Thanks to their regal, fluffy coats, Pomeranians are some of the most distinctive small dogs. And while some dogs with a lot of hair shed surprisingly little — the poodle, for instance — the Pom does not fall into that category.
Do Pomeranians shed? Yes, these dogs are considered moderate to heavy shedders.
What makes Pomeranians shed more than other dogs of similar size? How much fur can you expect to see around your home if you own a Pomeranian? And, most importantly, how can you ensure your Pom’s coat stays healthy and reduce their shedding?
Read on to learn the answers to these questions as we explore Pomeranian shedding.
Do Pomeranians Shed? How Come?
The Pomeranian hails from the Pomerania region of western Poland and eastern Germany. Like other dogs who originate from areas with harsh winters, the Pom has a thick double coat. The fluffy topcoat or outer coat guards against the elements while the dense undercoat acts as insulation. It’s the same reason the husky is so well-adapted to Arctic regions.
Your Pom’s double coat certainly keeps them warm in winter, but it also means a lot more fur around the home. Two layers of fur equals twice the shedding. And because double-coated breeds “blow the coat” twice a year, you can expect extra-heavy shedding during the spring and fall shedding seasons in addition to normal year-round shedding.
A note for allergy sufferers: The more hair your dog sheds, the more dander gets released. And because pet dander is what triggers allergies, the Pomeranian is definitely not a hypoallergenic dog breed. For those with severe pet allergies, the Pom might not be the best choice.
How Much Do Pomeranians Shed? What to Expect
Do Pomeranians shed more than other dogs? Yes, these little dogs shed more than single-coated breeds because they have two layers of fur. As moderate to heavy shedders, you can expect to see dog hair on your clothing after you’ve held your Pom, and you’ll probably notice it on your furniture and carpets, too.
If you have a Pomeranian puppy or plan to adopt one, you should know that Pomeranian puppies go through a stage when they shed their puppy fur so they can grow a mature adult coat — a phase commonly known as the “puppy uglies.” During this time, the fur may grow unevenly and the coat can even change color. Don’t worry, though. Your pup will look a little scruffy for a while but should have their full adult coat by about 10 months of age.
How Can You Help Control Your Pomeranian’s Shedding?
Do Pomeranians shed a lot? Yes, these dogs are moderate to heavy shedders year-round. And they’ll exhibit excessive shedding twice a year when they blow their coats. So, what can current or prospective Pom owners do to keep all that hair at bay?
While Poms will always shed a fair amount, there are the surprisingly simple ways to keep your Pomeranian’s coat healthy while minimizing shedding:
Brushing
Regular brushing isn’t just a great way to keep your Pom looking dapper. It’s also good for their skin and fur — brushing smooths any tangles and spreads natural skin oils through the fur to moisturize the coat. Plus, brushing keeps loose hair from spreading through your home.
Brush your Pomeranian daily, or at least a few times a week to keep it from ending up on your floors and furniture. Consult your vet to find out what kind of brush might work best for your dog’s coat of fur — there are slicker brushes, pin brushes, bristle brushes, and beyond. You can also try picking up a de-shedding tool on Amazon or at the pet store to more thoroughly collect loose fur.
Wondering if it’s okay to brush your Pomeranian’s coat when they’re going through the “puppy uglies?” The answer is yes — the hair is going to fall out eventually anyway, so there’s no harm in grooming your Pom regularly during their puppy shedding phase. Just remember to be gentle.
Bathing
Bathing your dog occasionally is another good way to get rid of excess dog fur and minimize shedding. Always use a dog shampoo, because shampoo made for humans or other animals could irritate your Pom’s sensitive skin. Remember not to overdo it — bathing too frequently can actually dry out the skin, which can lead to more shedding and even full-fledged hair loss. A good tip is to bathe your dog monthly.
If you aren’t interested in bathing your Pomeranian yourself, you can always visit a professional groomer. Many Pomeranian dog owners use grooming services to keep their beloved pets’ long, fluffy coats looking stylish.
Feeding a Great Diet
Do Pomeranians shed more when they don’t receive adequate nutrition? Absolutely. Feeding your pooch properly is one of the best ways to make sure your dog’s skin and coat remain healthy. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on a quality food choice if you think your dog’s current food might not be up to par.
Want to give your Pom’s coat an extra nutritional boost? Try supplements to add a little something extra to your pooch’s diet. Native Pet’s Bone Broth Topper is jam-packed with essential nutrients, and your dog is sure to love the taste. Or, try our all-natural Omega Oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and joints.
Preventing Pests
A pest infestation has the potential to make your dog shed even more than usual. Fleas, ticks, mites, lice, and other external pets can quickly result in hair loss, hot spots, severe itching, and other health issues if not addressed. The easiest thing to do is avoid the problem with pest preventatives. Ask your vet to set your Pom up with a flea-and-tick preventative, as well as heartworm medication, to keep pests at bay.
Cleaning Fur in the Home
Our last tip isn’t for your pet, but for your home. Regular vacuuming and dusting will help keep loose fur from lying around your home and reduce your exposure to allergens. A robot vacuum cleaner can help clean up fur without you needing to come into close contact with it.
You can also adopt creative solutions like putting cheese cloth over your vents to prevent the spread of fur throughout the house. Lastly, if you’re sensitive to pet dander, you might want to consider keeping your Pom off furniture and away from the bedroom.
Do Pomeranians Shed? Yes — Here’s What to Know
Yes, Pomeranians do shed. These little dogs are some of the heavier shedders out there, mostly thanks to their thick double coats. Double-coated breeds like the Pom shed year-round and blow the coat twice a year in the spring and fall, so you can expect even heavier shedding at these times. They’re not considered hypoallergenic, and all that pet hair will trigger allergies in those who are sensitive to pet dander.
Keeping up with your Pom’s heavy shedding isn’t as tough as you might think. Of course, regular home cleaning will help prevent loose fur from remaining on the floors and furniture.
Regular brushing — daily, if you have the time — will help manage loose fur. The occasional bath is also a good way to keep your pup’s coat clean and wash away any loose hairs. Visiting the groomer for a professional cut and cleaning is also a good option for many Pom owners.
Be sure to feed your dog a great diet. Proper nutrition keeps the skin and fur healthy while minimizing shedding. Last but not least, be sure to keep your dog updated with pest preventatives to ward off fleas, ticks, lice, mites, and other pests that could cause excess shedding.
Want to know more about your dog’s health, grooming, and dietary needs? Visit the Native Pet blog.
