You want to keep your Pomeranian warm and safe in the winter. So you rub the back of your head and wonder:
Do Pomeranians need sweaters? Or is their fur enough to protect them?
Here you’ll find out the answer.
You’ll discover:
- When to put a sweater on a Pomeranian.
- The difference between nowadays Pomeranians and their ancestors.
- How to equip your Pom from head to toe (literally – think about the paws).
- And more…
Table of contents
Do Pomeranians need sweaters?
Although Pomeranians are a breed descending from working dogs that used to pull sleds, Pomeranians need sweaters to keep themselves warm in cold weather. This is happening because as small dogs, Pomeranians have trouble keeping their body temperature.
Also, keep in mind that Pomeranians are not exposed to the same conditions their ancestors were living in.
So, to be on the safe side, it’s advisable to take at least one sweater for your Pom to secure him from winter weather temperatures he’s not used to.
It’s not enough to make a decision your Pom must wear ‘something’.
It’s important to know that he also feels comfy in it.
So, when choosing the right clothing, you should keep in mind that it should not only look good but also do the job it’s intended for.
To learn how you can make this process a piece of cake, check out the tips below.
Poms then and now – myths debunked
A lot of people think that Pomeranians do not need any clothing because they have thick fur to protect them. While this seems logical, it’s not the case.
The Pomeranians’ ancestors were big working dogs and were exposed to very cold weather.
The Malamute, Samoyed, or the Siberian Husky are the types of dogs that do not need additional winter protection other than their fur. If you do clothe them, you risk your dogs overheating.
Those dogs were bred to be outside animals.
Pomeranians are descendants of the Spitz which is closely related to the wolf. Their name comes from the region they lived in – Pomerania.
In the early 20th century, Pomeranians used to be at least twice as big than they are now. Their body mass was stronger. They were used to pull sleds and herd sheep.
Now Pomeranians have different needs…
Over the years they started being bred for the purpose of being toy lapdogs.
Although small in size, they kept the double-layer coat from their ancestors. It does two things for them – the inner coat preserves the heat, while the outer one serves as protection from the elements.
Pomeranians have very little fat though.
Plus, since nowadays Poms are living in houses and apartments, they need extra protection.
While a sweater is a great way to keep the cold, you might also want to think about a jacket for when it rains.
There are waterproof and wind-resistant options to choose from. When you dress your Pom up, you’re also helping him to become house-trained easier. This can also reduce excessive barking or anxiety.
Reading tip: Shaved/Clipped Pomeranians: 4 Myths, 6 Dangers & 8 Tips
Sweater weather – how to recognize it and prepare
Better safe than sorry, right? Make sure your Pom isn’t feeling uncomfortable with the temperatures outside. There’s no harm in buying him a jacket or a sweater.
If the weather temperature drops down to 0 Celsius, it’s time to take action (a sweater, coat, or jacket, that is). This will prevent a chill.
During the cold seasons, even the temperatures inside might not be suitable for your Pom, especially if you tend to keep the heating’s temperature low.
A sweater is a perfect choice to keep him warm and cozy in the house.
If it’s very cold, it’s not advisable to take your Pom out for a walk for more than an hour. Preferably you and your Pom will walk fast enough, or he will run without a leash from time to time so he can stay warm during this time.
Poms love playing in the snow, so do expect your Pom to spin and jump in it.
If his movements are not restricted by a leash, not only will he enjoy this more but it’s also highly likely that he’ll feel warmer.
You might also like: Do Pomeranians Make Good (Family) Pets? 16 Useful Insights
How to choose the right sweater
First thing is the quality. It’s very important how fast and easy you can put the cloth on your Pomeranian and take it off. You don’t want your dog to feel traumatized by the experience.
You’ll also want to avoid 10 minutes of desperate frustrating attempts to dress your Pom for the walk. Better take measures of your Pom’s body.
Remember how the old saying goes – ‘measure twice and cut once’?
It’s okay to put as much time into this as you would if you were taking your own measures.
Tip: Don’t buy clothes that are too tight. Your Pom must have space to move. Put extra attention when it comes to the leg openings. They mustn’t be constrictive.
Regardless if your Pom is used to wear dog clothes or not, don’t get him anything with buttons or accessories he can easily chew off.
Hanging zippers or parts that can rub against your Pom’s skin can irritate him. Best thing to do is always give your Pom’s potential new outfit a try at the store.
What about the paws?
So, you’ve made sure your Pom doesn’t freeze by getting him a sweater. But his paws will still be exposed to frost and ice.
Luckily, there are shoes and boots to keep the paws from the salt and other chemicals that are put on the street to regulate the snow and ice.
Don’t underestimate the fact that the chemicals can be absorbed by your Pom’s sensitive pads.
If your Pom isn’t fond of wearing shoes or boots, there are options such as putting cooking spray or paw wax. According to Dr. Armstrong, this prevents snowball accumulation and cold feet.
Another thing that can easily be done is washing your Pom’s paws after a walk. Do it thoroughly with moderately warm water. This will melt any ice balls that have formed and stuck to the bottom of the feet.
Take your Pom’s opinion – when to clothe him and when not
Besides getting excited about playing in the snow, does your Pom shiver when you take him outside?
If he looks awkwardly around and doesn’t show enthusiasm being out in the open, consider dressing him up or taking him back home.
It’s no fun playing when he’s cold.
On the other hand, if your Pom is acting weird about the jacket, coat, or sweater you put on him (such as trying to bite it or walk backward to get it off) you might wanna reconsider.
Note: Your Pom’s comfort should always be a priority!
Your Pomeranian might feel uncomfortable having a cloth around him. Do not expect that he’ll ‘get over it’ or get used to it eventually – not all Poms do.
If he doesn’t like it, you can try putting the sweater in your home for several minutes a day. If your Pom freezes or shows strong resistance, don’t force it.
Dangers of not clothing your Pom
At the end of the day, it’s your call of judgment whether you should dress your Pom or not. Whatever you choose, you should be familiar with the pros and cons.
Hypothermia is one of the risks. It causes a drastic lowering of the body temperature. Pets experience it when they’re exposed to frigid temperatures for a long time. Or, if their fur is wet in windy and cold conditions.
Some of the symptoms that you can recognize this condition by are:
- Pale skin.
- Difficulty walking.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Very cold skin and fur.
- Sleepiness, lethargy, weakness.
- Strong shivering and trembling periods followed by no shivering.
Small dogs can be most susceptible to hypothermia. To prevent it, avoid long walks during the cold winter months.
If your Pom isn’t prepared for the weather outside, he might catch a cold. You can easily recognize he has one if he’s sneezing, wheezing, coughing or has red watery eyes and nasal discharge.
When it comes to this, the first thing you should do is go to the vet. Colds can last from ten to thirty days.
You can now feel confident about making the right decision for your Pom. Tell us how you’ve chosen to keep him warm and how it’s going so far.