are anything but minor. Like many toy breeds, they’re more prone to dental disease, tracheal collapse, and luxating patellas. Staying informed about these issues helps you act early, reducing discomfort and long-term costs.
Dental Disease
Pomeranians have small jaws and crowded teeth, making them especially vulnerable to plaque buildup and gum infections. Left unmanaged, dental disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, and even systemic issues affecting the kidneys or heart.
Signs to watch for include:
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Tartar along the gumline
- Dropping food or refusing to chew
Daily brushing with a dog-safe toothpaste is best. Dental chews, water additives, and professional vet cleans all help support long-term oral health.
Want to stay ahead of dental issues? Our guide breaks it down:
Smart Dental Care: How Proactive Steps Can Save You Money & Protect Your Dog's Health
Tracheal Collapse
This is a common issue in Pomeranians, where the cartilage in the windpipe weakens and causes airway narrowing. It can be worsened by obesity, excitement, or pulling on the collar.
Look out for:
- A persistent, dry cough (often described as a “goose honk”)
- Difficulty breathing during activity
- Gagging when eating or drinking
- Increased coughing at night or in humid conditions
Managing tracheal collapse often involves weight control, using a harness instead of a collar, and in some cases, medication to ease inflammation.
Collapsed Rings in the Larynx (Laryngeal Collapse)
While less common than tracheal collapse, some Pomeranians develop weakening in the cartilage around the larynx, affecting airflow and causing respiratory distress. This may occur alongside or after tracheal collapse.
Watch for:
- Laboured breathing
- Loud or raspy breathing sounds
- Distress when excited or exercising
Early diagnosis is key. A vet may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Eye Conditions (Tear Staining and Dry Eye)
Pomeranians often experience tear staining due to shallow eye sockets and narrow tear ducts. Some also develop dry eye, where tear production is insufficient to keep the eye lubricated.
Symptoms include:
- Reddish-brown stains under the eyes
- Sticky discharge
- Frequent blinking or squinting
- Cloudy or dull-looking eyes
Treatment varies depending on the condition, from daily eye wipes and dietary changes to prescribed lubricating drops or antibiotics.
Patellar Luxation
Toy breeds like Pomeranians are prone to patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place. It can cause intermittent lameness or changes in gait, and if left untreated, may lead to arthritis.
Signs include:
- Sudden skipping or “bunny hopping”
- Hesitation to jump
- Intermittent lameness that comes and goes
- Joint stiffness
Mild cases can often be managed with joint supplements and low-impact exercise. More severe luxations may require surgical correction.
Want to support their mobility long-term? Our vet guide explains how:
Dog Arthritis Treatment: Vet Tips for Pain Relief and Comfort
Hypothyroidism
This hormonal condition occurs when the thyroid gland underperforms, slowing metabolism and causing weight gain, lethargy, and skin changes. It’s more common in middle-aged to older Pomeranians.
Symptoms to monitor:
- Sudden weight gain despite normal eating
- Dull coat or hair loss
- Lethargy or reluctance to exercise
- Skin infections or thickening
A blood test is required for diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is typically managed with daily medication and regular blood monitoring.
Severe Hair Loss Syndrome (Black Skin Disease)
This condition is seen in some Pomeranians, where the dog begins to lose fur and develop darkened skin. It usually starts around puberty and progresses gradually.
Common signs:
- Thinning of the undercoat
- Bald patches, especially on the back legs and torso
- Hyperpigmentation (blackened skin)
- Coat fails to grow back after clipping
Treatment options vary, and some dogs improve with hormone therapy, neutering, or dietary support. Not all cases respond to treatment, but many dogs live comfortably with lifestyle management.
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Preventative Care Tips for Pomeranians
Routine Vet Visits
Schedule yearly wellness checks to catch early signs of dental issues, patellar luxation, or thyroid imbalances. As your Pomeranian gets older, twice-yearly checkups may be more appropriate to monitor age-related changes.
Vaccination and Parasite Protection
Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date and use consistent flea, tick, and worm prevention. Their dense double coat can make it harder to spot parasites early, so year-round protection is especially important.
Browse our parasite protection products
NexGard Spectra for Small Dogs (3.6 - 7.5 kg)
NexGard Spectra (Yellow) is suitable for small dogs from 3.6 – 7.5 kg in bodyweight.
With NexGard Spectra, your dog will receive the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, lice, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew. Did you know that some parasites that affect pets can be transmitted to people? Using NexGard Spectra aligns with guidelines from infectious disease experts who recommend monthly deworming of all dogs to reduce the risk.*
Features & Benefits
- The most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, lice, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew.
- A tasty beef-flavoured chew that dogs love.
- Convenient monthly dosing that’s easy to remember.
- Can be given with or without food.
- Safe for puppies from 8 weeks of age and 1.35 kg bodyweight.
- Not affected by bathing, swimming or shampooing.
- Safe to use in breeding, pregnant and lactating females.
Each chew contains
- 18.8 mg afoxolaner and
- 3.8 mg milbemycin oxime
Claims
- Rapidly kills fleas
- Controls flea allergy dermatitis
- Treats and controls ticks
- Treats and controls mange and mites
- Treats and controls biting lice
- Prevents heartworm disease
- Treats and controls roundworm, hookworm and whipworm
- Prevents flea tapeworm infestations
- Monthly treatment
*Australian Companion Animal Zoonoses Advisory Panel (2021) Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines.
See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
Advocate Green for Puppies & Small Dogs
Advocate Green for Puppies & Small Dogs weighing up to 4kg.
Advocate is an easy to use, monthly spot-on treatment that protects your dog from fleas, heartworm, major intestinal worms and ear mites.
- Protects against heartworm when used monthly
- Kills fleas and prevents re-infestation for a month
- Treats and controls most major intestinal worms, including hookworm, roundworm and whipworm
- Treats and controls ear mites
Advocate is one of the most broad spectrum topical preventative products available for your dog. It provides fast and effective relief from fleas, killing adult fleas and their larvae within 20 minutes of application, and continues to protect your dog for a whole month. When used monthly, advocate also protects your dog from deadly heartworm disease. Heartworm is spread by mosquito bite. Once matured, the adult worms live in the blood vessels of the heart and lung causing heartworm disease and sadly death if untreated. Advocate treats and controls most major intestinal worms of dogs, including roundworm, hookworm and whipworm. It also treats and prevents ear mites.
Safe for use in puppies from 7 weeks of age. The safety of Advocate in pregnant and lactating dogs has not been established.
Drontal Allwormer Tablets for Small Dog/Puppy
Dogs can pick up gastrointestinal worms everywhere and easily share them with you. For protection against roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm, Drontal Allwormer® Tablets for Small Dogs & Puppies are your best defense.
Key Benefits
- Fast and effective against roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm
- Can easily be combined with a tick and flea product for complete protection against parasites
- Treat every three months (not every month!) or seasonally to keep gastrointestinal worms at bay
- Easily administered as a tasty chew
- Safe for use during pregnancy and lactation
Drontal® provides your pet with complete coverage against gastrointestinal worms, as well as controlling the shedding of Giardia spp cysts. Our treatment is required every three months from six months of age (rather than monthly) and comes in a range of chews, tablets or a puppy suspension to make treating your pet as easy as possible.
Drontal Allwormer® Tablets are suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes, as you can halve tablets to match the required dosage. It’s safe to use during pregnancy and lactation to keep worms at bay throughout your dog’s life.
Handy tip! Treat your dog at the start of each season — it’s easier to track when your dog needs its next worming treatment.
Drontal® is the perfect partner for tick and flea treatment and heartworm prevention for complete parasite protection. To keep you and your pet safe from worms, make sure you buy Drontal® Dog Allwormer.
Dental Hygiene Routine
Daily brushing with a soft toothbrush and vet-approved dog toothpaste is the gold standard. Dental chews, water additives, and professional vet cleans help maintain a healthy mouth between brushings.
Browse our dental care products
Petosan Toothbrush
Petosan dental products for pets have been developed by a team of Scandinavian dentists, veterinarians and a leading edge toothbrush manufacturer.
Petosan Complete Dental Kits
For Small Dogs (<6kg): Contains a small double headed toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth (finger brush). Ideal for dogs who are new to toothbrushing.
For Large Dogs (>16kg): A plastic outer protective case contains a large toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth.
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth
A reusable, antibacterial microfibre finger brush which removes plaque and bacteria from your dog's mouth. It is easier to use and provides better cleaning than finger toothbrushes. The Finger Cloth is an ideal way to start toothbrushing your dog.
Petosan Toothpaste
This tasty poultry-flavoured toothpaste has been specifically formulated for pets to help remove plaque and prevent the build-up of tartar. No rinsing required.
Petosan Toothpaste Poultry Flavour 70g
Petosan dental products for pets have been developed by a team of Scandinavian dentists, veterinarians and a leading edge toothbrush manufacturer.
Petosan Complete Dental Kits
For Small Dogs (<6kg): Contains a small double headed toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth (finger brush). Ideal for dogs who are new to toothbrushing.
For Large Dogs (>16kg): A plastic outer protective case contains a large toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth.
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth
A reusable, antibacterial microfibre finger brush which removes plaque and bacteria from your dog's mouth. It is easier to use and provides better cleaning than finger toothbrushes. The Finger Cloth is an ideal way to start toothbrushing your dog.
Petosan Toothpaste
This tasty poultry-flavoured toothpaste has been specifically formulated for pets to help remove plaque and prevent the build-up of tartar. No rinsing required.
Aquadent FR3SH Dental Water Additive for Cats and Dogs
Transform your pet’s oral hygiene with Aquadent FR3SH™ Dental Water Additive for Cats and Dogs - a highly effective and palatable water additive designed to control plaque and reduce bad breath in dogs and cats. This advanced formula utilizes FR3SH™ technology, harnessing the power of natural ingredients to target and neutralize bad breath from both oral and digestive sources.
Key Benefits:
- Targeted Formula: Combats bad breath at its root by addressing both oral and digestive causes, promoting fresh breath and improved oral health.
- Convenient Use: Effortlessly integrate into your pet’s daily routine. Simply add to their drinking water using the included dosing cap.
- Veterinary Expertise: Crafted by veterinary dental specialists to ensure safety and effectiveness for both cats and dogs.
- High Palatability: Designed for easy acceptance by pets, with no noticeable reduction in water consumption.
Enhance your pet’s dental care with Aquadent FR3SH™ and enjoy fresher breath and a healthier mouth with minimal effort.
Available in: 250ml and 500ml Packs
Balanced, Gentle Nutrition
Choose high-quality, vet-formulated diets designed for toy breeds. These should support joint health, coat quality, and digestive comfort. If your dog has skin or food sensitivities, look for limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic options.
Browse our range of food and nutritional products
Dry Dog Food - Vet Approved Diets
Browse our extensive range of Dry Dog Food today and find food your puppy or adult dog is guaranteed to love. We stock a wide range of leading brands including Royal Canin, Advance, Hill's, Eukanuba, and more. Our Puppy Food range is perfect for puppies of any size, and we also offer a wide range of Prescription Diets for your dog, to help with Weight Management, Skin & Food Sensitivities, Mobility Issues, Sensitive Stomachs and more. Browse our range today on Vets Love Pets.
Wet Dog Food - Vet Approved
Enjoy our wide range of the best wet dog food in Australia for your adult, Puppy or senior dog, available in cans and pouches. We stock a wide range of leading brands including Royal Canin, Advance, Hill's and more. We also offer a wide range of prescription wet food diets for your dog, to help with Weight Management, Skin & Food Sensitivities, Gastrointestinal Health and more. Browse our range today on Vets Love Pets.
Dry Dog Food for Puppies - Nutritionally Balanced
Discover the perfect start for your puppy with our vet-approved Dry Dog Food for Puppies. Tailored for the unique needs of growing dogs, these diets promote healthy development. Browse our range of the best puppy food below on Vets Love Pets.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Despite their size, Pomeranians are active and alert. Daily play, short walks, and enrichment activities keep them mentally sharp and help prevent boredom-related behaviours.
Browse our toys and enrichment tools
Enrichment Toys for Dogs - Vet Recommended
Keep your dog mentally stimulated with our range of Enrichment Toys. Designed to challenge and entertain, these toys help prevent boredom and encourage problem-solving skills. Enhance your dog's daily routine with fun and thoughtful activities from Vets Love Pets.
Fetch Toys - Perfect for Active Playtime
Ignite your dog's natural instincts with our range of Fetch Toys. Perfect for interactive playtime in parks or backyards, these toys are designed to endure spirited throws and catches. Boost your dog's fitness and enjoyment with our durable fetch toys at Vets Love Pets.
Rope & Tug Toys - Durable & Engaging
Engage in playful bonding with your dog using our Rope & Tug Toys. Great for tug-of-war games, these toys strengthen your pet’s teeth and build trust between you and your dog. Discover our collection of fun and engaging tug toys at Vets Love Pets.
Coat and Grooming Maintenance
Their thick double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting, reduce shedding, and maintain skin health. Book professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks and check ears, nails, and teeth during your home routine.
Browse our vet recommended grooming products
Gripsoft Slicker Brush
Gripsoft products are easy to use and designed to give a professional finish. The soft, rubber-sheathed, non-slip ergonomic handle provides maximum comfort, grip and control.
Slicker Brush: Use to remove dead and shedding hair from your pets and help untangle mats and snarls. The version with soft pins is specially designed for pets with sensitive skin and fine, silky coats.
Dermcare Natural Shampoo
Dermcare Natural Shampoo is formulated for animals with sensitive skin or allergies, or those who bath frequently. Hypoallergenic, moisturising and emollient shampoo. Cleans without drying the coat. Collagen protein assists the repair of hair damaged by self-trauma.
Active ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerine, collagen protein.
Gripsoft Nail Trimmer
Gripsoft products are easy to use and designed to give a professional finish. The soft, rubber-sheathed, non-slip ergonomic handle provides maximum comfort, grip and control.
Gripsoft Nail Trimmers can be used to trim the nails of any breed to maintain comfortable nail length. Deluxe Nail Trimmers include a cutting guard for additional safety and ease of use.
Keep an Eye on Hydration and Energy Levels
Any change in thirst, appetite, or energy can signal a health issue. Trust your instincts. Even minor changes can be the first sign something needs a vet’s attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average lifespan of a Pomeranian?
Most Pomeranians live between 12 and 16 years. With regular vet care, weight management, and a good dental routine, many live well into their senior years.
Are Pomeranians prone to genetic issues?
Yes, particularly dental crowding, patellar luxation, and airway concerns. Choosing a breeder who performs health screenings is essential to reduce risk.
When should I start brushing my Pomeranian’s teeth?
As early as possible. Starting in puppyhood helps them get used to the routine. Daily brushing is ideal to prevent tartar and gum disease.
How often should I groom my Pomeranian?
Brush their coat several times per week and schedule professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. This keeps their undercoat healthy and reduces shedding.
Is exercise important for such a small breed?
Absolutely. Pomeranians need regular movement to support joint health and prevent obesity. Short walks and interactive games are perfect.
Conclusion
Pomeranians may be tiny, but their health needs are full of complexity and care.
From daily dental routines to supporting healthy breathing and joints, a proactive approach makes a powerful difference. Regular checkups, a high-quality diet, and attention to early signs are your best tools to keep your Pom thriving.
With consistent care and vet guidance, your Pomeranian can live a long, spirited life filled with joy, curiosity, and companionship.
