Toy Dogs Are Not a Toy

By Alisa Chagnon
“Toy dogs” have become quite popular in the recent years. One of the main reasons of this type of dog having gained so much popularity is the rise in ownership from famous celebrities. In just speaking of the wonderful Pomeranian, the list of famous Pom owners is quite impressive. Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, Hilary Duff, Sandra Bullock and Jessica Alba are just a few. The famous people who own Pomeranians do all have one thing in common besides their pets. They are looked upon as role models for quite a large population of teenagers and adults alike. It is for that reason that one must take a realistic approach to owning a Pomeranian as opposed to only referencing what is shown to us through the media.
In looking at the overwhelming bombardment of images that the media provides to us, these celebrities are often shown with their famous pets. The majority of these pictures and film clips show one very poignant fact. The celebrities are holding their Pomeranians. They are holding these dogs as if the are accessories. The Pomeranians are being held as if they are pocketbooks or an expensive fashion accessory to their outfits. Pomeranian toy dogs are not a toy. What is shown in the media is very misleading as to the proper care that a Pomeranian needs to be a healthy pet.
Grooming, healthcare issues, proper feeding, providing exercise and training are all elements that should be provided when owning a Pomeranian. Only weighing from three to eight pounds, this toy dogs requires extra special care.
Pomeranians are sometimes called "Puffballs with feet" and require careful grooming. Poms do not need as much grooming as some other long haired dogs, however you should brush your Pom two or three times a week. Be prepared to do extra brushing when the dog is shedding. This toy dog's coat should not be brushed when it is dry. It is best to mist the coat with a bit of water first. If you desire, you may add a bit of conditioner to the water, as well. A bristle or a pin brush is recommended for a Pomeranian. All loose hair must be removed or the Pomeranian's may get matts which would then need to be removed by clipping. When brushing your pet, make sure to pay attention to the area behind the ears and the groin area, as these areas are prone to knots and tangles. It is important to lift and part the overcoat and brush the fluffy undercoat, as it will reduce shedding of this toy dog.
Shedding may be a confusing time for Pomeranian owners, if they are not prepared for what may happen. Pomeranians have two coats of hair, an undercoat and a top coat. The undercoat is soft, thick and fluffy. The Pom's overcoat is long, and straight. Pomeranians go through a period which is called "puppies uglies", this stage happens betweeen the ages of five to 6 months. During this time, your pet is going through it's "adolescence". This is a naturally occuring event and is nothing to be alarmed about. When a Pomeranian reaches the approximate age of eight to ten months, it will have grown a beautiful new coat. At the one year mark, Pomeranians have the shed of their first adult coat. Once a Pomeranian reaches adulthood, the details of the shedding process are vastly different, depending if it is a male or female Pomeranian.
With a male, once reaching 18 months of age, the coat will stay relatively the same for it's life. Females are vastly different. Hormonal changes and the change of seasons greatly affect a female Pomeranian's coat. Female Pomeranians will also shed after delivering a litter ( an average size litter is 1 - 3 pups, however it can reach the size of 7) and her coat will regrow back in about six months. She will also shed when she is in season, and also if the dog is under stress .With males and females alike, if the Pomeranian has any anesthetics, it will dramatically affect his/her coat.
Activity is extremely important when owning a Pomeranian. This toy dog requires short walks. You may like the idea of walking your dog for long distances, as this also provides you with a great form of exercise, but it is important to remember that a Pomeranian is too small and fragile for long hikes. It is very important to provide exercise and play, however you must limit this to what amount your Pomeranian can handle. This type of dog does not need very much space to meet their exercise requirements. One to three short walks a day will keep Poms properly exercised. Play time with family and/or other pets will also promote good health. If you take your Pomeranian outside or to a fairly good-sized room in your home, your Pom will be more than happy to play with dog toys. It is best to supply your Pomeranian with a large variety of different toys, so that he/she does not become bored. Pomeranians are known for becoming bored a bit easily.
This is just the tip of the iceberg in learning how to care for a Pomeranian. More information can be found at http://www.petpom.com The most important fact to remember is that despite what we may see in the media, Pomeranians should by no means be a source for attention, used as accessories or bought for the sake of being the “in” thing at the moment. Pomeranians are loving, caring creatures of God, and deserve to be raised and taken care of for what the are: one of the most lovable dogs in the world.Written by Alisa Chagnon, webmaster of http://www.petpom.com Pet Pom is a complete Pomeranian information center regarding Pomeranians. Pet Pom shows stats, bloodlines, training, grooming, proper feeding, training, exercise, alergies, health concerns, signs of a healthy Pom, breeding, how to find a good breeder and a fun page of dog name related interactive sections.