The Alaskan Malamute is a working dog originally from cold regions and has a thick coat to adapt to life in a cold climate. But once it lives in a warmer place, that heavy coat is no longer an advantage and instead makes the dog much more likely to develop different skin diseases. Preventing and treating skin disease is therefore a very important part of raising this breed.
Alaskan Malamutes are prone to eczema
Eczema can generally be divided into three types: erythematous eczema, acute eczema, and chronic eczema. The main symptoms of erythematous eczema include red rashes, red patches, and blisters on the skin. In serious cases, erosion and scaling may also appear. The dog will feel itching, pain, and heat in the affected area. In simple terms, this is a kind of allergic skin reaction that triggers inflammation of the surface skin cells.
Acute eczema mainly occurs on areas such as the back, face, bridge of the nose, eyes, and surrounding skin, and it can easily spread outward and form clusters of small blisters. If not treated in time, it may progress to a pustular stage and produce a very strong odor.
Chronic eczema is usually the result of acute eczema turning long-term. The dog may develop thickened skin, flaking, pigment deposition, coarser hair on the back, and more intense itching. The main affected areas are often the limbs and the back.
Skin disease caused by external parasites
Common external parasites include fleas, lice, ticks, and mites. If the dog comes into contact with other dogs or wild mammals carrying parasites during walks, it may become infected.
Skin disease caused by external parasites usually starts on the ends of the limbs, the face, the ears, the underside of the body, and the belly, and then gradually spreads across the whole body. In the early stage, red spots and papules appear, and on thinner areas of skin, blisters and pustules may also form. Because the Alaskan Malamute has such a thick coat and a large body, parasite-related skin disease is not easy to notice early. By the time it is discovered, it has often already become fairly serious.
Skin disease in dogs is troublesome to treat. The dog suffers, and the owner spends money and energy. Prevention is the best approach. For example, pay attention to walking locations and avoid letting the dog roll around in grass. After bathing an Alaskan Malamute, dry the coat promptly to reduce fungal and bacterial growth.