Your little fluffball is giving you “that look” – you know, the one that makes you wonder if something’s off. As a Pomeranian parent, you develop this sixth sense about your pup’s wellbeing, and right now, your radar is pinging. The good news? You don’t need a veterinary degree to perform basic health checks that can catch potential issues before they become major problems.
Here are the three essential areas to focus on during your at-home health assessment:
- Eyes, ears, and nose examination for discharge, odors, or irritation
- Physical touch-check for lumps, pain responses, and coat condition
- Behavioral observation for changes in appetite, energy, and bathroom habits
The Head-to-Tail Inspection Method
I learned this systematic approach from my veterinarian after Sash developed a small ear infection that I initially missed. Now, I start every health check at the head and work my way down – it ensures I don’t skip anything important.
Begin with those gorgeous Pomeranian eyes. They should be bright, clear, and free from excessive tearing or discharge. A small amount of clear discharge is normal, but yellow, green, or thick discharge signals trouble. Gently pull down the lower eyelid – it should be pink, not red or pale. When Sash had conjunctivitis last spring, the telltale red, irritated appearance was unmistakable once I knew what to look for.
Next, examine those adorable pointed ears. The American Kennel Club emphasizes that Pomeranian ears should be small, erect, and well-feathered. More importantly for health checks, they should smell pleasant (or at least neutral) and appear clean inside. Dark, waxy buildup or a yeasty odor indicates infection. I check Sash’s ears weekly now – Pomeranians’ upright ear structure actually helps with air circulation, making them less prone to infections than floppy-eared breeds, but vigilance still pays off.
The Hands-On Assessment
This is where your relationship with your Pomeranian really matters. A dog who trusts you will tolerate gentle manipulation much better than one who’s suspicious of handling.
Run your hands along your Pom’s neck, chest, and legs, feeling for any unusual lumps, bumps, or swollen areas. Pay special attention to the lymph nodes under the jaw and behind the front legs. They should feel like small, soft beans – anything hard, large, or painful warrants veterinary attention.
Check the mouth by gently lifting the lips. Gums should be pink (not white, blue, or bright red), and breath shouldn’t be overwhelmingly offensive. Yes, dog breath has its own special charm, but sudden changes in odor intensity can indicate dental disease or other health issues.
The coat tells a remarkable story about your Pomeranian’s overall health. That famous double coat should feel soft and springy, not greasy, dry, or brittle. Bald patches, excessive shedding, or skin irritation often reflect internal health problems before other symptoms appear.
Behavioral Red Flags and Green Lights
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a small breed specialist, once told me that behavioral changes are often the earliest indicators of health problems in toy breeds like Pomeranians. Your daily interactions provide the perfect baseline for comparison.
Monitor appetite changes carefully. Pomeranians can be finicky eaters on their best days, but a complete loss of appetite or sudden ravenous behavior both deserve attention. Similarly, changes in water consumption – either dramatically increased or decreased – can signal various health conditions.
Energy levels vary among individual dogs, but you know your Pomeranian’s normal activity patterns. Sash typically bounces around like a furry ping-pong ball for about an hour each morning, then settles into a more moderate pace. When she started skipping her morning zoomies, I knew something was amiss (turned out to be a minor stomach upset, but catching it early prevented worse issues).
Bathroom habits might not be glamorous to discuss, but they’re incredibly informative. Note any changes in frequency, consistency, color, or straining. Pomeranians can be prone to luxating patella (kneecap dislocation), so watch for limping, difficulty squatting, or reluctance to jump.
When DIY Health Checks Aren’t Enough
Home health assessments have their limitations, and recognizing these boundaries is crucial for responsible pet ownership. You’re looking for obvious changes and red flags, not attempting to diagnose specific conditions.
Certain symptoms always warrant immediate veterinary attention: difficulty breathing, pale gums, severe lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, seizures, or obvious pain. Pomeranians are small enough that they can deteriorate quickly when seriously ill.
The pros of regular home health checks include early detection of problems, increased bonding with your dog, and reduced veterinary costs through prevention. The main con is the risk of either over-worrying about normal variations or under-reacting to genuine concerns. Finding that balance takes practice and experience.
Making It a Positive Experience
Transform health checks into bonding time rather than stressful examinations. I always start Sash’s health checks during her favorite cuddle time, incorporating gentle massaging and plenty of praise. She’s learned to associate the routine with positive attention, making the process easier for both of us.
Keep sessions short – five to ten minutes maximum. Pomeranians have short attention spans, and pushing too long creates negative associations. End on a positive note with a favorite treat or play session.
The most rewarding aspect of regular health monitoring is the peace of mind it provides. You become intimately familiar with your Pomeranian’s normal state, making deviations obvious and concerning changes unmistakable. This knowledge transforms you from a worried pet parent into a confident advocate for your dog’s wellbeing, capable of providing your veterinarian with detailed, useful information when professional care becomes necessary.
