The Pomeranian Spitz is a dog characterized by good health. This is evidenced by their average life expectancy, which is 14 years. However, like any other breed of dog, these dogs are prone to various types of diseases. We will look at Spitz diseases (review of the main ailments, symptoms, therapy) in our article.
Spitz diseases
Physiological abnormalities
The Pomeranian rarely gets sick and is able to remain active and cheerful into old age.
This health problem may arise due to: the breed's characteristic small size; anatomical warehouse; genetic abnormalities; improper care.
Typical problems:
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- Weak musculoskeletal system;
- Dental pathology;
- Eye diseases;
- The peculiar structure of the larynx;
- Genetic diseases.
The breed is distinguished by a weak skeletal system. Joints are susceptible to dislocation and deformation. Fragile bones and ligaments sometimes cannot withstand movement. If a Spitz is obese, then problems with the musculoskeletal system cannot be avoided. Excess weight puts extra strain on your dog when he runs or jumps.
This joint problem will be expressed through movement. The dog may limp, jump when running, or move its front paws incorrectly. The pet will begin to get tired quickly and refuse to run.
You can reduce the risk of these problems with a balanced diet. The Spitz needs vitamins and minerals to strengthen bones and muscles. If the puppy is not strong enough, do not allow him to jump high or walk up the stairs. Monitor your pet's weight.
Dwarfism of the breed appears as a pathological manifestation of miniatureness. Mini Spitz dogs have impaired pituitary gland function. These are weak creatures with bulging eyes, an unformed fontanelle, and a problematic nervous system.
Dental disease often occurs due to the structure of the jaw. It may be difficult to change teeth. Sometimes baby teeth do not fall out on their own. This is the first cause of abnormal growth of molars. Owners often have to remove their pet's baby teeth at veterinary clinics.
Oranges often develop tartar and periodontal disease. This may be due to the shape of the jaw and improper care.
Spitz eyes are prone to severe tearing. Due to the short muzzle, the eyeball protrudes greatly. The animal's eyes are vulnerable to external irritants. Your pet's eyes should be examined regularly and wiped with special solutions.
The larynx of Pomeranians has a special structure. Unclosed cartilage plates cause coughing. Against the background of an infection, the trachea softens and collapses. Coughing attacks occur during rapid breathing and when the animal is restless.
Congenital diseases include:
- Hip dysplasia;
- Retinal atrophy;
- Disease of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands;
- Epilepsy.
Congenital pathologies cannot be prevented; their symptoms can be alleviated.
Small size, heredity
Newborn Spitz puppies weigh 70-170 g. But it is possible to give birth to babies weighing up to 70 g, and not only in dwarf varieties of the breed. The puppy develops normally, but after a certain age growth slows down.
An adult Spitz whose height is below 18 cm is considered defective. Dwarfism is often accompanied by non-overgrowth of the fontanel, a thin skeleton, protruding eyes, and nervous disorders. Dogs with dwarfism are not allowed to exhibit and do not participate in breeding.
Other difficulties encountered
Dogs often suffer due to owner irresponsibility.
An animal without timely vaccination can contract enteritis, distemper, and viral hepatitis.
Neglect of preventive measures leads to infection with parasites and related diseases.
A number of problems are caused by poor nutrition. Poor quality food can cause diarrhea or constipation. Possible food allergies, which will affect the condition of the skin. The dog develops skin itching and dandruff. You cannot overfeed your pet and spoil it with food from the table. The quality of feed affects the functioning of the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.
Don't turn your Spitz into a lap dog. He benefits from moderate physical activity. Otherwise, your pet will have weak muscles and fragile joints. Infrequent exposure to fresh air reduces immunity. A sedentary dog is susceptible to gaining excess weight.
Follow hygiene procedures. Take care of your pet's mouth, eyes, ears, and fur.
When signs of illness appear, it is important to start treatment on time.
Breed standard
The following can be said about this dog breed:
— The Spitz has a medium-sized head, the skull gradually tapers towards the nose.
- The eyes can be either round or oval, slightly slanted, the eyelid is black or brown, depending on whether the German Spitz is white or the German Spitz in front of us is black.
German Spitz on a walk in summer
— The dog’s ears are pointed, erect, located high on the top of the head.
— These dogs have well-developed jaws and necks.
— The body of the German Spitz is short, the stomach is tucked, the chest is deep, in which the anterior section is well defined.
- Dogs have strong bones and strong paws. The foot itself is round in shape and equipped with pads.
— The tail is very shaggy, fluffy and mobile, located close to the back, curled at the end.
— The coat is straight and long, with a dense undercoat underneath. The fur is thickest on the belly and forelegs. The fur on the head is shorter.
Attention! Today, the most popular variety of the breed is the German Pomeranian Spitz, which differs from the ordinary German Spitz in the form of a snow-white color.
Diseases and signs that definitely show that not everything is okay
When a dog is sick, he is ready to convey this to his owner in different ways, except that he cannot speak, so you should be attentive and listen to the signals sent by your pet. it's time to sound the alarm.
There are many diseases, each with different consequences. It is important to identify it and reduce the harm. The disease can be identified by the first symptoms that appear.
There is no need to set yourself up for negative thoughts if suddenly the dog seems lethargic to you. Think about it, even you have this condition from time to time. If you know that your dog loves to chew everything he finds on the street, then be prepared for frequent stomach upsets, which you don’t need to worry about.
If something worries you, it is better to double-check your pet’s health status. Symptoms will be varied, even unpredictable.
There are 3 main ones that you should pay attention to first:
- Fever;
- Apathy, lethargy;
- Refusal of food.
Every veterinarian should learn about dog diseases, their signs and treatment. Symptoms will become harbingers of both the mildest and fatal diseases. There is no need to draw any hasty conclusions and, especially, treat your pet yourself. Only a veterinarian can establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the correct effective treatment.
Character of the German Spitz
In addition to their outstanding appearance, these sweet dogs have loyalty and devotion, unparalleled courage and the ability to empathize. The dog adores his owner, misses him and is ready to endure even all the hardships of long trips, just so as not to be separated from his loved one. If he is in danger, the brave Spitz will rush to the rescue, even if the size of the enemy is several times larger than his own.
The character of German Spitz dogs is good-natured, affectionate and playful. They adore small children and enjoy taking part in childish activities. Moreover, they accompany each of their actions with a loud bark, which can cause displeasure to neighbors. However, if desired, the baby can be easily weaned from this habit. Spitz are very smart and quick-witted, so they will demonstrate the reaction that the owner wants to see from them.
The dog needs to be walked to give him the opportunity to burn off his energy. Since Spitz dogs are very inquisitive, you should always keep him in sight while walking so that the active and curious pet does not get hit by a car.
Digestive system diseases
Quite common, varied in variety and associated with feeding errors. If a dog is overfed, obesity may occur, especially spayed and neutered animals. The first sign is excessive excess weight, which is bad for the heart. As a treatment, use a reduction in diet and exclusion of fatty foods.
A perverted appetite (a dog eating feces, stones, earth) can be a sign of serious diseases of the internal organs.
Errors in nutrition can also cause gastritis, which can be identified by symptoms: vomiting, weight loss, dull hair, and dandruff. If at least 2-3 signs are present, you should contact a veterinary clinic for treatment, since advanced forms can be fatal.
At home, it is enough to diagnose constipation - if the dog has problems with bowel movements: he whines, spins in one place, strains, but cannot recover. Constipation without proper attention can lead to serious consequences, since undigested food accumulates in the intestines and leads to rupture. If the animal's skin has acquired an unpleasant yellow tint, this may be a signal of liver disease; only a doctor can treat them.
Care and maintenance
The German Spitz is well suited for keeping in an apartment; it will become a wonderful four-legged friend and a favorite of the whole family. The dog needs walking, which must be done daily for 20-40 minutes. If you have the opportunity to walk your pet longer, you should definitely take advantage of it.
The character of the dog requires that it be constantly on the move, at any time of the year. Even in winter, the dog is not afraid of the cold thanks to its thick and warm coat. It is the wool that creates some problems in caring for the owners of the German Spitz. To ensure that your dog’s coat is always smooth, beautiful and well-groomed, so that there are no lumps or tangled places, you need to acquire special brushes made of natural wool.
You need to brush your dog 2-3 times a week, and during the shedding period the number of brushes increases to daily. The coat does not have a pronounced unpleasant dog odor, so it is not necessary to bathe the dog often; the Pomeranian is washed as soon as it gets dirty. Grooming of the German Spitz is carried out as needed.
German Spitz puppy
Like all other dogs, the Spitz will need to have its nails trimmed; this is done with special devices and as needed. If this procedure is ignored, the claws will be damaged and cause pain and difficulty moving for the dog. Spitz ears and eyes are cleaned as they become dirty approximately once every 3-4 weeks. A soft cloth is used for this.
Surgical deviations
These include:
- Injuries;
- Muscle diseases;
- Dental diseases;
- Ear diseases;
- Eye diseases.
Observation of the animal will allow you to determine the likelihood of any of them. If the eyelids are red and swollen, there is purulent discharge from the eye, and the dog is photophobic, this could be a sign of conjunctivitis. For treatment, the eyes are washed with a 2% solution of boric acid.
If, along with these signs, a thorn has formed on the dog’s eye, it may be keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). Ear diseases are widespread. If a hot and soft swelling is detected in the auricle during an external examination, this may be a sign of injury. The following signs will help you recognize otitis: the dog constantly tilts its head to the side, tries to scratch its ears, and reacts painfully when trying to touch them.
For treatment, the auricle should be thoroughly cleaned using a cotton swab and hydrogen peroxide. There are many diseases that dogs are susceptible to, each of them has its own set of symptoms, allowing veterinarians to make the correct diagnosis.
The first symptoms of any disease are changes in the dog’s behavior: it becomes lethargic and apathetic, or, on the contrary, excessively violent and active; he loses or, on the contrary, develops a strong appetite. Many diseases are signaled by changes in body temperature, heart rate, and copious salivation. If you notice several symptoms at once, you should not self-medicate; you should contact a professional as soon as possible.
Anal glands
If you witness a Spitz “riding” on its butt on the carpet or floor, dragging its hind limbs, do not rush to be moved. In the best case, he still has residues of vital activity on his fur, and he is trying to get rid of them in this way. If the fur around the anus is clear, the problem is most likely in the anal glands. The contents of the anal sacs have the ability to accumulate and cause discomfort.
Experienced breeders independently control the situation and empty the resulting stagnation in a timely manner. To do this you need:
- place the Spitz on a flat surface;
- hold the tail with one hand and feel the anal sacs with the other;
- making pressing movements, move inward and upward, moving towards the anus;
- Be careful not to get the contents on you.
Bowel problems usually worsen with age. Activity decreases, metabolism slows down, and intestinal contents begin to thicken and accumulate. Monitor the dog’s condition and behavior; as a rule, any ailments primarily affect the Spitz’s mood.
Prepare before going to the vet
In the office, you may have to provide the veterinarian with all possible assistance (hold the animal while they take blood for analysis, give an injection, extinguish aggression, calm your voice, scratch its ears, stroke it). If you know that you are terrified of blood, IVs, or definitely cannot withstand the type of medical interventions, then perhaps you should ask a friend or relative for help.
Find a veterinary certificate, veterinary passport.
Take:
- Leash;
- Collar;
- Muzzle;
- Carrying;
- A pack of napkins;
- litter;
- Bowl, water (at the veterinarian's discretion)
Prepare answers to possible questions from the veterinarian:
- Are all vaccinations up to date on the animal?
- Pet’s behavior in recent days, appetite;
- His diet;
- What drugs and medicines did you give to the animal;
- Latest test data (if available).
It’s better to make an appointment in advance - you’ll save time and be able to calculate when you’ll have to take time off. This does not apply to life-threatening situations where you will have to take an animal to a veterinary clinic without an appointment.
Be affectionate with your pet, play, talk to him. You can take his favorite toy with you so that while you wait for your turn at the reception, you can distract your friend from the new environment.
Furry, feathered or scaly ones also need to be prepared. No matter how much you want to treat your little one with something tasty, remember: you need an empty stomach. Feeding is prohibited!
You can wash your animal without using detergents. But it is important not to touch your pet if there is nasal discharge, watery eyes, salivation (salivation), dandruff, scratching, rashes, skin scabs, loss of hair/feathers/scales, wounds and other external manifestations of a potential disease.
If the veterinarian has instructed, collect the animal’s urine in a sterile container, and pick up the feces with a stick (no blades of grass, specks, or debris). Transfer the feces into a sterile container. Send to the biochemical laboratory within 6 hours. The feces are examined for eggs of roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms, liver flukes, echinoccus, alvecoccus, pork tapeworm, bovine tapeworm, and gastrointestinal bleeding is detected.
At the veterinary hospital, the animal’s blood will be analyzed for antibodies to allergens, viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Choosing a veterinary clinic
We determine the veterinary clinic where you plan to go. A big PR company doesn't promise quality. The price is explained by the huge amount of money invested in advertising and “signboarding” of the establishment.
It’s great if you can ask your friends about clinics where their pets were treated “humanely.” If you travel far from them, it may be worth sacrificing time for the health of your pet.
A few more tips on how to spot an unverified veterinary clinic:
- Refusal to provide certificates and licenses for veterinary activities.
- Strange and suspicious behavior of the veterinarian (inconsistency, flattery, attempts to intimidate, shouting).
- Prices are too low (compared to other organizations).
- Refusal to freely visit the veterinary clinic.
“We have a sanitary day”
Beware of scammers!
When you contact the veterinary clinic, you are informed: “we cannot accept you at this address, sanitary day/repair/inspection.” How much intelligence does a dispatcher have? The client is persuaded to have a veterinarian come to his home. The price does not change.
A veterinary clinic can exist purely nominally. And the invited “Aibolit” will not bear responsibility. There is a high probability of running into a person without a veterinary diploma or simply an unprofessional.
It is better to find time to visit the veterinary clinic on your own. This is safer for the animal.
Games on feelings
In real veterinary clinics there will be elements of “divorce”.
Veterinarians say that this is often determined by the client’s wallet. The greater the opportunity to pay for services and the more the owner worries about his pet, the more likely the animal will be prescribed additional immunostimulants, dietary supplements, water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, and special food. There are cases when this is really necessary (pedigreed, show animals, weakened after a serious illness). But it will be good if you ask your veterinarian in detail about the need for each appointment. Find out in detail about the results of the examination and analysis of your pet’s condition. Be persistent. Do not give in to attempts to intimidate you, be consistent in your questions. Consult a specialist who does not work at this veterinary clinic. If it turns out that half of the prescriptions are prescribed to enrich the veterinarian’s pocket, and not for the health of the animal, feel free to leave. And do not forget to leave a negative review about the organization - other owners may also suffer.
Key facts
As much as this fluffy bun, which looks like a soft toy, is unkind to mischievous children, it is so faithful and loving towards its owner.
A chain and a calm, measured life are not about the Pomeranian. Active style and long parties - this is the element and the main characteristic of the Pomeranian Spitz breed. The dog remains active until old age - he runs, swims and tumbles in the snow.
It has not been scientifically proven, but there is an assumption that Pomeranians treat depression. The Pomeranian adopts the traits of its beloved owner and, like a chameleon, adapts to the character and rhythm of the owner’s life.
The world famous composer Mozart raised a Pomeranian named Bimperl. The famous Austrian was so imbued with feelings for his pet that he wrote a short sonata for the dog. In addition to Mozart, Martin Luther and Sylvester Stallone kept a Spitz, and in Chekhov’s story “The Lady with a Dog” the main character walks with a Pomeranian Spitz according to the author’s idea. A Pomeranian dog appeared in The X-Files.
Regardless of the conditions in which the pet lives - in a spacious house or a small apartment - you need to walk the dog at least twice a day. Choose a spacious area to keep your Pomeranian in good shape. The description of the Pomeranian Spitz breed speaks of the need for high physical activity of the dog.
Spitz dogs come in the following colors: orange, sable, chocolate, blue, black, white. The baby's muzzle is half the size of the skull and is flattened.
The life expectancy of the Pomeranian Spitz is reaching a record. Dogs easily cross the threshold of 15-16 years, and some individuals live up to 20 years.
How to find out the truth
Another possible way for veterinarians to make dishonest money is to conceal the diagnosis. Let's say a veterinarian discovers a malignant tumor in a cat. But if he says that the tumor is benign and treatable. A housewife who dotes on her pet will give money for already useless procedures, medications and surgical interventions.
The veterinarian may deliberately “downplay” the diagnosis in order to earn more money. If something doesn't add up, insist on clarification. There is no need to be intimidated by unfamiliar terms - take a short break and try to find information on the Internet.
You are free to leave (or threaten to do so) to another clinic at any time.
Make sure that the veterinary clinic is honest - get tested in an independent laboratory.
Justice
What to do if an animal was injured as a result of unprofessional actions of a veterinarian:
- Write an official complaint addressed to the head of the clinic.
- File a complaint with the city veterinary department.
- You can contact Rospotrebnadzor.
- Contact a lawyer for help
The Law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights” and Article 245 of the Criminal Code “Cruelty to Animals” are the grounds for considering claims regarding the work of veterinary clinics.
Fontana problems in Pomeranians
Everyone knows that the fontanel is located on the top of the head. It is also present in newborn puppies. Why do Pomeranians have fontanelle problems? For example, in large dogs they close up a couple of months after birth, but in miniature breeds the “hole” often remains for a long time.
If you are not sure whether your pet’s fontanelle has healed, contact a specialist.
The fontanel itself does not pose any danger. Between the brain and the skin there is quite strong connective tissue that protects the important organ. The fact is that difficulties with the fontanelle appear only in dogs that are bred for exhibitions.
How to find a fontanel? You need to place your finger on the top of the skull. When it is present, you can feel the pulsation and warmth under your hands. If you gently move your finger around the area, you can find the specific extent of the missing bone. If you are not sure whether your pet's fontanelle is healing, consult a specialist. To help the fontanelle heal, it is necessary to give the puppy calcium. Be sure to consult your veterinarian regarding dosage.
Saving
What to do if funds are limited and your pet needs medical care:
- Some procedures can be carried out independently. Giving a drug injection to a cat or dog is not difficult. Dressing uncomplicated wounds is also sufficient. Ask your veterinarian to teach you.
- How to properly give a pill to an animal: hide it in a lump of tightly rolled minced meat. If the animal bites through the decoy, you can crush the tablet and dissolve it in water, milk, liquid porridge, or food.
- If an animal has been prescribed a course of vitamins or some other non-medicinal but expensive drugs, it may be worth finding analogues at a lower price.
- There are various benefit programs in which you can participate. This could be, for example, sterilization, castration, or vaccination of an animal.
Introduction
It is impossible to look at dogs of this breed without emotion. German Spitz breed has a very ancient history, and today it is very popular among dog breeders.
A good reason to get such a puppy is that dogs have a high life expectancy, about 15 years. So, what is the character of this dog, how to feed it, and is it difficult for non-professional dog breeders to keep it?
Important points
- Refusal to vaccinate. This is dangerous for the animal and all those who will come into contact with it (people). Vaccination is a scientifically proven method of preventing many infectious diseases. Get your animal vaccinated by a trusted veterinarian (or with his approval yourself). It is important to get vaccinated against rabies - this is a fatal disease induced by the Rabies lyssavirus virus, which cannot be cured, but can be prevented.
- Anesthesia - inhalation, intravenous, anesthesia - epidural, conduction. They are necessary so that the animal does not suffer, to prevent painful shock. The veterinarian’s “hands on” are important here - both overdose and weak anesthesia lead to serious consequences (shock, poisoning, death) for the animal.
- Sterility, antiseptic. If you see that the veterinarian does not follow the rules of antiseptics (reuses disposable syringes, diapers, bandages, does not treat hands with antiseptic after contact with the previous animal), the best choice would be to contact another veterinarian.
- Important medicines:
- Antibiotics - amoxicillin, tilozil, trimethoprim, sulfadiazine, lincomycin, marbofloxacin;
- Antipyretics - paracetamol, salicylic acid preparations, antipyrine, butadione, amidopyrine;
- Anti-inflammatory drugs - vedaprofen, choline salicylate cycloferon, aspirin;
- Anesthetics - novocaine, lidocaine, dicaine, trimecaine;
- Hemostatics - fibrinogen, thrombin, vikasol, phytomenadione, calcium chloride, etamsylate;
- Antiparasitic - praziquantel, aversectin, albendazole, ivermectin, fluralaner.
If you care what happens to your pet, you should not neglect appointments.
Don't let unverified veterinary clinics endanger your pet and profit from their owner's feelings! If you have time and desire, it is worth trying to achieve justice in case of violation of ethical or legal standards.
