The Life Span of Pomeranians

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The Life Span of Pomeranians
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When you bring a dog into your life, it's impossible not to bond closely with her and make her a member of your family. Saying goodbye to a dog is heartbreaking, so, of course, you'll want to choose a breed with a long life expectancy. Understanding the Pomeranian life span can factor into your decision of whether the breed is right for you.

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Pomeranian life expectancy

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According to PetWave, the average Pomeranian lifespan is between 13 and 15 years. Some Pomeranians will live longer or shorter lives, but the good news is that this small breed has one of the longest life spans of all dog breeds. This means that, with the right care and a bit of luck, you could have your Pomeranian in your life for years to come.

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Common Pomeranian health issues

While Pomeranians have a longer lifespan than many other breeds, there are some common health issues that the breed is predisposed to. According to Canna-Pet, Pomeranians are so small that it's easy to overfeed them, so many of them experience obesity. Pomeranians can also experience tooth and gum issues, including gum disease and tooth overcrowding in their small mouths.

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Pomeranians sometimes experience severe hair loss syndrome, which is a coat condition that causes your dog's coat to thin out. Many Pomeranians start with a normal coat early on in life, then develop this thinning coat over time. Detecting this issue early on can allow you to prevent it and help your dog recover from it, so keep an eye out for unusual hair loss in your Pomeranian.

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Pomeranians are also prone to developing a collapsed trachea. The cartilage that supports your Pomeranian's trachea, or windpipe, is prone to injury. If your dog experiences a tracheal collapse, she may generate a honking noise, or start to cough, wheeze, or have trouble breathing. If you notice these symptoms, take your dog to the vet right away.

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Toy dog health issues

According to Canna-Pet, toy dogs, including Pomeranians, are more prone to developing cataracts than larger dog breeds. Cataracts can appear at any age, and detecting them early on is essential. Be on the watch for eye color changes, your dog bumping into things because of poor vision, or swollen eyes. In many cases, your vet may be able to remove cataracts surgically.

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Maximizing your Pomeranian’s life span

Naturally, you want your dog to live as long as possible, so taking great care of him can increase the chances that he'll live to the higher end of his predicted life span. According to Canna-Pet, because Pomeranians are prone to obesity, make sure to feed your dog an appropriate, quality food, and only feed as much as your dog needs to maintain his weight. You should discuss any dietary questions you have with your vet.

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Plenty of exercise is also vital to your dog's health, and it will help to prevent obesity, too. Take your dog for a walk or hold a lively play session twice per day. When you walk your Pomeranian, use a harness instead of a leash. A harness can help to reduce the risk of a collapsed trachea.

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Finally, keep your dog up-to-date on his health care. Regular trips to the vet are essential, especially as your dog ages. Your vet can help to monitor your dog's weight, keep him up-to-date on vaccinations, and address any emerging health issues early on. Your vet may also make recommendations on dental care for your Pomeranian, such as dental work or a diet designed to maximize your dog's dental health.

The importance of care

While you can't change the Pomeranian's lifespan, how you care for your dog can influence how long it lives. You can do everything in your power to increase the chances that your dog will live a long and happy life by providing excellent care.

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