Pomeranian Grooming

Pomeranian Grooming Explained: Learn How to Groom a Pomeranian Dog

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Last Updated on 14/02/2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on January 18, 2023.

If you own a Pomeranian and want to know how to groom them properly, this article is for you. We’ll be going over the basics of grooming a Pom and some helpful tips for selecting the best grooming tools. Let’s get started!

Pomeranian grooming is an essential part of Pom dog ownership. Show Pomeranian enthusiasts and pet parents can find it daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Some tools and techniques can make grooming easier for you and your Pomeranian.

When introducing a Pomeranian puppy or dog to your family and home, you must learn all the ins and outs of Pomeranian grooming.

Your Pomeranian’s fur might not look like he needs any grooming, but there’s more than meets the eye with these adorable balls of fluff! Regular brushing keeps a Pomeranian coat looking fresh and healthy while helping keep them free from tangles or mats that could lead to skin irritation.

A Pomeranian is a dog breed known for its thick coat and small size and is typically groomed every 3-4 weeks. The grooming process includes shampooing the dog with a conditioning shampoo to maintain healthy skin and fur.

Brushing your dog regularly is essential, as this will help keep their coat smooth and free from tangles that can lead to matting or hair loss. Many different types of brushes are available today; some are meant for daily maintenance, while others work best when used weekly or monthly.

If you’re looking for a way to make grooming easier on both you and your pup, try using tools like a slicker brush that will help remove excess hair.

Pomeranian Grooming Quick Facts

  • Pomeranian grooming is essential to Pom dog ownership and should be done every 1-2 weeks.
  • Regular brushing helps maintain a healthy coat, free from tangles or mats that could lead to skin irritation.
  • Many different brushes are available for daily, weekly, or monthly maintenance.
  •  A slicker brush can help remove excess hair and make grooming easier for you and your pup. 
  •  Pomeranian owners need to know how to maintain the look and cleanliness of their toy canine breed and what tools are needed in an excellent Pomeranian grooming kit.
  • Pomeranians must be groomed regularly, at least three times a week, and more when shedding.
  •  Nails should be kept short.
  •  The rear end and eye area must also be kept clean.
  • Pomeranian bath frequency should be at least once a month during winter and more often in summer if the dog gets dirty.
  • New Pomeranian puppy owners should ask their breeder about bathing requirements.
  •  Show dogs are bathed twice weekly and given a maintenance bath when taking a break from showing.
  •  Bathing will not soften an incorrect coat, so dirt, grime, and talcum powder must be avoided to keep it clean for healthy hair growth.
  • When bathing your Pom, use warm water no higher than its elbows; lather with shampoo (preferably oatmeal), rinse well; condition the bottom half of the body, then rinse out; blot dry with towels rather than rubbing vigorously before blowing dry using forced air without heat while brushing simultaneously with a pin brush to make fluffy coat until completely dry – protect eyes/ears throughout the process! 
  •  Spot cleaning areas like the tail area can be done by washing small parts with a damp face washer as required or larger parts in the laundry tub.
  • Avoid using human hairdryers due to the risk of burning skin!
  •  Professional grooming is recommended every four to six weeks, including bathing, trimming, brushing, and cleaning ears/nails/anal glands.
  •  Grooming should begin early in life, with the pup being taught that it can be fun and best done following exercise or after an evening meal.

Here are some tips on how to groom your Pomeranian:

Pomeranian owners will need to know the answers to the following:

  • How can you maintain the look and cleanliness of this adorable toy canine breed?
  • What makes grooming a Pomeranian so vital?
  • What tools are needed in a good Pomeranian grooming kit?

Read on to find the answers to these three critical questions.

Do Pomeranians Need Grooming?

Every dog must be groomed regularly, regardless of coat type, size, and shape. If you own a Pomeranian, groom him at least thrice each week, and more if possible.

When you notice him shedding, groom him as often as possible to prevent loose hair matting. Make sure you clip his nails short because Pomeranians are so full of energy.

Regularly check his rear end and ensure it’s kept clean. The same applies to marks around the eye area known as “sleep marks” or eye stains.

How Often Should You Groom a Pomeranian?

To answer this question, I have prepared this handy Pomeranian grooming chart with details of all Pomeranian grooming tips:

  Grooming Task

Schedule

Why Required?

Outcome if not done

Wipe under eyes.

Daily.

Prevent eye stains.

Tears stains.

Brush Teeth.

Daily.

Prevent dental issues.

Bad breath. Dirty teeth, dental decay, gum infections and tooth loss.

Brush your Pom’s coat.

2 to 3 times weekly.

To remove loose coat and prevent mats.

Coat mats may develop.

Check bottom area.

Daily.

Faeces often becomes stuck to fur.

Soiled and very irritated Pom’s bottom.

Pomeranian bath.

Every 2 to 3 weeks.

Maintain skin and coat health.

Bad body odor and poor coat health.

Apply nose balm.

2 to 3 times weekly.

Prevent dry, chapped noses.

Dry noses can start cracking.

Apply paw wax

2 to 3 times weekly.

Protect paws.

Dryness and cracking.

Trim toe nails.

Every 2 to 3 weeks.

Keep nails short.

Ingrown toe nails, broken nails and poor gait.

Coat trimming.

Every 4 to 6 weeks.

To maintain desired length and coat shape.

Longer coat can develop mats and tangles.

How Often Should I Get My Pomeranian Groomed?

Take your Pomeranian to a professional groomer every four to six weeks to complete the groom. This includes bathing, trimming, and brushing him, and checking and cleaning his ears, nails, and anal glands.

If you’re a lazy owner and fail to groom your dog fully, his fur may become brittle, his adult coat may get matted, and a dog’s skin may start drying out.

The bottom line is that grooming is essential to keep him looking great and healthy.

Pomeranian Grooming
Pomeranian Grooming

How to Groom a Pomeranian Dog

Grooming for Pomeranians is the same as for all long-coated dog breeds. Grooming a Pomeranian dog must be done regularly during his lifetime.

Teach your pup that grooming is fun. The optimum time to begin brushing a Pomeranian puppy is following exercise and after his evening meal.

How Often Should I Bathe My Pomeranian?

Pomeranian bath frequency is a common question. Owners will ask, “How often should I wash my dog?”

Bathe your Pomeranian regularly. Pet Poms will require bathing at least once a month during winter. More often during summer is ideal unless the dog gets dirty.

Giving Pomeranian Puppies a Bath

New Pomeranian puppy owners should ask their breeder about bathing Pomeranian puppies. Instructions are usually required on when to commence bathing and grooming requirements.

At Dochlaggie, grooming for Pomeranians commences at a very early age. Bathing pups older than five or six weeks should have no ill effects as long as care is taken to ensure the puppy is correctly and fully dry after his bath.

My Pomeranians are bathed twice weekly whilst being shown. The day before a show, and once again the day following the show, remove any grooming products added to the coat at the show.

Whilst enjoying a break from the show ring, the show dogs are given a weekly maintenance bath.

Important Grooming for Pomeranians Information:

  • Bathing Pomeranians will not soften a correct coat. Dirt, grime, and talcum powder can easily damage a Dog’s coat.
  • Clean hair grows; dirty hair will dry out and break off. Coats can vary from canine to canine.
  • Breeders strive to produce double-coated Poms with a correct standoff, harsh coats. A Pom’s coat may also differ significantly from month to month.

Bathing Pomeranians Instructions

Follow these safety tips:

  • Place a non-slip mat on the bottom of the sink. You could even use an old towel for this.
  • Use a filter in the drain to prevent hair from blocking it.
  • Ensure your dog won’t knock a handle and make the water extra hot without you being aware of it.
  • Protect the eyes and ears.
How to Bathe a Pomeranian
How to Bathe a Pomeranian

How to Bathe a Pomeranian

To Prevent Knots and Felting, it is Important to Brush Before Bathing.

  • Ensure your Dog is completely brushed and combed through before attempting to bathe him.
  • Bath water should be warm and reach no higher than the Pomeranian’s elbows.
  • Lather well ( using the best shampoo for Pomeranians ) on both sides of his body.
  • Start at the Pom’s tail area and wash the dog’s head last.
  • Always use a sponge on his head and keep the shampoo and conditioner clear of your Dog’s eyes and ears.
  • Rinse well with clean, lukewarm water.
  • The conditioner is then applied to the bottom half of his body, tail hair, feet, and leg areas, and the conditioner is then rinsed out of his coat.

How to Correctly Dry A Pomeranian

  • Place towels around your Pom. Blot dry rather than vigorously rub.
  • The coat should then be blown dry.
  • Use a dryer that’s forced air, no heat. This will blow at high speed and help dry your dog quicker without burning the skin.
  • Please be mindful that hair dryers for humans will be too hot for your Pom.
  • If you must use a human hair dryer, set it to a cool setting, and don’t get too close to your Pomeranian when using it.
  • Blow him with the dryer while brushing your Pomeranian with a pin brush.
  • Stand dryers are handy and necessary for anyone doing a lot of dog grooming.

Careless owners have been known to place their wet dogs in a crate and then use the dryer on them. Never do it! Numerous dogs have died due to negligence on the part of their owner. The dog can’t get away from the heat within the crate. It’s so dangerous.

Spot Cleaning Dogs’ Fur

Spot-cleaning or wiping down your puppy is essential to keeping your dog clean. A dog’s coat can often get soiled from tiny splashes of urine, and Poms often have issues with feces sticking to the dog’s fur in the tail area.

Small areas can be cleaned with a damp face washer as often as required for cleanliness. Larger parts of the dog’s fur that often require cleaning, like the bottom, might need a quick wash in the laundry tub.

How to Make Your Pomeranian Fluffy?

  • This is easily achieved by brushing your Pomeranian while also using a dryer.
  • The best results are obtained from working on one small section at a time.
  • Start by drying the underneath, then move to the ears, top, and front of the Pom’s ruff.
  • The dog’s tail area is next, finishing on the side and back areas.
  • Brush a Pomeranian while you dry with a dog dryer.
  • Use a pin brush while blowing the water out of the hair upward for a fully coated look for your Pom.

Best Shampoo for Pomeranians?

What Is The Best Dog Shampoo for Pomeranians? I Use and Recommend:

I think the type of shampoo used is a minor consideration unless this is your Best in Show Pomeranian having his bath the day before a big show. Always opting for a soothing oatmeal shampoo for dogs not being shown.

The occasional use of good clarifying dog shampoo is also recommended. Bodybuilding shampoo is used on Pomeranian show dogs. For complete details on grooming a Pomeranian, refer to the Pomeranian Grooming Guide.

Brushing a Pomeranian
Brushing a Pomeranian

Best Brush for Pomeranians

Below, I have listed the best brush for a Pomeranian.

These are the brushes used on the Dochlaggie winners to quickly achieve great Pomeranian grooming results.

Best Dog Dryer for Pomeranians

I use a similar type of dog dryer on the champion Dochlaggie Pomeranians. A good dog dryer is probably the most important Pomeranian grooming tool.

A quality dog dryer for Pomeranians will save heaps of Pomeranian grooming time and help maintain the Pomeranian’s coat in the best condition.

An important part of Pomeranian grooming is removing shedding fur to enable new coats to grow. 

A dog dryer helps remove dead coats and Pomeranian shedding fur and also helps prevent mats from forming.

Pomeranian Puppy Grooming Tips

Dochlaggie Pomeranian puppies are taught very early to accept and enjoy grooming as part of their daily routine. I start Pomeranian puppy grooming at three weeks, gently caressing the puppy and brushing the hair forward with my hand.

At 4 to 5 weeks, a small, soft bristle brush is used to brush the Pomeranian puppy’s hair forward gently. At around 6 to 8 weeks, I introduce the puppies to a pin brush and slicker.

Best Brushing Sprays for Grooming Pomeranian Dogs

Areas to Watch for Pomeranian Fur Knots and Tangles:

  •  Between back legs.
  • Matted dog hair behind ears.
  •  Under the front legs.
  • Alongside the back of your dog’s haunches.
  •  In the groin region.

How To Remove Knots From a Pomeranian’s Coat

The hair coat, particularly if it’s long, will tend to get tangled because your Pomeranian plays and enjoys himself each day. The small tangles often get caught up in other tangles.
Dead hair that has been shed and other debris can also get caught up in the bigger snarls.

As a knot grows, hair further away from the original starting point can get tangled and pull on your pet’s tender skin, causing discomfort.

If combing and brushing isn’t part of your daily care plan, these knots will grow bigger and more entangled and get pulled almost always.

Whenever your dog gets wet, knots will tighten up, causing more pain, and the constant pulling can cause ulcers on the skin. I have seen bad knots and hair tangles that were virtually impossible to cut with sharp scissors as they were very close to the dog’s skin.

Pomeranian Grooming
Pomeranian Grooming

How to Get Knots Out of Pomeranian Dog Hair 

Some Pomeranian owners try to avoid grooming because they dislike handling mats. Generally speaking, if a mat is larger than your thumb, it must be treated carefully.

A pom’s skin is thinner than a person’s and quite delicate.
If your Pomeranian has severe knots, speaking to a professional groomer is a wise idea.

You can use a mat breaker or rake to break up smaller mats. The scissors are needed for the bigger, more complex mats, but take care, as cutting your Pom’s skin is simple.

Smaller mats can be broken apart with a mat rake or mat breaker.

Larger, more involved mats must be cut out with scissors. Be careful. It is easy to cut your Pomeranian.

If your Pomeranian Has Knots, Follow a Few Simple Steps:

  1. Identify the whereabouts on your pom’s body the knots are hiding. Then he starts to brush around them to get dead and loose hair off his coat.
  2. Use a matt-breaker or rake and slowly cut through every mat, beginning at the end and going deeper into the mat.
  3. Be very patient and do it slowly. Keep your dog calm and, if possible, have someone there to help you. Don’t try and pull a mat out by hand.
  4. Sometimes, mats can look worse than they are because they may not be tangled in your dog’s undercoat. These are easy to remove. Using a mat breaker and comb, break the top layer and comb his undercoat.

If your Pom has big knots close to the skin or some that cause pain when you try to remove them, you must stop and ring your groomer to remove them safely and without further discomfort to your Pomeranian.

Pomeranian Grooming Chart
Pomeranian Grooming Chart

Pomeranian Haircuts

Even though your Pomeranian has a thick, fluffy coat, he must never be shaved, even if the weather is hot and steamy. If you make the mistake of shaving his undercoat, it likely won’t grow back to how it was.

Your Pomeranian’s undercoat, which is soft fur, protects him from the sun’s harsh UV rays and prevents him from overheating. If you remove his natural protection, he risks getting sunburned and sunstroked.

There’s only one area of the dog’s coat where it’s wise to clip short: the fluffy bits surrounding his anus.

However, Poms are prone to accumulating bits of sticky feces around this part of their body, and if you don’t remove them, it quickly becomes unhygienic.

I provide details of show Pomeranian grooming styles, trimming, and the teddy bear cut in the trimming section. 

Tooth Care and Toe Nail Clipping

Brushing a Pomeranian’s teeth and clipping toenails are parts of my regular grooming routine.

You must brush a Pomeranian’s teeth regularly and be careful because, like other toy breeds, he has tiny teeth wedged tightly into his jaw. This can cause a plaque buildup, and that can cause further issues such as periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Pomeranian Grooming
Pomeranian Grooming

Preventing Pomeranian Eye Stains

Do Pomeranian dogs have eye stains? Unfortunately, yes, they can get them too! Prevent this by regularly wiping the eye area clean with makeup pads. In addition, eye drops and other eye items will help remove excessive staining.

Wipe a Pom’s eye area each day for these two reasons:

  • To remove tiny pieces of debris that tend to cling onto fine hairs around and in the eyes. This small debris can cause irritation (and sometimes even scratch their cornea).
  • By wiping away any food bits or ‘sleep,’ dirt & dust – not only do you help prevent tear staining by cleaning off dried basal tears, but you also help prevent eye staining.

So, you want to ensure that your Pom’s nose and eyes stay clean. One way is using a basic grooming wipe or a damp washcloth daily.

Take care not to let this area get too wet, as this can lead to staining problems down the line! In addition, specially designed eye wipes like Pet Eye Wipes – for Dogs, Cats, Puppies, and kittens– will gently clean without leaving any excess moisture behind.

I have an entire article about the causes of eye stains and what you can do to remove these unsightly stains.

Pom Paw Care

You may not think about your Pomeranian’s paws, but they are essential. They take on a lot from walking and running over all surfaces (hot or cold) and being prone to dryness and peeling skin problems that can lead to cracking and burning. One easy way to help them is by using paw waxes, which will protect against these issues.

Pomeranian Nose Care

Dogs can get various nose problems, from dryness and chapping to peeling. One common issue in Pomeranians is the “winter nose” due to their lack of sun exposure during winter.

To help protect your pup against winter noses, spend a little time in the sun with your dog each day. Your Pomeranian can suffer a dry nose from too much sun or indoor heating set too high. Prevent dry and cracking noses by applying a natural-based nose balm at least once daily.

Pomeranian Grooming
Pomeranian Grooming

How to Groom a Pomeranian at Home

For more information on how to groom your Pomeranian at home, Pomeranian grooming, cutting pomeranian hair at home, trimming a Pomeranian, and the best brush for a Pomeranian.

Download our Pomeranian grooming eBook. Learn How to Groom a Pomeranian for Show at Home. This comprehensive guide will show how to achieve that immaculate Best in Show look on your Pomeranian. 

Give yourself and your Pomeranian the winning edge at dog shows, or show off your beautiful Pomeranian to your friends and family. Learn how to easily create the Teddy Bear Pomeranian look for your pet Pom. Just like a professional Pomeranian groomer.

Learn the secrets the professional Pomeranian dog groomers don’t want you to know. All my 45 years of experience grooming the Dochlaggie Champions have been compressed into the Pomeranian Grooming eBook for your benefit.

Correct Pomeranian grooming tools to help you easily and quickly achieve a professional show dog look for your Pom Dog. 

Many Pomeranian grooming tips and the perfect bathing routine are explained in detail. How often should you bathe your pom? What are the best coat products, shampoos, and conditioners for a show dog or a pet pom?

Many diagrams and drawings explain how to groom a Pom before and after Pomeranian grooming pictures. 

How to deal with problem pom coats and hot spots. Pomeranian grooming styles illustrated. Details of Pomeranian haircuts, Pomeranian Lion cuts, Show and Teddy-bear Pom clipping style, and Pomeranian cuts. How to train your Pom to enjoy grooming is explained.

How to Groom Your Pomeranian at Home

Pomeranian Grooming eBook is available for instant download NOW. 

Download and store on your computer, tablet, or phone, and print a hard copy if required. The Pomeranian Grooming Guide will be sent to you via email.

The Grooming Guide is available at Amazon.com in Kindle format and other outlets, including iBooks, Nook, Kobo, etc.

Pomeranian Grooming Tips Conclusion

You have now learned the basics of grooming a Pomeranian. However, if you want to know more about how often Pomeranians need grooming, what type of brush is best for their fur, or why shedding happens in this breed, we can help!

Pomeranians need grooming every 3-4 weeks. Groomers recommend brushing your dog daily and bathing them when they get dirty (once weekly). Be sure to use the right Pomeranian grooming tools for the job!

We have also created a list of what owners should know about grooming their dogs so it’s easier next time.

After reading these tips, do any of them stand out as something you would like more information about? Then, contact us here – we’re always happy to help!

Copyright Pomeranian.Org. All Rights Reserved.

References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo “ Pomeranian Grooming Guide”.

The Pomeranian Handbook

Pomeranian Grooming Explained: Learn How to Groom a Pomeranian Dog
Pomeranian Grooming Explained: Learn How to Groom a Pomeranian Dog

About

Denise Leo

Pomeranians are my passion, and I have shared my life with these darling little dogs for many decades. The creator and face behind this website is published author and Pomeranian breed authority Denise Leo of Dochlaggie Pomeranians.

Denise Leo
Denise Leo