There could be any number of reasons why your malamute is looking a little on the skinny side, whether it’s because they are refusing to eat, whether they are on certain medications, or they have an underlying health condition you may not yet be aware of. 

Our article gives you the five most common reasons for a skinny malamute and what you can do to help improve your malamute’s health and well-being, so they can be back to the weight they should be and leaving you less stressed that something is seriously wrong.

Why Is My Malamute So Skinny? Possible Reasons

There are plenty of reasons why your malamute is skinny. It could be anything from their genetics to a medication they may be on. Here are 5 of the most common reasons why your Alaskan Malamute is so skinny. 

1. Insufficient Diet

Your dog’s diet plays a huge role in them gaining weight. If your pup isn’t getting the sufficient nutrients they need to put on weight they are going to lose it. This can be a gradual loss or it can be a relatively fast process. Although you may think you are feeding them what they need if you are giving your malamute dog food that’s designed for smaller breeds they won’t be getting what they need for their dietary requirements. A raw food diet or home-cooked diet can also lack certain nutrients so it’s key to start looking at what you are feeding your pooch as the first reason they may be skinny. 

2. Underfeeding

Just as an insufficient diet would make your malamute skinny so if underfeeding them. Underfeeding can occur when you are inadvertently giving your malamute the wrong size portion of food or because they are refusing to eat. This all has a big impact on the weight and size of your malamute. It’s important that you know exactly how much food you should be giving your malamute as well as how many times a day you should be feeding them. This will change as they grow. So if you haven’t increased their portion size since they were a puppy this could explain why your Alaskan Malamute is underweight and skinny. 

3. Too Much Exercise

Alaskan Malamutes are known for their stamina and crave mental stimulation and regular exercise. The recommended amount of daily exercise for an adult malamute is around 2 hours a day, however, with puppies, it’s crucial that you aren’t over-exercising them. Puppies need more rest than exercise while they are growing. Over-exercising your Malamute along with an insufficient diet can lead to malnourishment and a very underweight dog. 

4. Health Concerns

Certain health conditions can contribute to an underweight malamute. If you’ve checked out other contributing factors such as diet, overexercising, and medication, the underlying cause could be an undiagnosed health condition such as diabetes.

The only way you can be sure that your malamute has diabetes is by taking them to the vet, if they have diabetes then their bodies have a shortage of insulin so they don’t get any nourishment from their cells so they take it from their fat and muscle stores. Other possible health concerns could be parasites like worms. These parasites invade your dog’s gut and gastrointestinal organs preventing them from putting on weight. Should your pooch have parasites they will often show other symptoms such as bloating. If in doubt, or you suspect something else may be going on, it’s best to consult a registered vet. 

5. Medication

Malamutes are predisposed to getting certain health conditions and some of these conditions such as epilepsy will require your mal to be on medication. Just like human medication, dog medication can also have side effects, and a common side effect is weight loss or difficulty gaining weight. If your malamute is on any medication it’s worth checking what the side effects are and if you suspect that could be a reason why your malamute is so skinny then it is worth consulting your vet.  

Solutions For Helping A Skinny Malamute?

Whatever reason you believe could be causing your Alaskan Malamute to be skinny or underweight you’ll want to make sure you get it checked out and verified by a qualified vet. They’ll be able to examine your pup, perform a physical examination, they’ll ask you some questions and they may even run some tests to rule out other potential causes.

Your vet will want to know things about your Malamutes diet such as what you feed them, how much, and what types of foods your malamute enjoys. If they feel that you may be under-feeding your malamute they may ask you to increase their caloric intake and see whether you have any improvements over time, if that hasn’t made a difference, you’ll need to go back to your vet for a more detailed examination. 

If they rule that the cause of your Malamute’s skinniness is due to any medications they are taking, they may decide to swap the medication to something different and see whether that improves anything. You and your vet will need to work closely together to try and determine why your beautiful Alaskan Malamute is so skinny, but once a cause is found, things should improve fairly quickly.

Unfortunately, if your malamute is skinny your best option is to speak to a vet first before trying tips and tricks on your own accord as the last thing you want to do is make them worse.

How much should an Alaskan Malamute weigh?

According to the American Kennel Club, Alaskan Malamutes are considered to be a large breed. The average weight of an Alaskan Malamute will depend on certain factors such as height, diet, and genetics. The charts below show the average weight for both a female and male Malamute. 

Both female and male Malamutes will vary in weight, with males normally significantly heavier than a female. While these charts only go up to 16 months some malamutes will continue to gain a small amount of weight as they grow older. This is normally due to muscle gain and it is normally put on at a much slower rate than before. 

At what age is a Malamute full grown?

An Alaskan Malamute is normally full-grown by 2 years old. It’s said that a fully grown adult Malamute is between 23 and 25 inches in height. While your Alaskan Malamute may be close to their adult height by the age of 6 months, they are not considered fully grown until they have matured, which is normally by 2 years of age. The growth charts below will give a good indication of your Malamute’s height. 

The post Why Is My Malamute So Skinny? 5 Possible Reasons Why appeared first on Husky Habits.

Just like humans, huskies can also suffer from a condition called epilepsy. This is the most common form of seizure in dogs. Abnormal electrical activity in your husky’s brain cause seizures, affecting how your beloved pet behaves and looks. Some seizures can look like a twitch, while some can be uncontrollable full-body shakes. Seizures themselves can last anything from 30 seconds to several minutes. Anything that lasts longer than 5 minutes will need immediate medical attention from a vet. 

Many dog breeds are prone to seizures and sadly husky’s are one of those breeds. They can be happily playing with you one minute and then before you know it you’ll be shouting “help! My husky is having a seizure”.  While you may feel like you’re completely helpless at first. There is actually a lot you can do to help them.  We’ve put together a list of all the important information to help you look after your husky, so you know exactly what to do when the unthinkable happens.

How Do I Know If My Husky Is Having A Seizure?

Seizures in dogs can be pretty scary, especially if you have never witnessed one before, but knowing the signs of one can really help you get the most effective treatment for your four-legged friend. While not all seizures look the same, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Muscle Twitching (anywhere in the body)
• A vacant expression, they may not respond to you when you call their name
• Uncontrollable or jerky movements
• Paddling movements with their legs
• Collapse and loss of consciousness
• Passing of urine or poop
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Eyes rolling back or moving from side to side
• Tense or cramped muscles

It’s important to know that some seizures can affect the whole body whereas others may only affect parts of it.

What Do I Do If My Husky Is Having A Seizure?

After identifying that your husky is having a seizure you may feel like a helpless observer, however, you are far from it. Although none of us would like to ever witness this our beloved pooches, there are a few important steps we can take to help our huskies, even when they are mid-seizure. 

1. Stay safe and keep calm – It’s extremely important that we remain calm and level-headed as your dog’s health relies on your ability to focus. You’ll also want to take a look at your surroundings to make sure there is nothing around that could harm them, if there is, gently move it out of the way. Do not try to touch, or move your pet as they could end up biting you. It’s best to leave them to handle the seizure.
2. Check the time – Knowing when the seizure started and how long it lasted is very important as it will give your vet key information about your husky’s symptoms. If the seizure has lasted more than a couple of minutes your dog is at risk of hyperthermia. If you can keep, your dog cool by applying cold or wet towels to their neck, groin, paws, and head. Or if you have a fan turn it on and point it in their direction. 
3. Take a video – Although this is likely to be the last thing on your mind, taking a video will also provide key details about your husky’s seizure to your vet. Instead of you remembering all the symptoms and exactly what your husky was doing, a video will show your vet firsthand what happened. If you have someone else with you, get them to take the video while you time the length of the seizure.
4. Be reassuring – Witnessing your husky having a seizure is very unsettling, and our initial instinct is to cuddle them, but in this situation, you’ll want to stay away from them. Offering them reassurance by saying their name and telling them everything will be ok is the best thing for them. They are also going to look for you when they come round so being there as the first person they see will help to relax them and keep them safer and calmer. 
5. Call your vet – Once the seizure is over it’s important to call your vet, even if your husky seems normal. There are two types of seizures however that require immediate emergency treatment; cluster seizures and Status Epilepticus. These two types of seizures often require medical intervention and overnight hospitalization to help stabilize your pooch.
6. Keep a journal – If this is the first time you’re pet has had a seizure, it’s worth keeping a note of it. It’s highly likely that this is a one-off, however, some seizures can reoccur. By documenting the time, date, and how long it lasted will give your vet valuable information should your husky have another. It can also provide key information on the cause or reason behind the seizures.

What Can Trigger A Seizure In A Husky?

There are plenty of things that can trigger a seizure from toxins and diabetes to viral infections and heatstroke. It isn’t always easy to know what the actual cause is. While some seizures might occur due to genetics, others could be due to the medications they are on. 

Common causes of seizures in Huskies can include the following:

Regardless of the underlying cause, seizures occur due to faulty electrical activity in your husky’s brain.

Treatment For Seizures In Huskies

Depending on the cause of the seizure will depend on the possible treatment available. Your vet will run a series of tests to determine the root cause of your husky’s seizures. If no cause can be found then the likely diagnosis will be Idiopathic Epilepsy. 

Once a diagnosis has been made, your vet will work with you to find the best treatment for your pooch. This may include medications or keeping a seizure diary. Alternative treatments can also include complementary therapies like acupuncture or even a change in diet. A dog’s diet that includes medium-chain fatty acids as a fat source may be able to decrease seizures in some dogs.

How To Prevent A Husky From Having Seizures?

You need to be aware that your husky could have a seizure when you are not home. So, while stopping the seizures altogether may not be possible, prevention is the next best thing. By following these steps you can potentially help keep them safe, should they experience another seizure:

Take precautions – Look for potential dangers and mitigate them. For example, if you have stairs in your home, use a stair gate to keep your husky away from them. This way if your pet was disoriented after having a seizure it lowers the risk of them sustaining an injury from falling down them. 

Track medications – If you’ve been given medication to help manage your husky’s symptoms it’s really important that you are consistently giving them their medication. While we all know our lives can be pretty hectic, it might be worth keeping a medication diary or setting constant reminders on your phone so you never miss a dose. 

Watch out for side effects – Many anti-seizure medications have side effects. Some of these side effects can be temporary and last anything from a couple of days to 2 weeks, others can last a lot longer. If you notice any of the following side effects, contact your vet immediately; your husky is very lethargic, has trouble walking, or changes in their behavior. It might mean that the specific medication is not suitable for your husky and a new one will need to be found.

Are Huskies Seizure Prone?

There are three types of seizures that occur in dogs; reactive, secondary, and primary. 

Reactive seizures are caused by the brain’s reaction to a metabolic problem, such as low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin.

Secondary seizures are usually a result of brain trauma, tumor, or stroke.

If no underlying cause can be found, that would link the seizure to being a reactive or secondary seizure, then the likely answer would be that it’s a primary (idiopathic epilepsy) seizure. Primary seizures are usually inherited conditions. Episodes will usually begin between 6 months and 3 years of age. 

Some breeds are more prone to seizures than others. Just like Alaskan Malamutes, huskies are predisposed to getting epilepsy. If diagnosed with epilepsy, your husky will more than likely require lifelong medication to keep their seizures under control and regular blood tests to monitor side effects and efficiency of the medication.

The post Siberian Husky Seizures: Symptoms, Causes & What To Do appeared first on Husky Habits.

In this article, we will discuss the answer to the question “Do Huskies have separation anxiety?” and provide some tips to help minimize this problem.

Do Huskies have separation anxiety?

Most dogs suffer from separation anxiety when left alone or when going through even the slightest change in their daily routine. Huskies are no exception to this.

Generally, Huskies are friendly and outgoing dogs who naturally gravitate towards other dogs and humans. While at times they might be too aggressive towards smaller breeds, they would still prefer to spend time with other dogs than by themselves. 

When left alone, they can leave quite a mess in their wake. From plants to furniture to literally anything that can be picked up – name it, and there’s a chance that a Husky will want to chew it.

If this scenario sounds familiar, you may be dealing with a Husky who has separation anxiety.

Signs that your Huskies have separation anxiety

Separation Anxiety is a term used to refer to actions exhibited by dogs who, when left alone, show maladaptive behaviors like the ones listed below. 

As a pet parent, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with these behaviors and body language. Knowing them will help you understand your Husky better and learn what triggers their separation anxiety. It will also help you determine the best ways to reduce it.

Some of the common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs include:

• Pacing, whining, or following their owners around the house when they notice that you’re preparing to leave
• Excessive barking or howling
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Panting or drooling excessively
• Accidents from an otherwise well-trained Husky
• Destructive behavior such as chewing, biting, clawing, and digging anywhere in the house
• In extreme cases, Huskies may attempt to escape from the house by breaking through windows or chewing through doors. Damaged doors and windows are not rare either when you’ve got a particularly anxious Husky

Seeing just one or two of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean your Husky has separation anxiety. For instance, poor or inadequate training can be the cause for some of these symptoms. A puppy that has not been properly potty trained may have some bathroom accidents in his first few months. Also, there are plenty of reasons for a dog’s refusal to eat, some of which should be checked out by a veterinarian.

However, if many of these signs are exhibited by your Husky on a regular basis, particularly whenever they’re left alone, they might be suffering from separation anxiety.

6 ways to minimize separation anxiety in Huskies

1. Change your pre-leaving habits

Your pre-leaving habits say everything your Husky needs to know before you leave. You may not notice it, but there are things that you do before leaving that your dog definitely sees. These actions alert them that you’re about to go, building up their anxiety in the process.

For instance, habits such as grabbing keys off a key hook, taking your hat from the stand, slipping into your sandals, and even saying, “See you later, baby!” are signs that your dog is about to spend the next few hours by themself. Again, this makes them become anxious to the point that they may even try to stop you from leaving completely.

Try to switch up your habits every now and then to throw your Husky off. Also, train them to stop getting so worried by leaving and going back after a few minutes. This lets them know that you’re still going to return. You can start by minute, then five, then 10, and so on.

2. Stay calm when leaving and arriving

Huskies are very good at sensing what you’re feeling. If you’re always stressed and in a hurry before you leave your house, your dog will pick it up and feel stressed and rushed themself. This can worsen their separation anxiety. 

When arriving, a calm acknowledgment should also be enough. Acting too excited when you get home will make your dog look forward to it too much, which can also make their anxiety worse.

3. Provide a comfortable spot

Huskies consider tight, enclosed spaces as a form of comfort and safety. You should provide them a comfortable spot where they can freely go whenever they need some alone time. It could be as simple as an open cage or enclosure that they can enter and exit anytime. Make the space feel homier by putting their favorite toys and blankets inside.

4. Encourage sensory familiarity

It’s common for Huskies to feel unsafe without their furparent-slash-pack-leader around. Avoid making them lonely by giving them an item with your scent, like a worn t-shirt or a used pillowcase.

5. Make a dog pen outside

You may want to distract your Husky using their outside environment. This is an effective way to keep them from becoming anxious when you leave. If you have a big enough yard, you can make a dog pen outside where they can run and play while you’re not around.

6. Exercise your dog before leaving

Tired dogs are less likely to panic and become anxious in your absence. If you know you’re about to leave, provide an hour’s worth of exercise for your Husky to tire him out. Make sure to allow him to settle down for at least 20 minutes before actually leaving.

Helping your Huskies with separation anxiety

Huskies can have separation anxiety, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be avoided or minimized.

In this article, we learned that:

• Huskies get separation anxiety
• Some signs of separation anxiety include excessive barking, refusal to eat and drink, and destructive behaviors
• You can try changing your pre-leaving habits, exercising your dog, and other tips to reduce separation anxiety in Huskies

Did you like this article? Make sure to check out our other articles at Husky Habits!

The post Do Huskies Get Separation Anxiety? 6 Ways To Reduce It appeared first on Husky Habits.

Unfortunately, Huskies not only suffer from arthritis, but they’re also more prone to getting this joint disease. In this article, we’ll learn more about arthritis in Huskies, what the symptoms are, and what you can do to prevent it.

Do Huskies suffer from Arthritis?

Since Huskies are endowed with fast-paced metabolism, high endurance, and muscular physiques, they are natural-born runners who are able to cover long distances over extended periods of time.

Sadly, these excellent traits come at a price. Huskies are at an exceptionally high risk of developing osteoarthritis. Just like in humans, osteoarthritis in dogs is a disease that is caused when the cartilage around the joint bones starts wearing off. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing mild to severe pain and even limited mobility.

With most dog breeds, osteoarthritis is something that usually only happens in old age. But since Husky breeds are naturally predisposed to it, arthritis can start in Huskies that are as young as a few years old. The symptoms may not start showing until years later, however.

Another health problem that can lead to arthritis is canine dysplasia. This is also a very common hereditary disease in purebred Huskies. When a Husky is born with dysplasia, it means their joints weren’t formed properly, causing problems in their body. As they grow older, this will eventually result in arthritis.

What are the signs of arthritis in Huskies?

Here are some signs to look out for if you think your Huskies have arthritis.

• Limping
• Lethargy
• Unwillingness to get up, run, or play
• Sudden change in behavior
• Unusual weight gain
• Pain when being touched
• Accidents inside the house
• Loss of muscle mass

If you see at least two or three of these signs, it’s time to schedule a visit to the veterinarian. The vet will take an X-ray of your Husky’s joints to determine where he or she really has arthritis. If it’s confirmed to be arthritis, the vet will recommend suitable treatments to alleviate your dog’s pain.

How to prevent arthritis in Huskies

While arthritis is a completely treatable disease, that doesn’t mean it’s nothing to worry about. Keep in mind that arthritis is a very cruel disease for breeds as active as Huskies, who are used to playing, jumping, and running all day long. Arthritis can severely limit and, in extreme cases, even hinder that completely.

Here are some things you can do to prevent arthritis in Huskies.

Watch out for warning signs

Arthritis doesn’t come from nowhere. It’s a disease that takes months and years to fully develop. In order words, it’s impossible for a Husky to not have it one day and then suddenly have it the next day. So if you see some early symptoms in Huskies, be sure to check with your vet immediately.

Have them tested for hip dysplasia

Dogs with dysplasia are more likely to get arthritis as they grow up, and dysplasia is a very common disease among Huskies. As a precaution, have your Husky pups tested for hip or elbow dysplasia as soon as possible, which is typically around 4 months old for hip dysplasia and 5 months old for elbow dysplasia.

Don’t let them get too heavy

Overweight Huskies are more likely to develop arthritis since the excess weight causes additional stress on the joints. Keep your Huskies at a normal weight to lower their chances of developing arthritis someday.

Use joint supplements

Supplements can help keep your Husky’s joints healthy and promote healthy cartilage development. You can also feed them foods rich in Omega-3 like fish treats or fish oil.

Final thoughts

So, do Huskies suffer from arthritis? Yes, it’s actually very common in Huskies. Luckily, it’s completely treatable and preventable, with the right steps.

In this article, we learned that:

• Huskies can suffer from arthritis
• Arthritis and dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis, are common in Husky breeds
• Limping, lethargy, pain when touched, and unwillingness to get up are symptoms of arthritis
• Use preventive measures to ensure that your Husky won’t get arthritis

Did our article answer your question? Make sure to visit our blog at Husky Habits!

The post Do Huskies Suffer From Arthritis? 5 Ways to Prevent It appeared first on Husky Habits.

Of course, it can always be just a simple gag reflex from drinking too much too quickly. But as a pet parent, we always want to be sure that our precious furbabies are always well and healthy.

In this article, we’ll find out what causes Huskies to throw up and when it is time for you to visit your friendly veterinarian.

Why does my Husky throw up after drinking water?

Before discussing why your Husky throws up after drinking water, it’s important to first differentiate what regurgitation versus vomiting means. Doing so can help determine the underlying reason why your dog is throwing up.

Regurgitation means ejecting content from the esophagus. This happens passively as no abdominal effort is required. It primarily happens because of undigested food or water that was not swallowed properly. If your Husky is the type to quickly lap up their food and water, you’re going to observe this more often.

On the other hand, vomiting means ejecting content from their stomach. This is an active process involving obvious contractions of the abdominal wall. It’s often described as heaving and is usually preceded by signs of nausea such as drooling, licking lips, and excessive swallowing. There are many reasons why this could happen, and we’ll discuss the most common ones below.

5 reasons why your Husky throws up after drinking water

Water Intoxication

When Huskies drink a lot of water in a short period of time, they can get water intoxication. This can happen when they drink water too excitedly or when they consume too much water while swimming.

Some signs of water intoxication include vomiting, nausea, bloating, lethargy, and lack of balance. If you notice these signs, make sure to get your Husky to the vet as soon as possible, as water intoxication can cause organ failure and even death.

Digestive Issues

If your dog throws up a green-yellow liquid after drinking water, it’s probably bile. The main job of bile is to help break down food and separate nutrients from waste matter. However, the digestive tract may not always work at its best, so your Husky may end up vomiting the bile instead. 

When this happens, take away the water for a few hours and replace your Husky’s regular food with a bland variety, like skinless chicken breast, boiled potatoes, or rice. Their upset stomach will eventually settle down.

Parasites

Dogs love to roam and sniff around. Husky breeds like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are especially guilty of this since their sled dog ancestors were used to roaming during long travels. But while roaming isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it could lead to them picking up parasites from contaminated water or animal excrement.

Giardia and cryptosporidium are two kinds of protozoans that can cause Huskies to throw up after drinking water. If you think they’re infected, watch for diarrhea or green-colored stools, as those are sure signs of parasitic infection. Make sure to bring your Husky to the vet so that they can get the proper treatment.

Thyroid Problems

When your Husky throws up what looks like a clear liquid, it may be because of a thyroid problem. The thyroid is what regulates your dog’s metabolism. If it’s not active enough, as in the case of hypothyroidism, it can cause your Husky to throw up after drinking water.

Other common symptoms include a balding coat, excessive shedding, a substantially reduced heart rate, and lethargy. They may also have thickened facial skin, deposits of fat in the corneas, and an odd head tilt. Get your Husky checked out by the vet if you notice these symptoms.

Kidney Failure

The kidneys act as a filter that removes waste and extra fluid from your Husky’s body. If you notice a significant increase in your dog’s water consumption and urination, then there is a possibility of a kidney issue. Aside from your dog throwing up water, or clear liquid, other symptoms include depression, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a foul-smelling breath.

Unfortunately, if your dog has already reached kidney failure, that means they’ve already had the disease for months or even years. Check with your vet to see if there’s any supportive treatment that can still be done.

What can you do if your Husky is throwing up water?

Any furparent can get flustered if they see their furbaby start throwing up. Here’s what you should do:

Inspect the vomit

Inspecting your Husky’s vomit can help you determine the cause. Look out for food bits, blood, bile, or anything else that seems out of place.

Take away their food and water

While it seems tempting to give your Husky water to prevent them from getting dehydrated, water can trigger the gag reflex and cause more vomiting.

It’s recommended to take away all sources of food and water for at least 6 hours. If your Husky doesn’t vomit during that time, offer a small amount of water and, if your dog can hold it down, gradually reintroduce larger amounts.

Move harmful items out of reach

Dog-proofing your home includes moving items like household cleaners and medicines away from the reach of your precious pooches. These can cause adverse effects like kidney damage on your Husky so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Final thoughts

Throwing up after drinking water does not always mean trouble for your Husky, but it could be a sign of something more serious.

In this article, we learned that:

● Most of the time, Huskies throw up water simply because they drank it too quickly

● Vomiting is different from regurgitation; the latter is what normally happens when dogs drink water too quickly

● Aside from water intoxication, other possible reasons why Huskies throw up may include parasites, digestive issues, thyroid problems, and kidney failure

● Lastly, as much as we want to give our dogs water in fear of dehydration after they vomit, it’s best to wait 6 hours first

Did this article solve your problem? If you want to know more about Huskies, feel free to visit our blog at Husky Habits!

The post Why Does My Husky Throw Up After Drinking Water? appeared first on Husky Habits.

It’s not always easy to distinguish what’s causing this behavior in your precious Malamute. Alaskan Malamutes are great pets who are typically playful and loving, so it can be very strange to see them down and upset. As a fur parent, you must figure this out before it leads to something worse.

Here are some reasons why your Alaskan Malamute is not eating.

Your Malamute may be sick

Do you enjoy eating when you’re sick? If you’re like most people, you probably don’t feel like eating when you’re ill.

The same can be said for your Alaskan Malamute. Underlying health issues can sometimes show up in symptoms like a lack of appetite.

This means that if your Alaskan Malamute has a health problem, it can cause them to stop eating.

They are especially prone to Zinc deficiency, specifically Type 1 Zinc-responsive dermatosis. This nutrient is primarily responsible for maintaining the body’s normal functions. A lack of Zinc can cause a loss of appetite in Malamutes.

Aside from that, there are many other illnesses that affect dogs in general, so regular check-ups at the vet is important.

Your Malamute doesn’t like the dog food

This is the most common reason for Alaskan Malamutes not eating. However, it’s not always that straightforward.

To say it simply, not all dog food is created equal. Most cheap dog food brands use low-quality ingredients like by-products, fillers, additives, preservatives, chemicals, and other irritative or harmful components.

For Malamutes, eating low-quality dog food may not just taste unpleasant. It can also make them ill.

Plus, Malamutes have excellent metabolism, which means they can go for a long time without eating. They’re more likely to pass on bad food because their metabolism affords them to wait until something better comes along.

Something is stressing them out

Dogs are generally very sensitive to their environment, and they feel the most vulnerable to danger when eating.

Alaskan Malamutes, in general, have very strong senses. The slightest change in their surroundings can put them off their food.

Major changes, like moving houses, have a higher chance of stressing them out. However, even minor changes like a new pet or an unfamiliar noise can lead to the same result.

If you think your Malamute is too stressed to eat, try moving his food bowl somewhere more private and less prone to interruptions.

It has a highly irregular feeding time.

Dogs, like humans, are creatures of habit. They feel more at ease when they have a set routine.

If you’re not feeding your Alaskan Malamute according to schedule, it’s time to start doing that now. Routines can help dogs cope better with changes in the household and primes their appetite.

Once you’ve made a feeding schedule, make sure to stick to it. Eventually, your Malamute’s body will adjust and expect food at those times, making it easy to predict their appetites.

He’s restless from a lack of exercise

Alaskan Malamutes were bred to be one of the most hardworking dogs known to man. They were trained to have the energy for days of heavy pulling across countries in harsh arctic conditions.

Since your Alaskan Malamute has lots of energy in his body, he needs to release it somehow. This breed requires a minimum of two hours of exercise per day, more so if he’s in his prime.

Sled dogs, in general, have an interesting metabolism. They can consume many calories, but when needed, these dog breeds can “flip a switch” that lets them endure strenuous conditions for days while consuming only very little food.

Simply put, not eating for a day or two is a piece of cake for an Alaskan Malamute that isn’t using up its energy.

How to Get Your Alaskan Malamute to Eat

Now that we know some of the most common reasons for your Alaskan Malamute not eating, here are a few fixes that you can try.

Switch to higher quality dog food

Pick a brand that doesn’t contain common allergens like chicken, lamb, and pork. Instead, go for one that uses turkey, duck, or fish as a primary protein source.

You can also try adding wet food to your Malamute’s diet. Aside from being tastier, wet food also contains a lot more nutrients than dry kibbles. You can try mixing your Malamute’s favorite wet food with wet kibbles in an 80-20 split to entice it to eat more.

That said, keep in mind the amount of calories he’s eating, and don’t give him too much wet food.

Visit the nearest vet

If it’s not the dog food, then it could be something worse. To clear your doubts, it’s best to take a trip to the vet.

As mentioned above, lack of appetite can be a sign of a severe health condition. Your vet will perform all the necessary checks and will recommend the appropriate actions based on the findings.

Increase exercise and playtime

So you’ve changed food brands, and the vet says nothing is amiss health-wise. And yet, your precious pet is still not eating.

Don’t worry, you just need to increase his exercise and playtime. As mentioned, Alaskan Malamutes need plenty of exercise to function at optimal conditions.

Older or younger Malamutes are usually okay with less than two hours of exercise. But Malamutes at two to seven years old may be satisfied with that. Try getting it to be more active and see if it sparks that appetite.

Also, make sure to time their exercise so that it’s not within two hours of eating.

Final thoughts on your Alaskan Malamute not eating

It can be worrying for you to see that your Alaskan Malamute is not eating, but luckily, there are plenty of ways to solve this problem.

In this article, we learned that:

• Underlying health issues can cause your Malamute to lose its appetite
• Low-quality dog food might be putting off your pet
• Sudden changes can stress out your Malamute
• Your pet might have unpredictable appetites
• Restlessness can stem from a lack of exercise
• You can solve the problem by changing dog food brands, going to the vet, and giving them more exercise time

Want to learn more about Alaskan Malamutes? Don’t forget to check out our blog here at Husky Habits!

The post Why Is My Alaskan Malamute Not Eating? 5 Reasons Why appeared first on Husky Habits.

What might seem small to use, can be extremely frustrating to our pooch. That’s why we’ve listed the top five reasons why your husky keeps scratching his ear and some possible treatments you can use at home to help relieve the itching as well as prevent any possible itching in the future will mean fewer trips to your vet. 

Autoimmune Skin Disease

More common in Siberian Huskies, Pemphigus Foliaceus is a superficial skin disease that can cause itchy ears. It often starts around the age of 4 years old and can cause scabs, hair loss, and ulcers, usually on top of their nose and inside the ear flap. But they can also be found around their eyes, on their pads, and around their groin area.

It’s not known exactly what the cause of this skin disease is as it can appear suddenly. In some cases, it may be drug-induced or it could be a result of years of chronic skin disease. This complex disease is also known as uveodermatologic syndrome and is the result of your dog’s immune system forming antibodies against its own pigment cells.

Skin Infections

Your husky is prone to a skin infection called zinc-responsive dermatosis. This is a result of your husky either not getting enough zinc in his diet or he doesn’t absorb it properly. The former is often referred to as Syndrome I Zinc-responsive Dermatosis – which is the most common one for huskies – and the latter is referred to as Syndrome II Zinc-responsive Dermatosis – which is more common in German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Poodles.

Symptoms for Syndrome I Zinc-responsive Dermatosis include erythema, alopecia, and crusting/scaling around the mouth, nose, and ears.  Other regions such as their vulva, scrotum, and anal areas may also be affected. For a formal diagnosis, it is advised that you see a vet so that they can do a skin biopsy to rule out any other conditions.

Parasites

If your husky scratches his ears a lot or shakes his head it could be a sign of parasites. Although ear mites can affect any dog, huskies can also get them. They are microscopic organisms that are hard to spot with the naked eye and are like tiny white dots. An ear mite infection will cause your dog’s ears to itch resulting in them shaking their heads frequently and scratching them with their paws. You may also notice that your dog’s ears are red and inflamed. Ear mites will cause a dry black discharge to appear from the ear as well as an unusual odor. Although ear mites are rare, it’s always worth getting your dog checked by a vet if you suspect they may have them. 

Ear mites aren’t the only parasite that may be causing your husky discomfort. Fleas and ticks can also find their way into your dog’s ears. You can tell if your dog has fleas in its ear as the ear will look dirty and what looks like black pepper flakes in and around the ears. Ticks are often a lot easier to see as they are larger than both ear mites and fleas. They are often easy to remove, however, if they have gone too far into the ear canal then you may need to seek assistance from a registered vet. It’s really important that you remove ticks, fleas, and ear mites as soon as possible as they often carry other potential diseases such as Lyme Disease or tapeworm and can cause other health conditions such as anemia.

Foreign Objects

Sometimes dogs can get foreign objects stuck in their ears, this could be anything from a grass seed or hair to a tiny fly or tick. When this happens it will often annoy your dog and they’ll shake their head or itch until they get it out.

Grass seeds, believe it or not, are the most common form of foreign object that appears in your dog’s ear. This is usually a seasonal problem and occurs mainly in the summer months when your husky is jumping and running through a field of long grass. These will normally correct themselves in a few hours however, if it doesn’t you may need to give it hand by removing it yourself or contacting a vet.

Ear Infections

There are a host of things that can cause ear infections. The main causes of ear infections are bacteria or yeast and sometimes can be a combination of both. All the issues above can also result in ear infections if left untreated. Signs your dog might have an ear infection include dark discharge coming from the ear, excessive scratching and head shaking, an unpleasant odor, redness and swelling around the ear canal, as well as crusting/scabs in the ear.

Huskies are more prone to ear infections due to their predisposed medical conditions like Autoimmune disease, allergic skin disease, and thyroid issues.

Home Remedies

There are plenty of home remedies out there for you to manage your husky’s itchy ears. However, you will want to get them to check out by a registered vet first, to make sure there is nothing more serious going on. Checking these conditions out with your vet first will also help you know that the home remedies you plan to use are actually the correct options as you want to help your pooch get better not make it worse. 

There are a couple of home remedies that can help relieve those pesky itches include:

Ear Cleaning 

Regular cleaning of your dog’s ears regularly will help keep their ear canals free from wax build-up and helps to clean out any debris. For those husky’s that love a good swim, you’ll want to make sure that you dry their ears with a soft cotton pad as moisture build-up can lead to ear infections. There are plenty of ear cleaning kits that will help to relieve the itching and clean out the ears at the same time, plus they are made from natural ingredients so you won’t have to worry about nasty chemicals. 

Topical Treatments

There are a number of good topical creams and treatments out there that help relieve itching. Hydrocortisone creams can also be applied to itchy ears for instant relief and applied twice a day. Other topical treatments include Calendula Lotion, Mullein, and even dog-safe ear drops. 

Dietary Changes

One cause of itching can be a result of your dog’s diet, which experts say plays a huge role in their immune system. Dry or stale kibble can lead to bacterial imbalance and lower immunity. So if this is the case, you’ll want to ditch the kibble and replace it with moist, natural dog food instead. Making this switch will not only reduce the itching and risk of ear infections it will also benefit their fur and skin.

You could also add certain supplements to your husky’s diet if they are lacking this in their food. To help relieve itching you’ll want to look for anti-inflammatory substances like fish oil, vitamin E, Turmeric, and even probiotics. We strongly recommend that you check with your vet first before introducing any of these substances.

The post 5 Reasons Why Your Husky Is Scratching His Ear appeared first on Husky Habits.