Pomeranians come from Spitz-type sled dogs from the cold north, and their thick double coat is made for chilly weather. But today's Pom is a tiny toy breed, usually weighing only 3–7 pounds (about 1.4–3.2 kg). Small bodies lose heat quickly, sit close to cold and wet ground, and get chilled faster than big dogs. Here is how to keep your Pom warm, safe and happy all winter long.
Do Pomeranians get cold?
Yes, especially in wet, windy or very cold weather. A healthy adult Pom with a full coat often enjoys a short walk in the snow, but puppies, senior dogs, very small Poms and dogs with thin or recently trimmed coats get cold much faster. Watch for these signs that your Pom is too cold:
- Shivering or trembling
- Lifting paws off the ground or refusing to walk
- Hunched posture or tucked tail
- Whining or trying to turn back home
If you see these signs, head home and warm your dog up gently.
1. Dress your Pom for the weather
A good coat makes a big difference on cold, wet days. Look for clothes that cover the chest and belly, because that is where small dogs lose the most heat close to the ground.
- Snowsuits cover legs and belly and keep snow out of the fluffy coat. Our Pomeranian Winter Snowsuit with Boots is made for deep-snow days.
- Puffer vests and jackets such as the Pomeranian Puffer Vest and Puffer Winter Jacket are warm and easy to put on.
- Raincoats keep the undercoat dry on rainy days, which helps your Pom stay warm. Try the waterproof Pomeranian raincoat.
- Sweaters and hoodies are perfect for chilly homes and quick walks. Browse our Pomeranian sweaters and hoodies.
Make sure clothes fit well. They should not rub under the front legs or press on the throat. Our guide on how to measure your Pomeranian for dog clothes helps you pick the right size.
2. Protect the paws
Snow, ice and road salt can hurt small paws and dry out the pads. Dog boots like our waterproof Pomeranian shoes protect the feet, and many Poms get used to them after a few short practice sessions indoors. After every walk, wipe or rinse the paws to remove salt and ice balls. An automatic paw cleaner makes this quick and easy.
3. Keep walks shorter but regular
Poms still need exercise in winter. On very cold days, go for two or three short walks instead of one long one, and play indoor games with interactive toys to burn off energy.
4. Give your Pom a warm place to sleep
Keep your dog's bed away from drafty doors and cold tile floors. Cave beds and covered beds trap body heat and are ideal in winter. Our Corduroy Pomeranian Cave Bed and Pomeranian Warm Winter Bed are customer favorites, and a warm sleeping blanket adds extra comfort.
5. Don't skip grooming
A clean, brushed coat insulates much better than a matted one. Keep brushing regularly, and make sure your Pom is completely dry after a bath or a snowy walk before going outside again.
6. Watch out for winter dangers
- Antifreeze tastes sweet but is extremely toxic. Clean up spills immediately.
- Thin ice on ponds and lakes can break under even a small dog.
- Holiday foods like chocolate, grapes and fatty leftovers can make dogs sick.
- Cars get cold quickly. Never leave your Pom alone in a car in winter.
Shop the winter essentials
Find jackets, snowsuits, sweaters, raincoats and boots sized for small dogs in our Pomeranian Winter Collection.
FAQ
How cold is too cold for a Pomeranian?
Many Poms are comfortable down to around freezing for short walks, but below about -5 °C (23 °F), or in wind and rain, keep walks short and use a coat. Puppies, seniors and small or thin-coated Poms need extra protection.
Does my Pomeranian need a coat if it has a double coat?
Not always. A coat is most useful in wet, windy or very cold weather, and for puppies, seniors and Poms that get cold easily.
Should my Pom wear clothes indoors?
Only if your home is cold or your dog shivers. Most Poms are comfortable indoors without clothes. Remove clothes if your dog seems too warm or pants.