How Long Do Pomeranians Live? Things To Know Before Adoption

Pomeranians look small, but they are full of energy and are among the longest living dog breeds in the world.

Toy breeds like Pomeranian make excellent lap dogs. If you need a healthy and happy dog breed that will become your companion in the years to come, a Pom is a wonderful choice.

A tiny pointed face and the fluffiest fur coat - these are among the so many traits that make the Pomeranian dog one of the most loved pets out there. A Pomeranian loves to laze in your lap all day long, and hence, it is very popular as a therapy dog as well.

One of the factors why people choose a Pom is that it is relatively easier to maintain despite the longer coat than other similar breeds. The other main reason is because of their long life expectancy.

So, you have the assurance that you will have a faithful furry friend for several years when you bring a Pomeranian home as a puppy.

Life span varies based on the dog breed, and in general, toy breeds like the Pom are known to have a (very) slightly longer life span than the larger breeds. People who dread frequent vet visits and believe that they can be stressful for their pets find Pomeranians the best choice.

These dogs are generally healthy, and with proper food and exercise, they can live for more than a decade and a half.

Once you finish reading this article and understand the life expectancy of a Pomeranian, why not check out other relevant articles like how long do boxers live and how long do bulldogs live. Here at Kidadl, you will find all the information you need before bringing a pet home and so much more.

The Average Lifespan Of Pomeranians

Pomeranians are a healthy toy breed with a life span of 12-16 years.

A Pom can live longer if it’s given the right food and exercises, and of course, lots of pampering. This lap breed loves its owner and will thrive when you spend enough time with it.

So, if you need a dog that loves cuddles, one that will entertain you with its antics and give you company even on the gloomiest days, go for a Pomeranian.

Why are Pomeranians the worst choice for some? This is not a hypoallergenic breed. There is shedding involved, and this can increase during the warmer months of the year. Regular grooming will help reduce shedding to some extent, though. But if you have dander-related allergies, a Pomeranian might not be the best pet for you.

In most cases, a healthy Pom will have nearly one and a half times the life expectancy of a large dog breed.

So, if you need a playful small breed that will be a part of your family for a long time or a dog that will grow with your kids and stay playful, this can be a great breed to consider.

Female Pomeranians, in general, live longer than male Pomeranians. In most toy breeds like this one, there is not much difference in size between males and females. But females have a slightly longer lifespan and might weigh less than males.

Small breeds like the Pom have a small build, and their body is known to age slower than the rate at which a larger breed ages. This is one main reason why they have a significantly longer life.

Pure-breeds in Pom have a slightly longer life expectancy than miniature and cross-bred dogs. So, on average, teacup Pomeranian dogs live shorter than the regular breed.

How To Improve The Life Expectancy Of Pomeranians

While most Pomeranians easily live for more than 12 years, there are cases where they live up to their twenties as well. The oldest Pomeranian in the world, Coty, was known to have been 21 years old, and there are reports of some having lived even longer.

So, how is this possible? How can you increase the Pomeranian lifespan? Ensuring that your Pomeranian dog gets all of its vaccination shots as a puppy is an excellent way to improve its life span.

Poms, like most other dogs, love spending time with their owner. The time you can spend with your Pom and the kind of lifestyle you lead will affect your pet’s lifespan. If you have to spend several hours away from your pet every single day, this is not the breed for you.

Remember that lapdogs like Poms love to be close to their owners most of the time. So, showering your dog with love can increase the dog’s lifespan significantly.

Stress is terrible for a Pomeranian’s health. This is found to be due to separation anxiety in many cases. In other cases, if the Pomeranian feels threatened due to loud sounds or even due to the presence of a larger pet, it can cause stress. Reducing triggers of stress and caressing your pet can improve its overall health.

One of the most valuable tips to extend the life of your Pom is to focus on its weight. Talk to your vet to understand your Pom’s recommended weight based on its age and other elements.

Puppies tend to grow fast, but they should not become overweight once they hit their maximum growth. Being overweight increases the risks of various health issues in this dog.

Though a Pomeranian is a lap dog, it still needs daily exercise to stay away from diseases. This is another critical lesson to take from the oldest living Pom.

Regular exercise improves the lifespan by maintaining the body weight and keeping the dog happy. Considering the Pomeranian’s size, you do not need too large a space for its exercise. Playtime, even within a small room, will be enough for this dog.

Play does not always have to involve walks that tire your dog out; intelligent breeds like the Pomeranian love to play stimulating games; food puzzles are some of the most popular choices known to be good for their mental health. This is an excellent way of keeping your Pomeranian active and energetic.

Diet is the other factor that helps improve the life span of these dogs. A healthy diet would include all the essential nutrients that prevent health issues in this dog.

Along with a regular diet, you might also have to give your Pomeranian some dietary supplements as it gets old to keep its aging bones and muscles strong and its coat healthy.

Pomeranians can die of cancer. Neutering or spaying the dog is one way to reduce the risk of cancer-related to the reproductive system.

Look for signs of infection in the teeth or gums. Oral health issues can cause other diseases and complications or even affect most of these dogs’ normal diet and health. Some commercial treats can help in cleaning the pet’s teeth and strengthening its gums. Talk to a veterinarian to know about the ideal oral care routine required.

To increase Pomeranian life span, you should also know about the common diseases in this breed. Some of them can cause a lot of discomfort and shorten the dog’s life, and others can be straightaway fatal.

When you study a Pomeranian age chart, you should make it a point to understand the aspects that can cause death or shorten the Pomeranian lifespan.

Common Causes For Death In Pomeranians

In small breeds like this one, trauma is among the most common causes of fatality. Trauma might occur as a puppy or even as a grown-up dog.

Owners should be careful about letting young children handle Pomeranians. A Pomeranian’s trauma might also be due to other pets attacking the dog or even scratching it or biting it accidentally while playing.

Pomeranian puppies, as well as adults, have tender bones. They should therefore be handled carefully. It is also important to avoid placing your dog on a high surface. A jump or a fall from height can lead to serious trauma and even your Pom’s death in some cases.

Infections of various kinds can be hard on these dogs. As it gets old, its immunity might get weaker, and therefore, the chances of infection might increase. Several pathogens can drastically impact the Pomeranian lifespan. Leptospirosis infection and parvovirus infection are the most common causes of death in these dogs.

Tick infections can also turn out to have adverse effects on the dog’s health. As a Pomeranian has a long coat, you might miss signs of tick infection at an early stage. But if ever you notice that your pet is itching more than usual or showing any other signs of discomfort, do not ignore the symptoms.

Tick infection can cause severe shedding in some dogs. Your Pomeranian might also develop rashes and skin irritation from scratching itself, which can increase the chances of skin infections.

Factors That Affect Life Span

A Pomeranian dog enters its senior years by the time it is 7-12 years old. Its general health and diseases have a strong role to play in this.

Poor dental health can impact the wellbeing of your Pomeranian. Infections in the teeth or even weak gums can affect the dog’s eating habits. Bodyweight in Poms can also be severely affected due to bad dental health.

So, start paying attention to your pet’s dental health, especially in its old age. Your vet can inspect the Pomeranian for any disease in the teeth and gums during regular checkups. So, do not skip your vet appointments.

Genetic factors can reduce the average life of any pet. Tracheal collapse, for example, could be an inherited condition in some dogs. While this can occur when the dog is old, sometimes it can be due to a tight leash. Treatments are available, but this can affect the dog’s health, and some dogs even die due to this condition.

Eye diseases like a cataract can also lead to complications in these dogs. They should be identified and treated on time. Though this might not directly be fatal, poor vision can increase the chances of Poms accidentally banging into things, and the resulting trauma can be dangerous for them.

Apart from all the common illnesses and infections, food allergies can also cause complications in these dogs. However, a balanced diet can easily improve the average lifespan of these dogs.

Pay attention to its teeth, give your Pomeranian healthy food, take it for regular walks, and ensure that you shower it with unconditional love. Keeping your Pomeranian’s body and mind healthy is the best way to help it live longer.

Understand the signs of a Pomeranian dying and take it to your vet when you spot a red flag. This can help save your dog’s life.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for how long do Pomeranians live, then why not take a look at how long do pugs live or Pomeranians’ facts.