by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: December 19, 2009

If you are the owner of a Pomeranian, or are thinking about acquiring one, it is very important that you understand that they have grooming needs that you will be responsible for maintaining regularly. While these dogs may appear that they would be a high maintenance breed where grooming is concerned, they really aren't at all. They do, however, need to be taken care of regularly to prevent matting and tangling, as well as to keep them clean and healthy.

Aside from the cosmetic side of the fur upkeep, there is also the comfort of your dog to consider. Long and/or overgrown hair can get tangled and matted quite easily. It can also get things stuck in it, such as outdoor debris that can be poking the dog when he or she sits or lies down. Even short hair can become an issue if it is not kept clean and free of debris. An ungroomed Pomeranian is one that may be in a great deal of pain, or at least some degree of discomfort. Keeping your dog groomed is one of the ways that you show that you care for him or her.

The coat will need to be shampooed at least once per month and rinsed thoroughly. Shampooing the dog too often can result in the coat being stripped of the natural oils it has to keep it shiny and healthy, so do not shampoo more than necessary. Dry completely with a hairdryer on low to medium heat.

If your Pomeranian has hair that is prone to tangling, it may be very difficult to comb through. There are many wonderful products to help with this. Paul Mitchell, the same company that produces hair supplies for people, has a line of dog grooming products. They have a detangler that works quite well and smells fantastic. Spraying this on the coat and letting it set for a few seconds before attempting to comb through the coat cna make it much easier for you and more pleasant for your dog, as well. Never use products on your dog that are not approved specifically for them. This can cause skin irritations, rashes, and/or inflammations.

Using a dog brush, you will need to remove any tangles and mats that have started close to the skin region, as well as ones that are in other parts of the coat. You may not be able to see the mats just by looking, but if you wait until you can, chances are good that they will have to be cut out, having gotten far too large to brush through. Severe mats can actually have to be removed by a veterinarian and cause the dog a great deal of pain. It is worth the time and effort to catch them early on.

Brush through the coat with a rubber paddle type of dog brush. The backside (under the tail) will need to be kept free of hair and the rest of the coat trimmed where needed. Brushing will also cut down on shedding.

When you are through with the detangling and dematting, it is time to put that shine on the coat. There are brushes designed for this purpose that slip right on over the hand. They have fairly soft bristles and will bring out that natural sheen this dog has. Pay special attention to the areas around the face, including the ears and mane around the neck with this brush.

Your final touches will include clipping the nails, cleaning around the eyes, brushing the teeth, and cleaning the insides of the ears, drying thoroughly. Every so often, the anal gland will also need to be cleaned. Most owners have their vet perform this, but there are some who can do it themselves. Grooming can be quite enjoyable for both you and your Pomeranian once you get the hang of it. You will now have a beautiful dog that you can be proud of and more than likely, the dog will prance and preen about, obviously proud of him or herself, as well.

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