Читать книгу Pomeranian - Juliette Cunliffe - Страница 26

As with many of the other smaller breeds, some Pomeranians lose their teeth at a relatively early age. It is therefore important to pay close attention to the care of teeth and gums so that they remain as healthy as possible, thereby preventing decay, infection and resultant loss.

WEIGHTY CONCERNS

Elderly Pomeranians, like other dogs, can sometimes be prone to putting on excess weight. The profuse coat deceives an owner into thinking that the dog is of correct weight, when in fact it is too fat. Over-eating or feeding the wrong foods may be the cause. Often an older dog requires a slightly different diet from a younger one.

Infection in the gums may not just stop there. The bacteria from this type of infection is carried through the bloodstream, the result of which can be diseases of the liver, kidney, heart and joints. This is all the more reason to realize that efficient dental care is of utmost importance throughout a dog’s life.

Feeding dry foods is recommended by many vets as a means of helping to keep teeth clean and in good condition, but of course regular, careful brushing with a veterinary toothpaste helps enormously.

Another dental problem that can occur in Pomeranians is retained deciduous teeth, meaning that a puppy’s baby teeth may not drop out on their own. Should they still be in place when the adult teeth have begun to erupt, it is worth taking your puppy to the vet to see if they need extraction. If they remain in place when the new teeth have come through, they will push the adult teeth out of alignment.