Did you know that the Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest breeds of sled dogs? This breed is native to the arctic zone and its great beauty, its great strength and ability to work stand out, which is why this type of dog was chosen to carry out expeditions to the polar circle and rescue wounded during the Second World War..
Although it is a dog very close to the wolf and has hardly been modified since its origins, its temperament is very balanced, being a loyal, affectionate, playful dog with a strong protective instinct towards children.
It is a dog commonly identified by its dense and voluminous coat, a coat that makes this animal a pet that needs specific care. In this AnimalWised article we show you how to take care of an Alaskan malamute in summer.
The fur of the Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute has accompanied the Eskimo tribes since its origins, in truly adverse weather conditions, but for which this type of dog was specifically prepared. How? In addition to its robust structure, its greatest ally in this frigid climate has always been its fur.
Another dog that has these characteristics is the Siberian Husky, which, although similar to the Alaskan Malamute, has several differences from it.
The Alaskan Malamute has two layers of hair:
- Externa: It is characterized by being a very thick layer with a rough texture
- Internal: This layer is less dense and has an oily feel and a wool-like texture
His fur grows longer on the neck, shoulders, tail, and back. Another genuine feature of the Alaskan Malamute's coat is that When it gets wet, it doesn't shrink.
The Alaskan Malamute and Summer
In the Mediterranean area, during the summer, temperatures can reach around 38 degrees centigrade, sometimes it is too much for us, imagine what it can mean for an arctic dog…But does this mean you can't have it?
Not at all, but you should know that it will not be pleasant for your dog, although with responsible ownership you will provide him with the necessary care during this time of year and you will be able to ensure that your dog maintains aoptimal state of he alth and well-being , although the environment that is presented to it is completely different from the original habitat of the breed. That is why it is so important to discover how to care for an Alaskan Malamute in the summer.
Care that the Alaskan Malamute needs during the summer
How to take care of an Alaskan Malamute in summer so that the hot temperatures are as bearable as possible for him? Below we show you everything you need to take into account to provide the best care for your dog:
- You should avoid having the dog outdoors during the day, on the contrary, He should stay indoors during the main central hours, but this is not enoughAn Alaskan Malamute needs a system that provides a good temperature, be it a fan or air conditioning. To achieve this decrease in temperature inside the home, try to ventilate at night and keep the blinds lowered as much as possible during the day.
- Your dog needs fresh water constantly This is obvious care for any dog, but especially important for an Alaskan Malamute during the summer. Water must be a main medium to allow your body not to harbor more temperature than it usually bears. Change the water several times a day and if possible serve very cool water, for example mixing water at room temperature with water that has been chilled in the fridge.
- The dog should be brushed daily, since it will be very important to be able to remove all the dead hair as well as any residue that may be found on the fur.
- A dog like this needs daily physical exercise, but as a responsible owner, You need to know when to take him out for exercise and you only have two left available times during the summer: the coolest hours of the morning and the coolest hours of the night.
By paying close attention to your dog during the summer and providing all the care that we have mentioned above, you will be able to guarantee the he alth of your pet, even though it's arctic and the weather is extremely hot.
Keep an eye out for heat stroke
An Alaskan Malamute is very susceptible to heat stroke, so it is very important that you remain attentive to your dog during the summer and that you can notice what are the symptoms that characterize this condition:
- Very high body temperature
- Blue discoloration of the mucous membranes
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, and fast heart rate
- Profuse salivation
- Muscle incoordination, weakness
If you observe these symptoms in your dog, it is important that you apply first aid for heat stroke and go to the vet immediately if it does not improve.
