This guide covers the major signs of Pomeranian dying to help owners understand what to expect.

As Pomeranians age or develop serious health issues, owners may begin noticing signs that indicate their pet is declining or nearing the end of life.

Recognizing these changes early allows owners to provide the best care and comfort possible during this difficult time.

Seeing the energetic, spunky Pomeranian slow down as they age can worry owners that something more serious may be developing.

Pomeranians have a shorter average lifespan compared to humans. As a small breed, Pomeranians tend to live 12-16 years on average.

Senior poms will naturally start showing signs of aging. Certain behaviors may indicate deteriorating health versus normal aging.

As a Pomeranian nears the end-of-life from age, accident, or illness, they go through some common physical and behavior changes.

While individual pets may show different symptoms, familiarizing yourself with the most frequent signs can help you make the best decisions for their care.

Getting veterinary guidance, paying close attention to new behaviors, and listening to your intuition about your Pom’s wellbeing will provide the insight you need during this transition.

Signs of Pomeranian Dying

There are key indicators to look out for when a Pomeranian nears its final days. Recognizing these changes early helps guide care decisions.

Loss of Appetite

One of the most common early signs of a dying Pomeranian is a lack of appetite or refusal to eat.

Pomeranians are known for being eager eaters, rarely self-regulating their food intake if given unlimited access.

When they start turning down favorite treats and meals, this marked change in behavior typically reflects an underlying medical issue.

Potential causes include nausea, mouth pain, dehydration, infection, fever, anxiety or depression, cancer, liver or kidney dysfunction, or the natural shutdown near death.

If accompanied by additional symptoms like lethargy, seek veterinary assessment to diagnose and alleviate discomfort.

To encourage eating, try warming food to bring out aromas, hand feeding favorite morsels, or switching proteins in case they’ve developed an aversion.

Mixing canned food with kibble or adding broths/gravy may entice them. Have fresh water constantly available to maintain hydration.

Monitor their glucose levels if fasting for over 12 hours to avoid drops in blood sugar.

Seek medical guidance if they go over 48 hours without sustaining nutrition. A decreased appetite indicates declining health necessitating close observation and supportive care measures.

Lethargy and Fatigue

Pomeranians are energetic little dogs that love playing, going on walks, learning tricks, and participating in family activities.

When they start acting listless, sleeping excessively, withdrawing socially, or avoiding normal exercise routines, lethargy has likely set in.

The emerging inactivity signals their compromised health prevents maintaining usual vim and vigor.

Underlying causes range from infections, fever, nausea, dehydration, heart or kidney troubles, hypoglycemia, anemia, cancer, and generalized age-related failure to thrive.

As ancestors of sled dogs, healthy Poms shouldn’t tire easily. Rapid onset exhaustion or breathlessness hints at a cardiac or respiratory culprit.

To help rouse their spirit and prevent muscle loss from inactivity, engage them in gentle attention sessions, like grooming, massaging, reading to them on the couch, taking driving trips to see neighbors walking their dogs, or carrying them short distances outdoors if they seem willing.

Support mobility aids like ramps, runner rugs, or slings. Monitor food/fluid intake and waste elimination patterns that may reflect developing organ issues.

Difficult or Labored Breathing

All dogs utilize rapid breathing to dissipate heat while excited or exercising vigorously.

Labored breathing at rest, even coughing or wheezing, suggests inadequate oxygen exchange likely tied to respiratory distress or cardiovascular impairment.

Some common conditions causing breathing troubles in Pomeranians include:

• Tracheal Collapse – Weakened windpipes common in small breed dogs
• Heart Disease – Enlarged heart impedes blood flow
• Fluid in Lungs – From heart failure, pneumonia, cancer
• Anemia – Inadequate oxygen-carrying red blood cells

Have your veterinarian evaluate new breathing troubles to identify the underlying cause and discuss palliative treatments. T

herapy ranging from diuretics, oxygen, steroids, antibiotics, and cough suppressants provide relief. In extreme cases, mechanical ventilation may temporarily assist fatigued respiratory muscles.

Struggling for air provokes panic, so do your best to remain calm and reassuring.

Discuss concerns about their discomfort honestly with your vet.

In some cases, euthanasia prevents prolonged suffering when treatment options dwindle.

Pay attention to breathing patterns at home too – flared nostrils, pronounced abdominal effort, wide-eyed distress signals, and restlessness indicate oxygen hunger.

Prioritize their comfort until the end – allow them to try positions that ease effort, provide fresh flowing air via fans or cracked windows, play soothing music, diffuse relaxing scents, and administer pain medication as prescribed. Putting them at ease lets natural closure occur peacefully.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Despite their small stature, Pomeranians maintain fairly consistent weights as adults per their breed size standards.

Noticing pounds shed without changes in calorie intake or exercise gives reason for concern. Sudden or progressive weight loss usually correlates with deteriorating health in aging dogs.

Getting weighed routinely facilitates early detection of unhealthy slimming.

Have your vet calculate ideal target weight ranges annually for your Pom’s structure as they age.

Expect some muscle loss over time that lightens frame density. But abrupt drops or sustained slide over multiple checks should trigger analysis.

Potential explanations span chronic malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies, parasitic infections, metabolic disorders like diabetes or hyperthyroidism, dental disease hampering eating, intestinal blockages, organ dysfunction, and cancerous cachexia.

If treatable conditions get ruled out, irreversible causes may simply reflect systemic decline as part of the dying process.

Changes in Elimination Habits

Pomeranians generally use designated areas for relieving themselves, indicating bodily control. housetrained pets who suddenly start soiling inside suggest possible incontinence issues, discomfort moving about, or cognitive decline interfering with appropriate signaling of their elimination needs.

Likewise, constipation followed by episodes of diarrhea or dark, bloody, unusually foul stool indicates GI upset or infection.

Straining unable to pass stool or urine may mean obstruction from masses or crystallization.

Pomeranians also prone to piecemeal urination require monitoring for total output deficits.

Bring any difficult, drastically different, or painful urinating/defecating to your vet’s attention, especially with secondary symptoms like vocalization or lip licking.

There are several remedies available to ease discomfort like antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, fiber supplements, subcutaneous fluids, or medications to strengthen sphincter competence.

Adjusting environmental factors helps too – adding pee pads closer to their rest areas, putting down urine-repellent plastic runners over frequented paths, laying straw bedding to absorb feces accidents, improving home ventilation against odors, and gently expressing anal glands when needed.

Stay attentive to their elimination habits as incontinence commonly accompanies the central nervous system and cognitive changes near end-of-life.

Social Withdrawal

Pomeranians thrive on close family connections and interactive play. They eagerly await beloved owners returning home, alert to noises suggesting their arrival.

Poms constantly shadow loved ones around households as ever-present companions curious about everyone’s activities.

When these little extroverts start withdrawing from previous social engagement into isolation, shifting family dynamics demand investigation.

While all dogs sleep more as they age, near round-the-clock dormancy signals bigger issues typically aggression.

Light and noise sensitivity from cognitive dysfunction may prompt retreats under furniture away from daily activity.

Chronic pain causes reluctance to move, partake in fun, or risk clumsily negotiated steps/jumps. Mounting illness saps energy reserves depleting any enthusiasm. Even stress, anxiety, and depression reduce engagement.

Evaluate when separationSTARTED, possible triggers prompting withdrawal like kids leaving for college or another pet dying.

Note interactions/events avoided – rowdy play? car rides? stairs? Comb for signs of discomfort like floor-scooting, limb guarding, head pressing, unwarranted nippyness.

Video captures telling body language. Time gentle enticements outside former habits. Massage away tension. Monitor for progress through the grieving process. Consult accredited pet behaviorists for situational advice or medication if sadness lingers.

While respecting old dogs’ choice to disengage, continually renew belonging cues through focused quality time. Moving gated enclosures near household happenings preserves security amidst inclusion.

Retain familiar scents/sounds/schedules associated with their caretakers. When health fails, rally visiting family to sustain loving pack bonds until it’s time to say goodbye.

Agitation and Restlessness

Pets nearing end-of-life may vocalize more, seeming restless or distraught without identifiable cause. Discomfort often underlies these behavior changes.

Organ function declines may produce toxins that literally poison mental clarity. Although agitation arises during both puppyhood and old age, the contexts differ significantly.

Rather than general excitement at life’s novelties, elderly dogs exhibit confusion seemingly unsure about even familiar environments, people, or procedures.

Random, aimless wandering about indicates failing recognition. They may get trapped behind doors/furniture unable to solicit help.

Pacing pantries or staring blankly at walls signals disorientation.

Sudden sensitivity to noises like clattering dishes or TV volume hints impairment.

Ruling out reversible influences like inadequate waste elimination or adapting sensory triggers reduces unnecessary suffering.

Confinement away from stressors sometimes settles anxiety but risks magnifying isolation or boredom.

Reassuring pheromones like DAP diffusers and snug-fitting thunder-shirts swaddle stability. Ask veterinary behaviorists about situational anxiolytics or sedatives appropriate for compromised organ function.

When restlessness stems directly from pain, correctly identifying THEN adequately managing discomfort also lessens distress. Record episodes detailing movements/positions/vocalizations trying to pinpoint pain sources.

In all cases, patiently redirecting confused dogs with soothing voices and caresses instead of loud reprimands gives Dignity during disorientation.

Protect their welfare without constraints until clarity returns or perpetual sleep grants lasting peace.

Hiding and Seeking Isolation

Dogs are pack animals wired to affiliate with our families as honorary humans granting them special allowances.

Dependent Pomeranians suddenly start hiding under beds for hours or retreating to dark corners of closets, such uncharacteristic avoidance signals physical or emotional unease requiring attention.

Solitude seeking usually indicates attempts to self-soothe pain, nausea, inflammation or insecurity.

Shying from touch also conveys discomfort – head flinching at normally welcomed pats or stroking suggests headache, oral sensitivity, muscle tenderness, or bone pain.

Yelping when lifted warns of arthritic joints or internal organ involvement. Whimpering upon contact hints at bruising or skin lesions hidden beneath fur.

Notice WHEN they started refusing cuddles to identify precipitating events – vaccines, falls, fights with other pets, a vet visit, grooming mishaps, or adding new furniture/flooring.

Review these environmental modifications along with any recent medication changes too.

Adapting aspects provoking negative reactions improves home safety.

Protect favored retreat areas but entice them to emerge using aromatic treats, new toys, catnip trails, or recorded bird chatter. Note success engaging their curiosity to gauge cognitive functioning.

When pain gets diagnosed through exams, starting analgesics alongside natural anti-inflammatories like fish oil promptly boosts activity levels as they mobilize comfort once more.

Some Pomeranians feel vulnerable when vision or hearing dims, so retain night lights, address hazards like stairs/drop-offs, anti-slip rugs, ramps easing access.

Reassure all is well stroking their head and murmuring encouragement when they accept contact again. Regaining confidence brings them out of hiding.

Increased Vocalization

Pomeranians represent a noticeably mouthy breed, quick to sound off alarms when the doorbell rings or something suspicious scratches the backyard gate at night.

But owners attuned to their usual chatter also notice when its frequency, urgency, volume or pitch changes in unpleasant ways.

New vocal habits in aging dogs commonly express emotional or physical discomfort.

Excessive whining, howling or even screaming suggests anxiety over isolation, confusion responding to once familiar stimuli, the disorientation of fading senses, or sheer frustration over increasing physical limitations.

Yelping hints at bone/joint pain, abdominal sensitivity or sudden neurological distress like seizures. Low growls warn others to keep away when movements exacerbate discomfort.

Pay attention to WHAT provokes new vocalizations – being carried or lifted eliciting howls clearly conveys location of injury.

Yipping excitement dashing toward the door morphing into head-held-low whimpers indicates hip dysplasia or spinal arthritis abruptly ends eager bounding.

Investigate plausible roots like mouth/dental disease, digestive upset, UTI inflammation, bone metastases, or muscle cramps.

Alleviating underlying causes when possible reduces suffering – anti-inflammatories ease arthritic or cancer pain, antibiotics resolve infections, custom mobility harnesses assist movement, ramps remove straining.

When approaching end-of-life, focus controlling discomfort through medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, gentle massage, or swimming.

Addressing emotional unrest eases distress too. Anxiety over fading eyesight improves adapting home spaces to avoid startling run-ins with furniture/stairs.

Calming treats with L-theanine or CBD replace alarming strangers passing by your yard. Secure baby gates prevent unsafe wandering but allow scanning familiar views/sounds.

Provide plush beds near family’s activities preventing lonely isolation. Hum along to favorite songs replacing mournful mutterings.

Increased Physical Affection and Clinginess

Companion dogs like Pomeranians overtly display affection licking faces, snuggling into laps for pets, draping over shoulders, and shadowing owners room to room.

But intensive clinging behavior beyond their normal demonstrations of attachment to a caregiver often discloses discomfort or fear.

Pomeranians feel safest immersed within their family “pack” dynamics. When illness, injury, or mobility issues strike, they instinctively seek security from trusted resources that include you.

Lean into this intensified need to bond through petting, massages, hand feeding, carrying them room to room rather than isolating them away from comfort of your presence.

Determine what specifically changed prompting this clinginess by asking – Did weather fluctuations make joint pain worse? Does a new neighborhood dog frighten them on walks?

Have caretakers returned to offices disrupting their perceived security? Did another companion pet get rehomed or die? Take notes identifying possible emotional triggers.

Veterinarians help diagnose physical conditions like dental disease, cancer, orthopedic disorders, or neurological dysfunction that could underpin clingy crying for relief.

Medications alleviating discomfort often reduce associated insecurity from vulnerability too.

Secure thunder-shirts apply steady pressure some Poms find calming. Investigate pheromone diffusers releasing “happy mom” chemicals settling anxious pups.

When health seriously fails, loyal Pomeranians participate in death vigils by rarely leaving their person’s side unless briefly lured away with treats or a compelling squirrel outside to chase.

Making intentional time focused fully on them amidst caretaking conveys deepest devotion – the ultimate gift of security as this final chapter closes.

Disinterest in Toys or Activities

Happy Pomeranians enthusiastically play fetch endlessly, attacking toy bins seeking favorite stuffed animals and triumphantly carrying choices about until they squeak themselves into disrepair or disembowelment spews fluff.

They eagerly await family members arriving home, unleashing effusive excitement dashing about at furious speeds before demanding vigorous belly rubs.

Closely monitor WHEN your formerly playful Pom stops greeting people, stops scanning rooms for toys, lacks motivation to walk neighborhood paths typically sniffed with keen curiosity, or sleeps through meals/outings/visits that previously roused ecstatic energy.

This withdrawal of engagement in previously enjoyed activities signals mental or physical discomfort sapping their quality of life.

Evaluate for developing illness like chronic pain conditions, advancing organ disease, metabolic disorders like diabetes or Cushing’s syndrome, dental infection, cancerous exhaustion, or mental decline from dementia that preclude normal enthusiasm.

Have your veterinarian run bloodwork panels checking for biochemical indications of sickness to address or manage for comfort if irreversible.

Though play drive fades as part of aging, Ziel providing adapted outlets for it at their evolving pace honors lifelong joie de vivre binding you together.

Instead of expecting them to sustain old play styles, adapt activities and environments to changing abilities. Replace miles-long hikes with meandering neighborhood strolls at their speed sniffing intriguing smells.

Sit on the floor initiating gentler toy games. Follow their engagement cues rather than insisting spite lackluster response.

When comfort replaces vigor as top priority, focus providing exceptional pain relief, soft bedding, warming pads, gentle brushing/massages and soothing talks conveying lifelong adoration.

If sadness, anxiety or insecurity troubles them, address emotional unrest too – anxiety wraps secure feared thunderstorm reactions while mood-elevating medications coax more lightness nearing the end.

What persists through every lifestage is conveying cherished companionship.

Sunken Eyes

Among the mast pathognomonic signs of impending demise include sunken, dull eyes – half-closed lids hood apathetic expressions. Brightly inquisitive eyes reflect daily enthusiasms.

Comparatively lackluster expressions disclose exhaustion – the mortal frame and spirit taxed beyond revitalization.

The eyes prove metaphoric windows into the soul. Initially apparent gaze changes seem cosmetic – fattening orbital pads atrophy away leaving sockets more prominent.

But profound fatigue and accumulating illness also extinguish inner sparkles. Treatment limitations eventually shift from curative to palliative care keeping patients comfortable as organ function fails.

Systemic disease and subsequent dehydration suck vitality from fragile bodies.

Kidneys falter producing urine so retain circulating fluid decreasing blood volume.

Congestive heart failure backs up blood behind inefficient ventricles. Open-mouth panting evaporates moisture.

Tumor cachexia corrodes fat and muscle including protective membranes leaving eyes appearing deep set.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is very prevalent in Pomeranians, especially as they age.

Some common heart conditions include mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

These diseases cause a deterioration of the heart muscle or valves, leading to congestive heart failure. Signs include coughing, trouble breathing, weakness, fainting episodes, and fluid accumulation.

Medications can help manage signs but heart disease eventually results in fatal arrhythmias or circulatory collapse.

Cancer

Pomeranians have higher rates of certain cancers compared to other breeds. Common tumors include oral melanoma, mammary gland tumors in unspayed females, testicular cancer in unneutered males, and skin cancer.

Tumors require surgêry, chemotherapy, or radiation but often metastasize to other organs. Aggressive forms ultimately overcome the body’s vital functions.

Collapsed Trachea

A frequent respiratory issue, collapsed trachea causes the airway to flatten and close instead of staying round.

Triggers include obesity, exposure to irritants, pulling on leash, or genetic defect.

A Pomeranian with a collapsed trachea struggles heavily to get air in and out of lungs, risking overheating, stress, and oxygen deprivation.

Severe cases can turn fatal without emergency surgery if the airway swells shut completely.

Liver Disease

Liver dysfunction develops from infections, toxins, or genetics. Signs involve vomiting, diarrhea, fluid retention, jaundice, and loss of appetite.

Examples include chronic hepatitis, liver shunts, or cirrhosis. The liver processes nutrients and removes waste, so if it stops functioning adequately, toxins build up, brain function suffers, and death results.

Some pets live years on medications before liver failure claims them.

Diabetes

Unmanaged diabetes mellitus proves fatal as glucose spikes damage organs throughout the body.

Without enough insulin, blood sugar spikes cause dehydration, starvation of cells, dangerous electrolyte disturbances, and coma preceding death.

Ongoing treatment challenges like regulating insulin, diet, and glucose checks help dogs manage the disease long-term to prevent crises.

Final Words

Owners of senior Pomeranians watch anxiously for any signs of their pet nearing the end.

Catching early clues allows people to modify care toward comfort, provide medical oversight as needed and prepare for their pet’s passing.

Key indicators to monitor involve energy levels, mobility, eating habits, organ function and behavior changes.

Combinations of these signs suggest to veterinarians that a dog is transitioning into the terminal phase.

While the thought of losing a beloved pet causes understandable sadness, focusing on efforts to ease pain and show support during the last days carries great significance.

Staying vigilant to a descending quality of life prompts decision-making to protect a Pomeranian from extended suffering.

Saying farewell also gives an opportunity to memorialize precious memories built over a lifetime together before a pet passes on.

With attentive appreciation and care in the final stretch, owners wholly express the unconditional bond with their pets.