Summer Care
Pomeranian Summer Care
Overview
Summertime brings lots of great weather, time spent outside with family and friends, trips to the beach, barbecues and all sorts of other summer fun. However, there are certain care elements to follow for your Pomeranian to have a safe, happy, and comfortable summer season.
Here, we'll cover the most important summertime care tips for Pomeranian puppies and adults:
- Do not shave your Pom's coat in the summer. But do use the right tools to properly pull out dead hairs from the thick undercoat.
- Give your Pom a cooling mat that draws excess heat from the body.
- Keep your Pom hydrated.
- Implement summertime exercise precautions.
- Use canine sunscreen, as needed.
- Protect the paws.
- Guard your Pom against summertime insects.
- Allow for water fun and follow water safety.
- Know the signs of heat stress and how to react.
Let's dive into the details so that your Pom can have the best summer yet.
Summer Tip #1:Don't shave your Pom, but do brush out the undercoat.
What to know:
It's common to at least think about shaving a Pomeranian
in the summer; after all, if you had to wear a thick fur coat all season, you'd be terribly hot and uncomfortable. But, it's different for dogs like the Pom that have two layers of fur: a short undercoat and a longer layer of guard hairs.
Ideally, this is what you want to happen with your Pom in the summer:
The longer guard hairs prevent the sun's rays from reaching the Pomeranian's skin. The short undercoat is freed from dead hairs; air can circulate down near the skin and that cooler air becomes trapped there to a certain extent.
So, you definitely want to avoid this scenario:
If guard hairs are shaved down, there is nothing to prevent the sun's rays from easily reaching a Pom's skin. This can increase the risk of sunburn and overheating. And there's nothing to trap any circulated air that may be a bit cooler near skin level.
And if you don't properly brush the coat, you end up with this issue:
The long guard hairs do work to help block the sun's rays but the compacted undercoat blocks air from circulating. This can cause a Pomeranian to get very hot and overheat.
What to do:
While 'tidy trims' can be done to even out the guard hairs and give some shape to the coat, never have your Pom shaved down in the summer or any other time. Instead, brush out the coat at least once a week and preferably every 3 days.
For this, first you'll want to go over the coat with a two-level steel comb. Then, using a leave-in spray to prevent static and split ends, use a slicker brush to reach down deep to pull out dead hairs from the undercoat. During the heavy spring/summer shed, you can also use a non-rotating fixed undercoat rake.
Read more
about Pomeranian brushes and grooming tools
or keep reading
on for more summertime care tips.
Summer Tip #2:Give your Pom a cooling mat.
These two beautiful Poms are chilling out on a cooling mat.
Photo courtesy of Magix'z Pomeranians
What to know: If you've heard of canine cooling mats but never had your dog try one, you may be thinking that this is akin to having your dog rest on an ice pack. But, it's not the same thing at all.
There are self-cooling mats that do NOT send out cold but rather they absorb excess body heat. So, if you place your hand down on one of these, you won't feel anything. But, when your Pom lies down, a special gel inside the mat is activated and will absorb heat from any part of the body that is touching the mat.
These are commonly used outside (porch, grassy area in the backyard, etc.) but are portable and easy to use indoors as well. And, these can be an absolute life-saver in the event of a blackout during the summer.
One of the cooling mats we recommend is the The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat
. The size small works for pups and adult Poms up to 10 to 15 lbs. The size medium is good if you have a Pom on the large side or more than one Pom that will be sharing the mat.
. The size small works for pups and adult Poms up to 10 to 15 lbs. The size medium is good if you have a Pom on the large side or more than one Pom that will be sharing the mat. Summer Tip #3:Keep your Pom hydrated.
What to know: Many owners assume that their dogs will self-regulate their water intake. But many dogs have trouble with this. When it's hot outside, a Pomeranian will pant much more; this is what dogs do to help cool off. With each breath, moisture (water) is lost. And without access to cool, fresh and clean water and encouragement to drink it, a Pomeranian can quickly become dehydrated.
What to do:
There are two steps for this:
Step 1: Access to water.
Always have water available for your Pom. If you're going to be hanging around your back porch, set their water bowl down outside. If you're taking your Pom for a walk, a ride, or anywhere away from the house, bring along water. Consider using something like the lesotc Foldable Water Bottle for Dogs
that has a fold-over food-grade silicon lid that serves as the bowl to make it easy to tote water around with you.
that has a fold-over food-grade silicon lid that serves as the bowl to make it easy to tote water around with you. Step 2: Providing clean and cool water.
A Pomeranian will be much more likely to drink enough in the summer if their water is crystal clean and relatively cool. This is a good time to remind you that unfiltered tap water is packed with carcinogens, toxins, and heavy metals, so you'll want to offer spring water or filtered water via a filtering system that connects to the tap or a device like the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
.
. Even so, do not just top off your Pom's water. Leftover saliva can cause a film across the top that works as a deterrent and old food bits aren't helpful as well. Pour out old water, wash the bowl, and fill it with new water at least several times a day.
Summer Tip #4:Implement summertime exercise precautions.
What to know:
If you're thinking that it's best for your Pomeranian to stay active year-round, you're absolutely right. Exercise is great for the heart, keeps muscles strong, helps keep the metabolism on track, and plays a huge role in preventing pent-up energy that could otherwise manifest as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or other such behavior.
What to do:
There are some tips that will help keep your Pom safe when active during hot weather:
1) Try to schedule walks for before 10 AM and after 5 PM to help avoid the hottest parts of the day.
2) Opt for a route that is at least partially in the shade.
3) Take a short break every 10 to 15 minutes to give your Pomeranian a rest and a drink of water.
4) If you're taking your Pom somewhere that will entail a lot of walking, consider other alternatives. One option is a canine stroller. One like the Pet Gear Lite Pet Stroller
is super-lightweight (just 9 lbs.), folds up small, and offers a dog great line-of-sight so that they do not feel cramped up.
is super-lightweight (just 9 lbs.), folds up small, and offers a dog great line-of-sight so that they do not feel cramped up. Another great choice for hot summer days is a carry bag like the i'Pet Hands-free Small Dog Sling Bag
that works for dogs up to 12 pounds. This allows your Pomeranian to sit right about at your hip height where they can see all the action but won't be exerting themselves. A plus is that many dogs love being carried this way due to the rhythmic motion when their humans walk.
that works for dogs up to 12 pounds. This allows your Pomeranian to sit right about at your hip height where they can see all the action but won't be exerting themselves. A plus is that many dogs love being carried this way due to the rhythmic motion when their humans walk. 
This Pom is enjoying his ride in his stroller.
Once he bypasses the heavy walking, he'll be let out to romp around in the shade.
Summer Tip #5:Use canine sunscreen, as needed
What to know:
You don't have to try to slather your Pom with sunscreen all season long. But, there are some key times that it is wise to apply some. This is because over-exposure to UV rays can cause sunburn (most often a concern on the belly and for young pups) and long-term exposure increases the risk of certain skin cancers including squamous cell carcinoma (most often a concern for dogs with light-colored coats; white, cream, light orange, etc.).
What to do:
Use canine sunscreen at key times:
1) If you'll be taking your Pom to the beach, lake shore, or other area with a body of water, sunlight is much more likely to reflect up and onto the belly.
2) If your Pom tends to lie on their back when outside and it's expected that the belly will be exposed to summertime UV rays in this way for at least 15 minutes.
3) If you have a puppy that does not yet have their adult coat of longer guard hairs.
4) If your Pom has a light-color coat and will be outside for more than 20 minutes on days with a strong UV rating (7 and up; can be found by checking your local weather).
And, never use human sunscreen;
most contain zinc which is toxic to dogs. For the belly, a good product is Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Pets
which is the only FDA compliant sunscreen for pets and has a SPF akin to 35. You can apply this with your hands and then run your hands through the coat and/or apply directly to the belly.
which is the only FDA compliant sunscreen for pets and has a SPF akin to 35. You can apply this with your hands and then run your hands through the coat and/or apply directly to the belly. Another option to consider is Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Conditioner with Sunscreen
. Since you are most likely already using a leave-in product regardless (to prevent contact friction and static, help the coat repel allergens and dirt, and keep your Pom smelling nice), you can be offering some level of sun protection at the same time.
. Since you are most likely already using a leave-in product regardless (to prevent contact friction and static, help the coat repel allergens and dirt, and keep your Pom smelling nice), you can be offering some level of sun protection at the same time. 
Mellow, at 12 years old, photo courtesy of Evelyn & Earl Brinkley
Summer Tip #6:Protect your Pomeranian's paws.
What to know: In the summer, a Pom's paws are at risk for burns and excessive dryness.
A dog’s pain threshold for heat on the paws is 125 F (52 C). At 130 F (54 C), paws can receive burns after just 3 seconds. Asphalt surfaces (blacktop, pavement), red brick, and cement can easily reach well past these temperatures, even hitting 140 F (62 C).
Aside from these risks, walking on somewhat hot surfaces over the course of weeks and months can cause accumulative damage that results in overly dry paw skin. Itching, peeling, and/or cracking may not be too far behind.
What to do:
There are several summertime care tips for the paws:
1) Before allowing your Pomeranian to walk on any outdoor surface, test it. If you cannot press your hand down for a count of 5, it's too hot for your Pom to walk on.
2) On hot days, choose a walking route that will keep your Pom in the shade and/or on grassy areas.
3) Consider trying dog shoes for your Pomeranian, but don't depend entirely on this. Just about all dogs walk funny when first wearing shoes (as if they are drunk and on a tightrope). Some then get accustomed to the shoes and are just fine and others just can't seem to navigate with them on. So, you may or may not want to try this.
Lots of dog shoes are made for the winter (sturdy and waterproof) but since a dog sweats through their paws, you won't want your Pom wearing a heavy shoe like that in the summer. Opt for one like Zunea Breathable Summer Shoes for Small Dogs
which is made of mesh (these also have nice Velcro adjustable ankle straps).
which is made of mesh (these also have nice Velcro adjustable ankle straps). 4) Apply a quality paw wax once a week. Paw wax will not make your Pom's paws invincible, but it does have many benefits. A good one like Musher's Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax
will add a layer of protection from hot surfaces, help the paws repel irritants like allergens, lawn care chemicals and gritty sand or tiny pebbles, help keep the paws from drying out, and can reverse damage like drying and peeling.
will add a layer of protection from hot surfaces, help the paws repel irritants like allergens, lawn care chemicals and gritty sand or tiny pebbles, help keep the paws from drying out, and can reverse damage like drying and peeling. Summer Tip #7:Guard your Pom against summertime insects.
Bentley, at 12 weeks old, photo courtesy of Abbie
What to know:
Summer is prime time for fleas (which are notoriously hard to combat), ticks (which can spread several serious diseases), and mosquitoes (the sole carrier of heartworm larvae).
So, it's important to protect your Pom. But, at the same time you'll want to keep your Pom safe from the heavy pesticides that are used in lots of pet products that repel or kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, including traditional flea collars.
Reactions to those chemicals can cause everything from breathing issues to itching and more serious issues from seizures to neurological damage and even death.
What to do:
1) You can dramatically
cut down on mosquito populations near your home since most mosquitoes stay living within just several hundred feet from where they are hatched. Remove any items in your yard that may hold rainwater (pots, kid's toys, etc.). If you have bird baths, small ponds, ditches in the yard, or other areas of standing water, use dunks like Summit Mosquito Dunks
which do not harm wildlife but do kill mosquitoes.
which do not harm wildlife but do kill mosquitoes. 2) You can help keep ticks out of your yard by not allowing lawn debris to pile up, keeping the grass cut short, creating a 3-foot barrier of wood chips between your yard and any forested areas, and working to keep wildlife out by having secure lids on trash cans and cleaning up any other food sources such as barbecue crumbs and fallen fruit from trees.
3) Consider using an all-natural, no-chemical product to help repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
One to try is Natural Chemistry Natural Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs
, which is made with cinnamon oil, cedar wood oil, and clove oil. It repels and kills fleas and ticks, and works to repel mosquitoes. It contains no harmful pyrethrins, and should be applied every 7 days.
, which is made with cinnamon oil, cedar wood oil, and clove oil. It repels and kills fleas and ticks, and works to repel mosquitoes. It contains no harmful pyrethrins, and should be applied every 7 days. And Curealia's Pure Natural No Deet Insect Repellent for Dogs repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes. It is a balm, and you apply a small pea-sized amount whenever the fresh scent fades, usually about every 7 days.
If you live in an area where you know that you'll need a product that does indeed contain pesticides, do check with the veterinarian first and keep a close eye on your Pom for any potential side effects.
Summer Tip #8:Allow for water fun and follow water safety.
What to know:
If you like dipping into cool water on hot summer days and wonder if your Pomeranian would like it too, the answer is probably going to be a big yes. It's a great way to help a dog cool down and if your Pom decides that they like the water, this adds an extra element of fun to the summer season.
What to do:
There are several ways water can make summer a super-fun time for your dog. Ways to offer water-related fun include:
1) Set up a sprinkle in your yard.
2) Set up a kiddie pool (it can have as little or as much water as your particular Pom likes).
3) Allow your Pom to swim in a pool.
1) Set up a sprinkle in your yard.
2) Set up a kiddie pool (it can have as little or as much water as your particular Pom likes).
3) Allow your Pom to swim in a pool.
4) Allow your Pom to play in the water alongside the shoreline.
And there are just a few care and safety rules to follow:
- Many dogs are not automatically good swimmers and even those that do start to doggie-paddle right away can panic, tire out before expected, and/or have trouble finding or using the pool exit. So, always supervise your little guy or gal and consider having your Pom wear a life vest like the Outward Hound Dawson Dog Life Jacket
.
. And if you ever take your Pomeranian out on any sort of boat, a life vest is a must.
- If your Pom will be in chlorinated or salt water, shampoo and condition the coat afterward. Do not delay with this or fur can become discolored and/or severely dry out.
- Be very careful around still-bodies of water like ponds. Some, like those meant to receive back-up storm drain water, are not meant for swimming and can contain dangerous bacteria, toxins, and/or hidden hazards. Duck and geese ponds often contain coliform bacteria which can make dogs sick. And any bodies of water with algae should be avoided.
Summer Tip #9:Know the signs of heat stress and how to react.
What to know:
Even with all of the precautions listed here in summer care for Pomeranians, it's important to be aware of the early signs of a Pom struggling with hot weather and exactly how to react. Here are the top things to know:
- Normal body temperature for canines is between 101 and 102.5 F (38.3 to 39.2 C).
- The first stage of overheating is heat stress; temperature will rise to 103 Fahrenheit (39.44 C). At this point, the only sign you may notice is very heavy panting.
- If steps are not taken to cool your Pom down, this can very quickly move into heat stroke; body temperature will rise to a dangerous 106 F (44.11 C) or more which can be fatal.
- Signs of heat stress or stroke include: Rapid panting, bright red tongue, red or pale gums, saliva is thick and sticky, weakness, dizziness, and/or vomiting.
- In regard to the color of the gums, there is a test that you can perform to check for slow capillary refill time (CRT). Press a finger onto your dog’s gums. When you release it, the pink color should return within 2 seconds. If it takes longer than this, this is red flag sign of heat stress.
What to do:
Many of the tips listed in this article will help keep your Pom from overheating. But, should it happen, be ready to react swiftly and without hesitation.
- If you think that your Pom is becoming overheated, immediately carry them to a cool area. If you are away from home and cannot access an air-conditioned building, seek shade.
- The goal is to cool a dog down without shocking them. It is best to wet towels and place these on the body. If you are away from home, wet an extra shirt, your socks, or anything you have access to (and this is another reason to always bring water with you).
- If fans are available, those should be placed so that air is circulated around a dog.
- Safety guidelines state that owners should try to cool off a dog in this way until his temperature has dropped below 103 F before transporting him to the veterinarian.
- Have a thermometer at home and one that is kept in your carry bag when out and about with your Pomeranian in the summer.
Note that infrared thermometers, meant to be held to a dog's ear, are typically terribly inaccurate. Since knowing your Pom's temp is vitally important when heat stress is suspected, we recommend using a baby thermometer like the Termometro Digital Thermometer, rectally. Dab a bit of petroleum jelly on the tip and insert it 1/2 inch for puppies and 3/4 inch for full-sized adults.
, rectally. Dab a bit of petroleum jelly on the tip and insert it 1/2 inch for puppies and 3/4 inch for full-sized adults. A Final Word
Summer is indeed a bit of a challenging season when you have a Spitz breed like the Pomeranian. However, with a bit of planning and care given to hot weather issues, it can be an incredibly fun season to enjoy with your little guy or gal.
You may also like:
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