Do Pomeranians Shed? (Pom Shedding Guide)
Pomeranians are consistently listed among the most popular dog breeds, and it’s easy to see why. These lively little dogs are intelligent, playful, and full of personality. And although they’re small in size, Pomeranians have big hearts and provide endless love and companionship.
But wait, do Pomeranians shed? Yes, they do—and they’re moderate-to-heavy shedders at that. Unfortunately, this can lead to some significant fur bunnies if not correctly managed.
In this article, we’ll discuss why Poms shed, when you can expect them to shed, and how to minimize the amount of hair that ends up on your floor (and in your vacuum cleaner!).
Why Pomeranians Shed?
Pomeranians are loved for their adorably thick, fluffy coats and plumed tails. And while this makes them look like the irresistible little floof balls that we know and love, it also means that they’re subject to more shedding than shorter-haired breeds.
We’ve all seen the pictures of Pomeranians with hair so long it drags on the ground—that’s a lot of coat to shed.
So what are the reasons behind all that shedding? Let’s take a look.
Double Coats
Pomeranians are double-coated, meaning they have both a top coat and an undercoat. The outer layer is the longer, coarser hair, while the undercoat comprises softer, shorter hairs.
These layers serve an essential purpose; the undercoat helps insulate Poms against cold weather, and their topcoat protects their skin from the elements.
Originally, Pomeranians were bred as working dogs in colder climates, so their double coats were essential for keeping them warm. Nowadays, most Pomeranians are kept as companion animals and live in much warmer environments. However, they’ve still retained their thick coat, contributing to their heavy shedding.
Seasonal Shedding
You may be wondering, do Pomeranians shed year-round? They do, but they undergo a more intense shedding period twice a year. This is typically in the spring and fall when they’re “blowing out” their coat to prepare for the changing seasons.
In the fall, they shed their lighter summer coat in preparation for their thicker winter coat. Then, they lose their winter coat in the spring to make way for their thinner summer coat.
This seasonal shedding can be a doozy, and you’ll likely find yourself dealing with significantly more hair around the house. You can expect your Pom to shed a lot during these times—we’re talking hair everywhere. On your clothes, on your designer furniture, in your food—you name it.
Poor Diet
According to Hill’s, the makers of Science Diet, nutrition plays a vital role in a dog’s skin and coat health. So if you notice your Pom shedding excessively, look at what they’re eating.
A poor diet can cause Poms to shed more than usual and lead to other health problems such as allergies, skin conditions, and joint pain.
An imbalanced diet usually results from eating low-quality, cheap food, such as dry kibble that’s high in fillers and low in nutrients. However, like all dogs, Pomeranians need a balanced diet to keep their coat and skin healthy and minimize shedding.
This means providing them with a mix of proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals to stay in tip-top shape.
Increased Stress
Like humans, dogs can experience stress that manifests in various ways, including excessive shedding. Dogs are highly-sensitive creatures and can pick up on even the most minor changes in their routine or environment. These little changes can lead to lots of stress for our furry friends and turn your home into a hair factory.
Many things can cause stress in dogs, such as:
- Moving to a new home
- Changes in routine (e.g., an owner’s work schedule)
- The addition of a new family member (human or animal)
- Lack of exercise
- Separation anxiety
- Boredom/lack of stimulation
Health Conditions
Additionally, certain health conditions can cause an abnormal amount of shedding. For example, skin parasites, such as fleas, mites, and ticks, can cause Poms to scratch excessively, leading to hair loss, inflammation, and skin infections.
If untreated, skin parasites can cause more severe health problems, including tapeworms and Lyme disease.
Allergies can also trigger impulsive scratching and lead to bald spots or patchy hair. Reactions can cause some uncomfortable symptoms for dogs, including itchiness, swelling, and runny eyes. Unfortunately, it can also lead to excessive shedding.
In some cases, the shedding may be so severe that the dog starts to lose patches of fur.
And finally, hormonal imbalances can also cause dogs to shed excessively. Hypothyroidism, for example, is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. The most common problem associated with this is alopecia, or when a dog experiences balding or patchy hair loss.
How To Minimize Shedding?
Shedding is an unavoidable process for all dogs, including Pomeranians, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in a hairy house. Luckily, there are ways to curb the amount of hair floating around the home.
Regular Brushing
Pomeranians benefit from frequent brushing immensely. It helps remove loose hair before it falls out on its own and ends up on clothing and furniture. It also helps stimulate circulation and distribute natural oils throughout the coat, keeping the skin and fur healthy.
Pomeranians with a long coat should be brushed daily, while those with shorter coats may only need brushing once or twice a week.
Regular Baths
Bathing Pomeranians too much can actually do more harm than good by stripping away the natural oils that protect their skin. However, washing a Pomeranian every few weeks helps remove dirt, debris, and dead skin cells that can lead to excessive shedding.
Always rinse their entire bodies thoroughly to remove all traces of soap, as the leftover residue can irritate the skin.
Dog-Friendly Shampoo
The wrong shampoo can strip away natural oils, cause irritation, and lead to excessive shedding. Using a gentle shampoo when bathing a Pom helps avoid drying out their skin.
Look for shampoo free of harsh chemicals, sulfates, and other sensitizing ingredients. There are also hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based options for Pomeranians with sensitive skin.
Visit a Groomer
In addition to brushing and bathing, many owners choose to have their Pomeranians professionally groomed regularly.
Shaving or trimming the coat can help prevent matting and make for a neater appearance. Plus, groomers use powerful blow dryers that remove loose hair, which does wonders for reducing shedding.
Quality Diet
As mentioned earlier, diet is essential to your dog’s skin and coat health. Feeding Pomeranians a high-quality, balanced diet will help minimize shedding and keep their coat looking shiny and healthy. And that doesn’t mean it needs to cost a fortune either; there are plenty of affordable, high-quality dog foods on the market.
Tips for Keeping Your House Clean
Despite our best efforts, there’s no way to completely stop Pomeranians from shedding. But we can do a few things to keep the hair under control and our homes clean.
Vacuum Regularly
This sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s probably the most important thing you can do to ensure your house is clean and free of pet hair.
Vacuuming removes hair from carpets, furniture, and upholstery before it has a chance to accumulate.
Be sure to use a vacuum with strong suction and a motorized brush attachment to pick up all the loose hair.
Wipe Down Surfaces
In addition to vacuuming, you should also wipe down surfaces like tables, countertops, and floors to remove any pet hair that’s gathered there. A damp cloth or microfiber mop works great for picking up hair without spreading it around.
Use Furniture Covers
If you’re worried about pet hair on your furniture, you can use covers or throws to protect them.
Moreover, this is also an excellent option for people with allergies or who simply want to keep their furniture looking clean and new.
Invest in Air Filters
Another way to keep the air in your home clean and free of pet hair is to use quality air filters. These help remove hair, dust, and other allergens from the air, making breathing easier.
Be sure to choose an air filter specifically designed to remove pet hair for best results.
Parting Thoughts
Pomeranians are clever, playful little dogs that make fantastic pets for families of all sizes. They’re also among the most popular breeds worldwide, thanks to their adorable teddy bear-like appearance.
So, do Pomeranians shed? Boy, do they ever! If you’re considering getting a Pomeranian, prepare yourself for the amount of shedding that comes with owning one.
Fortunately, you have options for minimizing shedding and keeping your home clean. Regular brushing, bathing, and grooming will help remove loose hair before it has a chance to fall out on its own. And feeding your Pom a high-quality diet will also help minimize shedding and keep their coat looking healthy.
Finally, be sure to vacuum regularly and use air filters to remove any pet hair from the air in your home. With a little effort, you can keep shedding under control and enjoy all the benefits of owning a Pomeranian—like endless cuddles and kisses!