Falling in love with the Pomsky isn’t hard to do. With the adorable 50/50 mixture of Siberian Husky and Pomeranian. It is proven that mixed breed dogs do have fewer health problems than full bred dogs. But, due to the breed mixture, the Pomsky could inherit health problems from both breeds.
The Pomsky is a new designer dog breed. The health problems they face is not completely decided, yet. But, it is safe to say one thing. You may encounter the same health issues in them you see in a Siberian Husky. There’s also the chance you encounter the same health problems that Pomeranian’s have.
In the few years that the Pomsky has been around, one health problem is prominent. That health problem is dental disease. That’s why it’s important that your Pomsky receive regular dental check ups. A veterinarian would be able to check the condition of their teeth for you.
Dental disease in dogs is quite common. The scary truth is, most dogs develop periodontal disease by age 3. We may think that ensuring the health of our dog’s teeth is not important. But, in reality, it is. Your teeth can say a lot about your over all health. Just like us, dogs need their teeth brushed daily, too. The Pomsky is no exception.
The Siberian Husky and Pomeranian have been around for centuries. So, we’re a little more aware of what to expect with their health. The Pomsky breed will evolve over the years. That means it’s possible we may see some of the Siberian Husky and Pomeranian health problems pop up.
Siberian Husky Health Problems
Hip Dyplasia – Hip dyplasia could be a hereditary issue for the Siberian Husky. A veterinarian can perform a special x-ray on the pet to check for hip dyplasia.
There are a few symptoms you may see in hip dyplasia. Some of these symptoms may start off as almost unnoticeable. With hip dyplasia though, these symptoms may become severe, fast.
Some of the symptoms of hip dyplasia include:
- Hard time getting up after rest.
- A “bunny hop” with legs staying close together during running.
- Refusing to climb steps.
- Lameness in back legs.
- Refusing to jump up.
Entropion – Entropion is a fancy word for the eyelid rolling inwards. You see this quite often in the Siberian Husky breed. Entropion is hereditary.
When entropion is present, the hair of the eyelid rubs on the outside of the eyeball.
Some of the symptoms of entropion include:
- Pain
- Ulcers on the outside of the eyeball (the cornea)
- Scarring of the outside of the eyeball
- Vision difficulties
The only way to treat entropion is with surgery.
Corneal Dystrophy – This is another eye condition that is hereditary in the Siberian Husky. It is also seen quite often in the breed. With corneal dystrophy both eyes become affected.
Often this progressive eye disease affects the cornea. Just like entropion.
Symptoms of corneal dystrophy may include:
- Gray, transparent areas near the cornea of the eye.
- A tear on the outer layer of the cornea.
- Pawing of the eye.
It’s possible for a Siberian Husky to undergo surgery for corneal dystrophy. But, on most occasions, the hazy, gray area of the cornea will appear again.
Follicular Dysplasia – A Siberian Husky who suffers from follicular dysplasia will experience hair loss. This hair loss is often seen in places where grooming takes place most often. The hair loss is also seen in areas where the dog has experienced trauma.
There are treatments for follicular dysplasia. But, most cases are not cured even with treatment. The dog may still continue to have hair loss in that same area. Follicular dysplasia also isn’t just narrowed down to one area. You may see it in other areas as well.
Some of the symptoms you may see with follicular dysplasia include:
- Hair loss near the rear end of the dog
- Discoloration of the fur at a young age.
- Hair that breaks easier than normal.
Uveodermatologic Syndrome – Siberian Huskies have beautiful eyes. Often with beauty there comes a few conditions to be aware of. One of them being uveodermatologic syndrome.
Uveodermatologic syndrome is often seen with autoimmune issues in the breed. It effects areas of the body that have high pigmentation. For example, those beautiful crystal eyes of the Siberian Husky.
Symptoms of uveodermatologic syndrome may include:
- Inflammation inside of the eye
- Squinting
- Sensitivity to light
- Detachment of the retinas
- Sudden vision loss
- Loss pigmentation of the skin and fur
There is treatment available for uveodermatologic syndrome. With the first line of defense being aggressive treatment with medication.
Pomeranian Health Problems
For the most part, Pomeranian’s are healthy little dogs. Although they do suffer from health problems. Some health problems that are somewhat like those of the Siberian Husky.
Teeth – Pomeranian’s teeth often build up plaque fast. Their teeth are also fragile.
Collapsed Trachea – Many small dogs suffer from a collapsed trachea.
Some of the symptoms of a collapsed trachea may include:
- Coughing that sounds abnormal. It almost sounds like a goose.
- Coughing particularly after excitement or exercise.
In most situations, a collapsed trachea treatment includes medication.
Hypothyroidism – Many Pomeranian’s suffer from hypothyroidism. A Pomeranian with symptoms of hypothyroidism may also resemble the symptoms of Cushing’s Disease.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Lethargic
- Dry coat
- Over pigmentation of the skin
- Dog doesn’t do well in the cold
- Blood cholesterol that is high
- Anemia
Cushing’s Disease – Cushing’s Disease in a Pomeranian may almost mock the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Including the hair loss and weight gain.
Cushing’s Disease and hypothyroidism are not caused by the same thing, though. A case of Cushing’s Disease is the result of a tumor or hormones that are a bit overactive.
Some other symptoms, besides hair loss and weight gain, may include:
- Frequent urination
- High blood pressure
Alopecia X – This is a mystery disease for the Pomeranian breed. When diagnosed with Alopecia X, a cause is not found for the alopecia.
With this disease, there’s only one symptom. That symptom is hair loss. The Pomeranian may also encounter balding as well.
Seizures – Some Pomeranian’s may experience seizures. These are more common in smaller Pomeranian’s.
Some seizure causes include:
- A head injury
- Low blood sugar
- Liver shunt
- Water on the brain
Treatment for seizures will depend on what is causing the seizures. Treatment may range from medications to change in lifestyle.
Ear Infections – We all know how horrible an ear infection can be. Unfortunately for the cute little Pomeranian, they may experience them often.
The symptoms of an ear infection in a Pomeranian are somewhat like our own.
A Pomeranian with an ear infection may display symptoms such as:
- Using their paw(s) to scratch the ear
- Tilting their heads (this is often confused with a possible stroke)
- Crying
Ear infections may get serious quick. A veterinarian will find the cause of the ear infection. Treatments usually includes either oral medication and/or ear drops or ointments.
Conclusion
Looking at the health problems of Siberian Huskies and Pomeranian’s, you may feel discouraged. Remember that these breeds have been around for hundreds of years. We’ve had time to study them.
Later down the road the Pomsky may encounter some of these health conditions. But, as with the Pomeranian and Siberian Husky, every Pomsky isn’t affected.
As of now, the health of a Pomskie’s teeth is the most important. Regular dental check ups by veterianians are highly recommended.
