As all Pommy parents know well, our Poms are part of our families. We love them, spend time with them, and care for them when they’re in need. Pomeranians, however, don’t have the luxury of the English language to tell us when something is wrong. This makes it essential to always stay aware of their behavior. Noticing the slightest change in how your furry baby is acting could indicate a developing health issue. Catching illnesses early, whether it’s overheating or toxic poisoning, can significantly impact the healing process. Special vigilance is necessary when your Pomeranian is more susceptible to illness, such as during travel, hot weather, or while on medication. Over-the-counter treatments like Spot On Flea Treatment products can sometimes pose risks for Pomeranians.
Understanding the Risks for Your Pomeranian
As all Pommy parents know well, our Poms are part of our families. We love them, spend time with them, and care for them when they’re in need. Unfortunately, Pomeranians don’t have the luxury of the English language to tell us when they’re feeling ill. This is why it’s crucial to always stay alert to their behavior. Noticing even the slightest change in the way your furry baby acts could indicate oncoming health issues. Catching illness early, whether it’s overheating or toxic poisoning, can make a huge difference in the healing process. It’s particularly important to stay vigilant when your Pomeranian is more susceptible to illness, such as during travel, in hot weather, or while taking medication. One area that requires special attention is over-the-counter flea products, which can cause harm to Pomeranians.
Spot On Flea Treatments
Pomeranians, with their gorgeous long hair, are unfortunately an attractive target for fleas. These parasites find their fluffy coats to be a cozy home. If you notice your Pom scratching persistently, it’s likely they have been burdened with fleas. In such cases, it’s essential to seek help, but with caution. Some flea treatments, particularly spot-on treatments like Advantix, Frontline, or Spot On, can pose a risk to small breeds like Pomeranians.
EPA Study on Spot-On Flea Treatments
In March 2010, the EPA published the results of a year-long study of spot-on flea treatments. The findings highlighted several concerning points:
- Most adverse reactions occurred in dogs weighing between 10 and 20 pounds.
- Reactions were most commonly reported in mixed breeds; however, toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Miniature Poodles, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, Malteses, Yorkshire Terriers, and Bichon Frises were particularly at risk.
- Products containing cyphenothrin and permethrin were especially problematic for small-breed dogs.
- Most incidents occurred in dogs under three years old, likely during their first exposure to a spot-on product.
- Adverse reactions affected the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system. Skin reactions included redness, itching, hair loss, sores, and ulcers. Gastrointestinal symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. Nervous system issues included lethargy, nervousness, ataxia (movement problems), tremors, and seizures.
The Shift to Over-the-Counter Flea Treatments
The risk associated with these treatments began to increase when spot-on flea treatments became available over the counter. This change led to two significant issues. First, pet owners no longer needed to visit the vet for flea medications, which meant they were missing valuable advice on how to administer the treatment safely. Second, generic brands began competing with the name-brand treatments, sometimes using stronger or different chemicals, increasing the risk to pets.
How Spot-On Flea Treatments Work
Spot-on flea treatments are essentially pesticides. When applied to the back of your Pomeranian’s neck, the medication kills fleas by entering the skin and circulating through the bloodstream. This is why it’s applied in a location your Pom can’t lick, minimizing the risk of ingestion. However, using these treatments incorrectly, or using stronger generic brands, can increase the chance of side effects or even poisoning.
Safe Use of Flea Treatments for Pomeranians
When it’s time to treat your Pom for fleas, always consult your vet first, preferably a holistic vet. A vet will guide you toward the correct flea treatment, ensuring that it’s safe for your Pomeranian’s size and weight. If you have more than one Pommy, never split a larger dog’s treatment between them—this is unsafe and could cause overdose.
It’s also crucial to avoid using flea treatments on older or pregnant dogs. Always read the directions carefully before applying a Pom-sized treatment (not a cat treatment) to your Pomeranian.
Monitoring for Side Effects
Once you’ve applied a flea treatment, keep a close eye on your Pom for any signs of adverse reactions. Symptoms like excessive salivation, twitching, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, or disorientation could indicate that your Pom is having a negative reaction to the treatment. If any of these occur, stop the treatment immediately and contact your vet. They’ll know how to respond and help your Pom recover quickly.
Flea Treatments Can Be Risky for Pomeranians
While flea infestations can cause discomfort and health issues, using spot-on flea treatments without proper care can be dangerous for small breeds like Pomeranians. The best way to protect your furry baby is by consulting your vet, carefully selecting flea treatments, and monitoring for side effects. By taking these precautions, you can keep your Pomeranian safe, healthy, and flea-free.
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