Why Doesn’t My Pomeranian Bark

Pomeranians may be known as barkers but, sometimes you will have a Pomeranian that doesn’t bark. Why doesn’t my Pomeranian bark?

If a Pomeranian doesn’t bark it could be due to a serious medical condition, strained vocal cords, personality, or life experiences. It’s important to know when you should be concerned and seek veterinary care.

In this article, I discuss the many reasons why your Pomeranian doesn’t bark and when you should be worried.

What Are The Reasons Why A Dog Doesn’t Bark

There are many reasons why a dog doesn’t bark or has stopped barking.

Medical Conditions
Strained Vocal Cords
Breed Disposition
Past Experiances
Personality
Adjustment Period Of A New Home
Training

Your Pomeranian May Stop Barking Due To A Medical Condition

If your dog has recently changed its barking behavior and no longer barks or barks significantly less it may be suffering from a medical condition.

The most common medical conditions that may cause your dog to stop barking are recent surgery, illness, chronic vomiting, respiratory conditions, metabolic disorders, trauma to the trachea or larynx, or laryngeal disease.

Is Your Pomeranian Recovering From A Recent Surgery

If your dog is recovering from a recent surgery it may be a little sore and hoarse from having an endotracheal tube.

The endotracheal tube is used for administering the anesthetic gas during surgery. This tube can cause some irritation in your dog’s throat.

Common side effects include a raspy cough, dry cough, and voice changes.

In some dogs, the endotracheal tube can cause laryngitis. If your dog’s hoarseness does not improve within a couple of days after surgery you should contact your veterinarian.

Is Your Pomeranian Sick

If your dog is not feeling well it may not bark as often as usual.

Anytime your dog isn’t feeling 100% you can expect behavioral changes. Your dog may not want to eat, show interest in things they normally enjoy, stop playing, and sleep more often.

If you happen to notice any behavioral changes it’s best to visit your vet.

Has Your Pomeranian Been Suffering From Chronic Vomiting

Has your dog has recently experienced chronic vomiting due to eating garbage or a foreign object, diet changes, IBS, viral or bacteria infections, gastritis, or pancreatitis?

Any prolonged vomiting can cause your dog’s throat to become sore and make your dogs bark hoarse and weak.

Resting will heal the soreness and your dog will be barking as usual soon.

Does Your Pomeranian Have A Respiratory Condition

If your Pomeranian has one of the common respiratory conditions found in dogs they can experience wheezing, a difficult time breathing, coughing, gagging after coughing, and nasal congestion.

These symptoms may cause your dog to bark less. Your pup should regain its barking abilities when it has recovered from its respiratory illness.

The most common respiratory illnesses in dogs are.

Canine Distemper Virus
Kennel Cough
Pneumonia
Colds
Flu

Does Your Pomeranian Have A Metabolic Disorder

Some dogs suffer from metabolic disorders where their body has the inability to break down some substances due to the lack of specific enzymes.

The toxic substances can build up in the dog’s body.

Luckily, Pomeranians are not one of the breeds that are prone to this disorder. That said, these conditions can also be caused by excessive grass eating.

If your dog has a metabolic disorder it may not feel well and not bark as much as it used to.

Has Your Pomeranian Experianced Trauma To It’s Trachea Or Larynx

Pomeranians are prone to collapsed tracheas. A collapsed trachea can even be caused by mild trauma like wearing a collar (your Pomeranian should never wear a collar, use a harness instead).

If your Pomeranian has experienced trauma to its trachea or Larynx it may stop barking.

These are very serious injuries that may require surgery to repair. If you suspect that your dog has an injury to its trachea or larynx visit your vet immediately.

Does Your Pomeranian Have Larygeal Disease

Some dogs suffer from laryngeal disease or laryngeal paralysis which can cause the dysfunction of the larynx, the nerves within the larynx become weak and the cartilage collapses.

If your dog has laryngeal paralysis its bark may become weak, have noisy breathing, coughing, and have exercise intolerance.

Laryngeal paralysis is not common in Pomeranians and is more likely to occur in larger dogs breeds that are mid to advanced aged.

Your Pomeranian May Have Strained Vocal Chords

Has your Pomeranian been barking excessively?

Excessive barking can strain and inflame your dog’s vocal cords.

Fortunately, if your dog rests its vocal cords the inflammation and soreness will improve and they will be back to normal soon.

Some Dog Breeds Are Known To Be Quiet

There are some dog breeds that are known for being quiet like the Italian Greyhound and Shar-Pei. These dogs are a lot less likely to bark often compared to breeds that are known for barking like German Shepherds.

Our Pomeranians are known as being above-average barkers.

If your Pomeranian isn’t barking it will not be due to its breed disposition.

Your Pomeranian May Not Bark Due To Past Experiances

If you have adopted your Pomeranian you may not know everything about your dog’s past.

Your dog may encounter triggers that make it nervous and can cause your dog to not bark when you would normally expect barking.

Being silent may be a survival skill that your dog has developed.

Your Pomeranian May Have Strained Vocal Chords

Your Dog’s Personality Plays A Role In Barking

Even though Pomeranians are known to bark a lot it doesn’t mean that they will.

Every dog has its own unique personality that influences when and how often it barks.

Is Your Dog New To Your Home

If you have recently adopted or brought your new puppy home there is a natural adjustment period where you and your dog will need to get to know each other.

It may take time for your dog’s personality to come out and shine.

Your new pup may be shy at first and not bark as much as you may expect.

Has Your Pomeranian Been Trained Not To Bark

If you have adopted an adult Pomeranian it is possible that your dog has been trained not to bark.

If you don’t know your dog’s history and its been given a full bill of health from a veterinarian I would give your dog time to adjust.

Establishing the boundaries and bonds within your home may alter your dog’s behavior in the long run.

Should I Be Concerned If My Pomeranian Doesn’t Bark

There are times when you should be concerned about your dog’s lack of barking.

If your dog normally barks and can physically no longer bark or has any changes in its behavior I would immediately take them to the vet for care.

There are many medical reasons why a dog’s bark changes or stops completely. Some can be life-threatening.

Why Doesn’t My Pomeranian Puppy Bark

It’s possible that your P omeranian puppy hasn’t discovered the gift of barking yet. If your puppy can physically bark I would not worry.

On the other hand, if your puppy is trying to bark but, a sound isn’t coming out, I would bring that puppy to the vet.

Final Thoughts

Pomeranians are usually bark-loving dogs.

If your Pomeranian suddenly stops barking it may be an emergency and seek help immediately.

It is also possible that your Pomeranains personality leans towards being quieter than other dogs. If your dog is completely healthy I wouldn’t worry about their lack of barking.

Personally, I think it would be rare to have a Pomeranian that doesn’t bark that often. My dogs are guaranteed to bark when someone returns home and if they find something suspicious.