You want to bring an adorable little Pomchi home as your companion, but there’s one question stuck in your head. Do Pomchis shed?
Pet dander is one of the most common woes of dog owners, even more so if you are allergic. If you want to know more about Pomchi shedding specifically, you have come to the right place.
Know The Breed: What Is A Pomchi?
Before diving into the topic of shedding, let’s discuss the Pomchi breed. A Pomchi is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua.
These mixed-breed pups are loyal, energetic, and happy-go-lucky. Whether you live alone or in a family apartment, a Pomchi is a perfect addition to your family.
If a small, playful dog is what you are looking for, look no further than a Pomchi. Read on to know more about the grooming aspect of this breed before bringing it home.
Also Read: Top 18 Dog Breeds With Pointy Ears
An Overview Of The Pomchi Coat
Since a Pomchi is a mixed-breed, its coat takes on the features of both parents. However, it will take after one parent more than the other.
Depending on which parent’s genes it inherits, a Pomchi can have a long or short coat. It may also be either single or double-layered.
Pomchi coats are soft, straight, and available in many colors. The most common ones are fawn or sable, while the rarest is black.
How To Differentiate Between Pomchis
Since Pomchis are a mixed-breed, they are not officially recognized. For this reason, even though they can be quite different, they fall in the same category.
However, you can tell which parent the Pomchi takes after by its coat. Here’s how you can do that.
Pomchis That Take After The Pomeranian Parent
They will have longer, denser coats that will be double-layered. These Pomchis are the ones that need extra care and maintenance when it comes to grooming.
It is best to groom them either daily or weekly. That said, these poochies are not ideal for those who are allergic to hair or dander.
Pomchis That Take After The Chihuahua Parent
They will have shorter, thinner coats that will be single-layered. They tend to shed as well, but on a lesser scale.
A Guide To Shedding In Pomchis
To get straight to the point: Pomchis do shed. Pomchis are a breed famous for shedding, but the total amount varies for each dog.
The factor that most affects shedding is the coat they inherit from their parents. So to better understand how to groom and maintain your Pomchi, first consider its parents.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas shed a small amount throughout the year. So they need weekly brushing and maintenance.
However, they may also experience seasonal shedding, like in spring and fall. The most common shedding season for them is spring, as they are readying their coats for summer.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians also shed a small amount throughout the year, but this is an ordinary amount. It is during seasonal changes that they tend to shed quite heavily.
What About Shedding In Pomchis?
Naturally, Pomchis take after their parents, so they do shed all year-round. However, the shedding is heaviest during seasonal changes.
So they will lose more fur before summer to stay cool in the heat.
Shedding in Pomchis also varies depending on whether they are male or female. For instance, female Pomchis will shed when they are in heat or after giving birth.
Are There Other Reasons For Pomchi Shedding?
Besides the reasons above, Pomchis can shed because of the other factors too. Depending on the cause, you might need to give your fur friend some extra care.
Poor Dietary Habits
If your Pomchi has a bad diet, you will have to deal with a lot of shedding. A poor diet includes both inadequate intake and wrong food.
Under stressful conditions, your dog could develop an illness. Health conditions like mange, shear fungus, and cancer can contribute to shedding.
Removal Of Dead Cells
Much like humans, your little companion wants to get rid of its dead cells. The way dogs do this is by shedding their fur.
Once the removal of dead skin cells is complete, it will start growing new fur for the season.
Are Pomchis A Hypoallergenic Breed?
We cannot classify Pomchis as a hypoallergenic breed. The term applies to those dog breeds that are relatively unlikely to cause allergies.
Since Pomchis shed year-round, they are somewhat allergenic. If you are allergic to pet dander, you will suffer most during their seasonal shedding.
If allergies are a primary concern for you, do not get a Pomchi. Before that, test your resistance by spending time around one and gauging your reaction.
That said, if you do get a Pomchi, regular grooming and maintenance can reduce dander. Brush your pup’s coat regularly.
Also, have an effective cleaning routine for your home. Hoovering your home every day can reduce dander deposits and prevent allergic reactions.
Is Not Being Hypoallergenic A Bad Aspect?
The answer to this would be a firm no. It is, in fact, impossible to find a completely hypoallergenic dog.
All dogs shed a bit, so they are all allergenic to some extent. However, the level of this extent can vary.
Some dogs shed only a little, so they do not cause allergic reasons. For this reason, we refer to them as hypoallergenic.
The more a dog’s hair falls, the more dander it releases. It is this dander that often triggers a person’s allergies.
Not being hypoallergenic does not make Pomchis an inferior breed. It depends entirely on the owner’s tolerance and reaction to fur.
A Guide To Maintaining And Grooming Pomchis
Pomchi care is not that difficult, but it does have to be regular. Grooming them does not stop at the coat, but includes their ears, eyes, and teeth, too.
Overall care keeps a dog clean and avoids the accumulation of harmful substances. If you do not take care of hygiene, your fur-friend may develop certain health complications that lead to shedding.
Here is what you should do to keep your Pomchi healthy, happy, and comfortable.
Brush Your Pup Daily
Regular brushing is a step you cannot overlook with Pomchis. Slicker brushes are popular among Pomchi owners because it prevents matting.
A slicker brush is also easy on the dog’s skin and keeps fur from falling to the ground. Also, it is pretty easy to clean.
Gently brush your Pomchi in the direction of hair growth to avoid harming its skin.
You can also trim the hair before brushing in Pomchis with longer coats. For this, use blunt-edged scissors carefully.
You should also trim the hair beneath the tail and around the paw pads. If you do this, your dog will be comfortable and protected from the build-up of harmful substances.
Professional Care For Your Pomchi
You can take your Pomchi to a professional groomer now and then. The recommended amount would be once every few months.
A professional groomer will provide both a safe and suitable haircut for your pup.
Try Natural Home Remedies
Here are a few home remedies that can work wonders for your Pomchi’s skin and coat. These are beneficial if the cause of shedding is a health issue.
- Coconut Oil: It can help boost a Pomchi’s skin health. The measurement is one teaspoon of coconut oil for every 10 pounds of weight.
- Yogurt: If your Pomchi is suffering from a yeast infection, try a bit of yogurt as a snack. It treats yeast infection and reduces shedding because of its healthy nutrients.
- Olive Oil: It can help give your Pomchi a shiny and lustrous coat. The measurement is one teaspoon of olive oil for every 15 pounds of weight.
- Vitamin E: It can give your Pomchi healthier skin. Applying it directly to the coat can help with problems of excessive shedding and dry skin.
- Fish Oil: It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids so, it can improve Pomchi skin and coats.
- Vinegar: If your Pomchi is suffering from a fungal infection, use some vinegar. It is a proven remedy for skin and fur problems, besides fighting infections.
These ingredients can minimize shedding in Pomchis. Not to mention, they are cheap and available everywhere.
Cleaning A Pomchi’s Eyes
Clean the area under your pup’s eyes with a damp cloth. Make sure the water you use is cold.
Gently remove any matter below the eyes to wipe tear stains and prevent infections.
Teeth Care For Your Pomchi
Along with brushing your companion’s teeth, provide a few dental toys or chews. These can help keep the mouth clean and the breath fresh.
Regular practice of dental care removes bacteria and tartar. Without this, your Pomchi may suffer from pain, tooth decay, and other dental problems.
Bathing Your Pomchi
Pomchis do not need bathing every day. In fact, if you do it too often, you could destroy the natural oils in its coat.
These oils are essential for the healthy growth of a dog and to prevent bacteria accumulation. So bathe your Pomchi only when it gets dirty or starts smelling.
For bathing, use lukewarm water and dog shampoo. Try and go for an all-natural product to avoid chemicals.
Trimming Your Pomchi’s Nails
Every few months, do trim your Pomchi’s nails. Only use nail clippers for dogs, so you do not cut too deep by accident.
Feed Your Pomchi Nutritious Food
The higher the quality of food, the better the condition of the coat. You can discuss the meal plan for your pet with your vet and even include some supplements.
Practical Tips To Prevent Allergies
Besides grooming your Pomchi, you can follow some practical steps to prevent allergies. Here are some tips to try.
- You can train your dog to stay away from rugs. Allow them only on hardwood flooring.
- You should clean your living room with care. Use a vacuum cleaner and make sure all surfaces are clean.
- After playing with your dog, make sure to wash your hands. You can prevent dander from moving to another space in your home this way.
- You may want to try a HEPA air filter and allergen remover to get rid of floating particles.
- Wash any items belonging to your dogs frequently. You should clean bedding, toys, and feeding bowls at least once a week.
Wrap Up
Pomchis are not the friendliest dogs for those who suffer from allergies. However, there are a lot of things you can do to curb dander build-up.
If you groom your Pomchi consistently, it will make preventing allergies much easier. Also, do not forget the home care tips to prevent fur build-up.
