Pomeranian First Aid

Normally, you’ll want to bring your Pom to the vet should something happen that requires first aid. However, there are several instances when this will not be immediately possible. 

Just one example is if you are off the beaten path (perhaps out on a hike, camping in the woods or otherwise not able to reach your car and/or the vet’s office right away). 

There may also be times that your Pomeranian’s vet office is closed and treating your dog at home is possible… if you know what to do. 

Other times, there may be an emergency situation that requires you to act quickly.

For these reasons, this section will cover some of the most common first aid that may need to be done on a Pomeranian puppy or dog. We will cover:

Not everyone has a first aid kit for themselves, let alone their pets. So do you really need one for your Pomeranian? Having a few things put together is the wise move; it can save you the stress of running around looking for things, get your Pomeranian immediate help and in some cases, it can even save his life. 

Also, if you’re traveling or heading out on an excursion with your dog, it’s a good idea to bring the kit along with you. You never know and it’s really best to prepare. No worries, the kit is rather small and easy to tuck into your travel bag. 

4. Canine rectal thermometer - It’s really important to have one of these to properly take your Pomeranian’s temperature. You’ll need to do this if there is question of heat stroke or fever. If your Pom is not feeling well, you’ll want to be able to let the vet know about any high temperature while you are calling to discuss the issue or make an appointment. We highly recommend one with a flexible rubber tip and a quick, digital readout. The normal body temperature for all puppies and dogs is between 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. 

5. Petroleum jelly - You’ll want to have this to use in conjunction with the thermometer. When you take your Pomeranian’s temperature, use this to lubricate the thermometer, which is then inserted into the anus 1/2 inch for puppies and about 1 inch for adult Pomeranians.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide – This may very well save your Pom’s life. In case of poisoning, you may be instructed to immediately induce vomiting. Giving this depends on what it is that a dog ingested; with some toxins more damage can occur if the dog throws up and with others, it can be lifesaving. 

If you are instructed to induce vomiting, one of the most effective methods is to give the dog hydrogen peroxide. Check with your vet; however, the typical dose is 1 teaspoon for each 5 pounds of body weight with another dose given after 10 minutes if the dog does not vomit. 

3. Apply a thin strip of antibacterial ointment. If the cut is on an area that the Pomeranian can lick, it is best if this is reapplied each night, just as the puppy or dog has fallen asleep. If the cut is on the paw, use a paw bandage to keep your Pom from licking at it and to keep it clean. 

4. If it oozes any pus, if the skin is raised or red or if it is not showing any signs of healing after 3 days, you’ll want the vet to take a look. It may need to be butterfly bandaged, it may need stitches and/or medication for infection may need to be given. 

The element that makes Aspirin safer for dogs is that with Buffered Aspirin, there is a layer of protection via a coating that can help prevent the stomach lining and intestines from the harmful effects of the NSAID ingredient.  

This is sometimes given to dogs for short term use only, which would be no more than 1 week (long term use can cause damage to cartilage and internal bleeding). While there are better options of medications formulated just for canines, this is sometimes given for acute cases of low grade fever or mild pain that is not expected to last more than one week.  

Dosing - Dosing is based on the dog's weight. For adult Pomeranians, proper dosing is 5 to 10 mg for each pound of body weight, given once every 12 hours. It is best to start off of the lower side of that and only go up to 10 mg/lb. of body weight if needed. For Pomeranian puppies, due to slower function of both the liver and kidneys, dosing is often lower, no more than the 5 mg and sometimes less. 

Side Effects - Even though you can give coated Aspirin to a Pomeranian in low doses and for a short amount of time (no more than 7 days), there are some possible side effects to look out for. This includes stomach upset, diarrhea and/or vomiting. If your Pomeranian shows any of these signs, you will want to stop giving the Buffered Aspirin to him and contact the veterinarian. 

Ingested Toxins - The list of things that are toxic to dogs includes literally countless elements that are also toxic to humans, along with: 

Note: If your Pomeranian has vomited, bring as large of a sample as possible with you to the clinic.

You may also want to phone the Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888.426.4435 – available 365 days/year, 24 hours/day) or the or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680. Do keep in mind that there is a fee for both of these.

You’ll need to act quickly, yet do you best to remain calm. 

It is important to note that, ambulances will not come to help a dog that is hit by a car or otherwise severely injured; you will need to transport your Pom to the closest animal hospital. 

1. Move your Pomeranian to a safe location to assess him and get him out of any danger of other cars. This is best done by using an appropriately sized blanket, and of course, this is best if you have a helper or two. The blanket should be used as a sort of stretcher. 

2. Check to see if your dog is breathing. If not, perform CPR as described in the previous section. 

3. Any wounds that are bleeding should be covered with a cloth and pressure should be applied.

5. Since help will not come to you, you must get your Pomeranian to the closest animal hospital or vet ASAP. Your instinct will be to call 911 and while you may want to do this to report the driver that hit your dog, an ambulance will not assist your dog. If he is not already on a blanket (from when you moved him away from danger), use a blanket (other options are a towel or even a piece of cardboard if nothing else is available), as a sort of stretcher, place him in the car. This should be kept under a dog during transport so that he can be removed from the vehicle in the same way.

Note: Since your job is to rush your dog to receive help, do not take time to clean wounds (this should be done at the vet’s in a sterile environment) or wrap tourniquets (these are dangerous and can increase the risk of tissue damage or even the loss of a limb; tourniquets should only be used if a limb has been lost). If a limb has been lost, use a 2-inch piece of cloth. Wrap this around the limb 2 times and knot it. Use a small stick (even a pen can work) that is then slipped into the knot. Use the stick to tighten the tourniquet to stem the blood flow. Take careful note of the time. The tourniquet should be released every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.