Last Updated on January 18, 2026 by Denise Leo
Understanding common health issues in Pomeranians is a crucial aspect of responsible ownership. While the breed is generally hardy and long-lived, Pomeranians are more predisposed to certain conditions due to their size, structure, and genetics. Knowing what to watch for—and how to prevent or manage problems early—can make a profound difference in your dog’s wellbeing and quality of life.
This guide offers clear and reliable information on the most significant Pomeranian health concerns, informed by decades of hands-on experience from preservation breeder Denise Leo and expert veterinary insights from Dr. Muqeet Mushtaq (DVM, MSc in Animal Breeding & Genetics).
Whether you’re a new owner, a seasoned Pomeranian enthusiast, or a breeder committed to improving the breed, this page will help you stay informed, proactive, and confident in caring for your Pomeranian’s long-term health.
What Health Problems Do Pomeranians Have?
It is essential to recognize that all dogs may experience health issues common to their breed, including those of the X breed. In the case of Pom dogs, the following are Pomeranian common health problems.
Luxating Patella Pomeranian
Though the term “luxating patella Pomeranian” may sound confusing, it simply means a knee cap that has slipped out of place.
Luxating patellas are common in Pomeranians, and Pomeranians’ knees are actually graded by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA):
- Normal knees – Grades One and Two
- Knees requiring surgery – Grades Three and Four
If your puppy has a higher grade early in life, they will be more likely to require surgery, which can be expensive. (Your breeder should have this information on the patellas of your Pomeranian’s parents.)
Hypothyroidism in Pomeranians
A low-level thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is at times seen in Pomeranians.
Alopecia X Pomeranian
Pomeranians sometimes experience a coat problem called severe hair loss syndrome. This coat loss may also be referred to as black skin disease or alopecia X.
Severe hair loss syndrome (SHLS) in Pomeranian puppies, which often have beautiful, full, and fluffy coats, may develop an early onset of SHLS. Pomeranian puppies with these types of coats typically lack harsh guard hairs and feel like “cotton” to the touch.
These puppies often do not shed their puppy coat and go through the ugly stage like the majority of Pomeranian puppies. Coat loss usually occurs between 14 and 16 months, and these cases are referred to as the early-onset version of black skin disease.
Late-onset severe hair loss syndrome typically occurs between 3 and 4 years of age. Still, cases have been documented where the Pom has developed alopecia x Pomeranian as late as 9 years of age.
Because severe hair Loss Syndrome is thought to be genetic, you should ask your breeder for information regarding this condition.
Pomeranian Health Problems: Collapsing Trachea
Pomeranians who make honking noises or cough-like sounds (much like a cat regurgitating a hairball) may have a collapsed trachea.
An X-ray can diagnose the issue, and medication can reduce the symptoms. A collapsed trachea can be deadly; immediate veterinary treatment is required.
Any coughing should be investigated, as it could also indicate worms, heart disease, or hairballs. Pomeranian puppies have been known to die from hairballs. Fur can be ingested by the puppy while sucking the mother.
Pomeranian Reverse Sneezing (Pharyngeal Gag Reflex)
Reverse sneezing in Pomeranians occurs when a dog experiences a rapid, sudden, and forceful inhalation of air through its nose. This causes him to make numerous repeated snorts that can sound similar to choking. It’s like he’s attempting to inhale a sneeze; hence the nickname “Pomeranian reverse sneeze”).
Your Pomeranian dog may exhibit this behavior because it has an irritated larynx or palate area, which can cause muscular spasms in the pharynx. When your Pom does a Pomeranian reverse sneeze, he can make snorting, hacking, or honking noises as he inwardly gasps. It typically occurs when your dog becomes too excited.
However, reverse sneezing in Pomeranians may also happen after he has eaten food, lapped up water, while he’s running, or if he’s pulling hard on the leash.
Causes of Pomeranian Reverse Sneeze Include:
Tooth root infections, nasal irritation, allergic reactions, and air irritants such as perfume, smoke, and pollen.
Pomeranian Heart Problems
Pomeranians can experience heart problems. Issues ranging from extremely minor to life-threatening are common in all dogs. Similar to humans, heart disease in dogs is associated with genetic factors and poor lifestyle, which includes poor diet, obesity, and lack of exercise.
Again, any reputable Pomeranian breeder should have a plethora of information on a Pomeranian puppy’s lineage to help determine if heart issues run in the family.
Pomeranian Hypoglycaemia
Pomeranian hypoglycaemia in young, very small and active Pom puppies is not unusual. Discuss any potential problems concerning Hypoglycemia and your new Pomeranian baby, with the Breeder before collecting the Pomeranian Puppy.
Hypoglycaemia basically is very low blood sugar. Glucose is the form of sugar found within the bloodstream. Glucose is created during the digestion of food, and it can be stored in the liver in a storage form called glycogen.
The majority of cases of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in puppies are the result of insufficient or low quality food. Excessive exercise or even overhandling a new puppy may cause the puppy’s body to require more sugar than is available.
A young puppy with hypoglycemia will certainly be lacking energy. Glucose (sugar) is the fuel the body burns for energy. Devoid of glucose, the puppy will be lethargic. In serious cases, the puppy might even have a seizure, and in very serious cases, can become comatose and die.
Glucose is essential for the brain and muscles to function properly. The dangers of Hypoglycemia depend on the severity or degree. Hypoglycemia, a consequence of insufficient food, excessive exercise, or excessive handling, is easily remedied.
If, however, the cause is a liver disease preventing the storage of glucose as glycogen, or intestinal disease interfering with the absorption of food, hypoglycemia might be chronic and even life-threatening.
If your puppy is lethargic and fatigued due to low blood sugar, provide glucose immediately. Karo Syrup and honey are excellent sugar alternatives and should be given to your puppy immediately. Please get in touch with your veterinarian promptly.
Pomeranian Seizures
Idiopathic epilepsy (that which has an unknown cause) can rear its head among the Pomeranian breed. Sometimes, epilepsy is caused by head trauma, liver disease, or kidney problems, but it can have other causes as well.
What Causes Seizures in Pomeranians?
Many epileptic Pomeranians inherit the disease and exhibit symptoms between 3 and 7 years old. Other common causes of Pomeranian seizures are flea and tick medications, vaccinations, and worming medications.
Legg Calve Perthes Disease in Dogs
Perthes Disease occasionally occurs in Pomeranians, generally before they are a year old (4-11 months).
The condition results from a loss of blood supply to the hip joint. This results in extreme pain, not to mention lameness. The cause of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is currently unknown.
Pomeranian Eye Problems
Entropian or Inward Rolling of the Eyelid
The inward rolling of the eyelid on a Pomeranian will cause his or her eyelashes to rub on the eye’s surface. The resulting discomfort makes the Pomeranian squint and/or become sensitive to the sun or other bright lights.
Fortunately, this type of eye issue can be corrected with surgery (recommended for Pomeranians over 1 year). Occasionally, as the puppy grows, this condition may self-correct.
If a Pomeranian with this problem is not treated with surgery, corneal ulceration and/or scarring can occur.
NOTE: Veterinarians trained to do Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) testing can also look at a Pomeranian’s eyes for genetic problems. CERF maintains a database that provides buyers of Pomeranians with information on the parents (and possibly other relatives) of all registered Pom puppies.
Open Fontanels
Open fontanelles are openings in the top of the puppy’s skull, similar to those found in a newborn human baby. Open fontanelles are not a rare occurrence in small dog breeds. Fortunately, the majority of the smaller-sized open fontanels seen in Pomeranian puppies will cause the dog no problems, and most small open fontanels will close before a puppy reaches 12 months.
Gonad Descent Abnormalities
Male Pomeranians may have an abnormal descent of their testicles (one or both). If this is the case, castration is the routine course of action taken.
Ignoring this issue (which is thought to be inherited) can place the pup at a higher risk of testicular cancer.
Pomeranian Teeth Problems
Retained Deciduous (Baby) Teeth
In Pomeranian puppies with retained baby teeth, a permanent tooth is noticed along with the baby tooth it was meant to replace. The permanent canine teeth frequently appear in front of or beside the baby canines. Retained baby teeth are actually very common in Pomeranians.
Examine your Pomeranian puppy’s mouth weekly, from about nine months of age, for irregular or retained teeth. Seek advice from your Veterinarian if retained teeth are suspected. Ideally, desexing your puppy and removing retained baby teeth could be done simultaneously.
For more details on Pomeranian dog health problems, please visit the Pomeranian Headquarters.
Conclusion
Caring for a Pomeranian’s health begins with knowledge, awareness, and proactive attention. While the breed can face certain health challenges, most issues can be managed— and many prevented—through responsible breeding practices, early detection, proper grooming, balanced nutrition, and regular veterinary care.
By understanding the conditions Pomeranians are most prone to, you are better equipped to support your dog’s long-term well-being and ensure they enjoy a happy, comfortable, and vibrant life. With guidance from trusted experts, such as preservation breeder Denise Leo and veterinarian Dr. Muqeet Mushtaq, Pomeranian owners can feel confident in making informed decisions that keep their beloved companions healthy for years to come.
Your Pomeranian depends on you—and with the right knowledge, you can truly give them the best life possible.
Disclaimer: The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for any questions you may have regarding your dog’s medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on ANY website.
This article was first published on the Pomeranian Headquarters Website and is reproduced here with the written consent of the author.
Copyright Pomeranian Headquarters©. All Rights Reserved.
References and Further Reading:
[1] Leo, Denise. “Pomeranian Health Issues.” Pomeranian Headquarters. www.pomeranian.org/pomeranian-dog-health-issues-explained/.
[2] Denise Leo, “The Pomeranian Grooming Guide”.
[3] Denise Leo, “The Pomeranian Handbook”.
[4] Denise Leo “Training Your Pomeranian”.
The Pomeranian Handbook
( Printed and shipped in Australia).
