Should i neuter my malamute

All you want to do is cuddle and squeeze them, and spend literally every day locked in the house playing with them — forever…. Vet visits, injections and health checks are all too often in the early stages and, following all that, the final decision you have to make is whether or not to have your Alaskan Malamute spayed or neutered. The procedure usually involves cutting a small incision in the abdomen.

Whilst recommendations vary, vets typically suggest that you should have your Alaskan Malamute spayed or neutered between the ages of four and nine months. This is thought to have long-term health benefits, as well as helping to prevent behavioural traits, such as marking and aggression. Whilst some recommend spaying before first heat as young as five months , others suggest that this can increase the risk of mammary tumours.

These dogs have zero watchdog skills, but their size and wolfish appearance can still be a deterrent to bad guys. Other Malamutes are more discerning, more loyal to their family, and a bit reserved with outsiders.

A well-bred Malamute should never be aggressive, but unfortunately there are Malamutes that are not well-bred, and I have seen aggression issues with these dogs. Are Alaskan Malamutes good with children? I don't recommend Alaskan Malamutes for children younger than about age This is a very strong, vigorous breed that could knock over a small child. Even more concerning is this breed's likelihood of being possessive of his food and chew toys.

I would never allow a child or another pet near an Alaskan Malamute who is engrossed in his food or bones. Are Alaskan Malamutes good with other dogs? Certainly they co-exist with other dogs when they're involved in pulling a sled or cart. But out of harness, the Alaskan Malamute is very likely to be dominant and aggressive toward other dogs. Usually this aggression is same-sex, and in Malamutes, female-female conflicts are often more vicious and deadly than male-male. Honestly, unless you're very experienced with this breed, I prefer to see an Alaskan Malamute as an only dog.

Are Alaskan Malamutes good with cats? How much do Alaskan Malamutes shed? Tons and tons. Alaskan Malamutes are very heavy shedders.

Along with shedding great chunks of hair in the spring and fall, you'll find loose hair the rest of the year, as well. Are Alaskan Malamutes hypoallergenic? Good for people with allergies? How much grooming do Alaskan Malamutes need? The worst problems occur during adolescence months when the hormones are building. Most commonly I see animal aggression, rambunctiousness, dominance challenges, hauling people around on the leash, stealing food, howling, digging holes, massive destructive chewing, possessiveness of bones or food, escaping so he can go exploring, and generally getting into trouble.

What health problems might Alaskan Malamutes have? Loose hip or elbow joints are common in Alaskan Malamutes and can cause lameness and crippling arthritic pain. Cataracts and other eye diseases can cause blindness. Then there is cancer, bloat, and hypothyroidism. Most people who consult with me about getting an Alaskan Malamute say they're drawn to its wolfish appearance. When I discourage the breed, they ask, "Is there a breed that resembles a Malamute, but is easier to live with and train?

The breed that most closely resembles the Malamute, in looks and behavior, is the Siberian Husky. Unfortunately, this breed is no easier to live with and train. If anything, the Siberian Husky needs MORE exercise, is more likely to destroy things when bored, and is more likely to escape his yard.

On the plus side, Siberians are smaller and thus easier to handle, and Siberians are less likely to be aggressive toward people and other dogs. But still predatory toward cats and other small animals. Read my article. Ah, let the debate begin! Honestly, male Alaskan Malamutes have pros and cons, and female Alaskan Malamutes have pros and cons.

Visit Male Dogs versus Female Dogs. There's an adorable Alaskan Malamute puppy at the pet shop. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. This is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the cells that make pigment in the skin and inside the eyes.

It can cause pain or blindness inside the eye and the pigmented areas of his nose, lips, and skin to change from dark to light. Sunlight makes the condition worse.

Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Mals have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars and require daily insulin injections. It is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible.

Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Alaskan Malamutes are prone to this painful, long term condition in which one or more areas around the anus develop sores.

Signs include straining or apparent pain when defecating, bleeding, constipation, licking of the area, or smelly discharge around the rectum. The condition can be difficult to treat, and requires lifelong medications, prescription food, and sometimes even surgery. Sometimes a sweat gland goes berserk!

One gland will continue to grow out of control until it gets about as big as a grape, then pops. Gross, but not usually too painful. They are fairly common on many Malamutes. Sometimes a simple draining procedure can fix it, but more often surgery will be required to remove the annoying gland. Alopecia X or adrenal sex-hormone imbalance is known to causes patchy hair loss.

Neutering often resolves the problem. Alopecia X is more a cosmetic problem than a serious medical issue, but responsible Malamute breeders recommend not using affected individuals for breeding. Signs include red, hairless, crusting, scaling, or oozing skin around the mouth, chin, eyes, and ears or lesions on the foot pads and nose. Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have them.

In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections may occur. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand.

Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Your Alaskan Malamute is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia.

This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Retained teeth are common in small breeds like Malamutes. The retained puppy teeth trap food and hair between the normal adult tooth and the primary tooth. Painful gums, bad breath and adult tooth loss can result if untreated. Alaskan Malamutes are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life.

Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people.

Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs.