The Pom Double Coat: Spectacular and Serious
The Pomeranian's coat is one of the most visually dramatic in the dog world — that full, cloud-like ruff, the plumed tail, the overall impression of a very fluffy, very confident small dog. Maintaining that coat in India's heat and humidity takes more than good intentions. It takes the right knowledge and the right routine.
Understanding the Pom Double Coat
Pomeranians have a classic double coat: a dense, woolly undercoat and a longer, harsher outer coat that stands away from the body to create that characteristic puffed look. The ratio of undercoat to outer coat is high — Poms are substantially more undercoat than they appear from the outside.
This coat sheds significantly, with major blow-coat events typically twice a year. In India, many Pom owners see prolonged shedding from the undercoat due to year-round warmth — the coat doesn't fully "settle" the way it does in cold-climate countries.
Alopecia X: What Every Pom Owner Should Know
Alopecia X — also called Black Skin Disease or coat funk — is a condition specific to Nordic and double-coated spitz breeds, including Pomeranians. It's characterised by bilateral symmetric hair loss starting from the back and hindquarters, with skin darkening in affected areas.
The cause is not fully understood, but it appears to be hormone-related. Importantly for grooming: over-clipping or shaving a Pom can trigger or worsen Alopecia X, and some cases have been associated with traumatic coat damage from incorrect tools or excessive deshedding.
What this means for grooming: Never shave a Pom coat unless medically indicated. Avoid aggressive deshedding tools used too frequently. If you notice symmetric hair thinning, speak to a vet — preferably a dermatologist — before proceeding with any treatment.
Brushing Schedule for Poms in India
- Minimum: Three times per week
- Ideal: Daily, or every other day
- During blowing coat: Daily without exception
Tools needed:
- Pin brush: For the outer coat. Use to fluff and separate.
- Metal comb: For detecting tangles and mats the pin brush misses, especially around the ears, collar area, and hindquarters.
- Slicker brush: For finishing and removing surface loose hair.
Always brush in sections, working from the undercoat outward. "Line brushing" — parting the coat and brushing in layers from skin outward — is the only way to actually address Pom undercoat properly.
Bathing Frequency for Poms in India
Every 2–3 weeks. The dense undercoat traps more dust, dander, and skin oils than the outer coat suggests. Regular bathing maintains skin health and reduces that "Pom smell" that many owners notice in badly-maintained coats.
Pre-bath: Brush out all tangles and mats. A mat that gets wet during bathing tightens dramatically and is nearly impossible to remove without cutting.
Wetting: Pom coats are very water-resistant. Spend 3–4 minutes thoroughly wetting before adding shampoo. A shower attachment close to the coat is necessary — pouring water from above won't penetrate.
Shampoo: Work BSCLY pH 6.8 Dog Shampoo to skin level through the undercoat. The outer coat is what you can see — it's the skin underneath that matters.
Conditioner: Essential for Poms. Apply from mid-shaft down and allow to sit for 3 minutes before rinsing. Conditioner makes post-bath brushing dramatically easier and prevents the undercoat from matting as it dries.
Drying a Pom Correctly
Incorrect drying is the most common cause of coat and skin problems in Poms. The undercoat must be completely dry — not just the surface.
- Towel blot (not rub) to remove excess water.
- Blow dry on medium heat, working in sections with a slicker brush — brush and dry simultaneously to prevent tangles forming as the coat dries.
- Confirm the undercoat is dry by parting down to the skin and feeling. Warm and damp means continue drying.
- Finish drying in the direction of coat growth to encourage the characteristic standing coat.
Seasonal Shedding Management
During blow-coat periods, increase brushing to daily and use a metal comb to reach undercoat that the pin brush misses. Bathing during peak shedding can help — warm water loosens the shed undercoat and makes removal easier. Follow immediately with thorough drying and a full brush-out.
Give your Pom the coat care their spectacular coat deserves. Start every bath with BSCLY pH 6.8 Dog Shampoo.