Complete Alaskan Malamute Grooming Guide for Home Care

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Posted Nov 5, 2024

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Young Woman Sitting on a Park Bench with an Alaskan Malamute at Her Feet
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Taking care of your Alaskan Malamute's grooming at home requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their thick coat.

Brush your Alaskan Malamute 2-3 times a week, or daily during shedding season, to prevent matting and tangling of their thick coat.

Their thick double coat sheds heavily twice a year, with the most significant shedding occurring in the spring and fall.

Brushing also helps to distribute skin oils, keeping their coat healthy and shiny.

Brush

Brushing is essential for Alaskan Malamutes, and you'll want to do it at least once a week, but more often during shedding seasons.

To prevent matting and keep your Malamute's coat healthy, use a Rake to remove excess undercoat. Regular dog brushes often don't work as well as rakes for this task.

A Slicker brush is another good option for removing loose hairs and preventing mats, especially for Malamutes with dense coats.

Brushing with a Slicker brush or de-shedding tool can also help reduce shedding at home.

For detangling dense coats without irritating the skin, consider using an Artero Rake.

For dense coats, a Slicker brush or Artero Rake is a better choice than a regular dog brush.

Here's an interesting read: Are Alaskan Malamutes Good Guard Dogs

Grooming Products

Credit: youtube.com, How to Groom an Alaskan Malamute - A Comprehensive Guide

For the Alaskan Malamute's thick coat, you'll want to use a spray conditioner like the Artero Mix, which can be used on both wet and dry coats to protect the hair while brushing and add shine when absorbed.

Using a spray conditioner can make a big difference in the brushing process, helping to prevent tangles and knots.

The Artero Mix is a perfect brushing aid, making it a great addition to your Alaskan Malamute's grooming routine.

Spray Conditioner

The Artero Mix is a perfect brushing aid. It can be used on wet or dry coats to protect the hair when brushing and add shine to the coat when absorbed. I've used it on my own dog, and it really makes a difference in the health and appearance of their coat.

Using a spray conditioner like the Artero Mix can help reduce shedding and prevent matting, especially on long-haired breeds. The Artero Mix is a game-changer for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies.

Applying a spray conditioner can also make brushing a more enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. It helps to detangle and smooth the coat, reducing the risk of breakage and split ends.

Coat Mask

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A good coat mask can make a big difference in your dog's overall health and appearance. The Artero Detox Carbon is a great option, as it uses active carbon to keep your dog's coat clean and odour-free while also leaving it soft.

This is especially important for dogs like Alaskan Malamutes, which require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Tear Stain Cleanser

Tear Stain Cleanser is a must-have for pet owners. Artero Pretty Eyes is a reliable solution for removing brown tear stains on white coats.

It's effective in eliminating stains around the eyes and preventing re-staining with continued use. This product is a game-changer for pet owners who want to keep their furry friends looking their best.

If this caught your attention, see: Dog Hair Everywhere Pet Grooming

Bathing and Hygiene

Bathing is essential for maintaining good hygiene in Alaskan Malamutes, and it's recommended to bathe them once a month or more frequently during moulting seasons. This helps eliminate unpleasant odours and keep their coat healthy.

A Person Bathing Her Dog
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To bathe your Alaskan Malamute, use a good quality Hypoallergenic dog shampoo, and consider using a leave-in conditioner to keep their coat nice and glossy. A healthy Malamute doesn't usually smell, so they won't need regular bathing unless they've gotten dirty on their walks.

If you can't bathe your Alaskan Malamute, you can use rinse-free options, which are easy and convenient. It's also a good idea to check their weight proportion while they're wet, as this can be harder to do when they're dry due to their thick and fluffy coat.

Blasting/ Blowing

Blasting/ Blowing is a game-changer for double coated dogs like Malamutes. These tools are a must-have for any dog owner who wants to minimize shedding after a bath.

Blasters are especially useful for double coated dogs because they blow out all the extra fur. This is especially important after a bath, when they're more likely to shed even more than usual.

Using a blaster is a great way to get your dog feeling smooth and comfortable again. It's a gentle way to remove loose fur and prevent matting.

Hygiene

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Maintaining good hygiene is essential for your Alaskan Malamute's overall health and well-being. Regular bathing, ear care, and teeth brushing are crucial to prevent irritation, infections, and bad breath.

Bathing your Malamute is recommended once a month, or every 14 days during moulting seasons. If you can't bathe them, use rinse-free options for convenience.

Ear care is also vital, as it can help prevent irritation and infections. Regular teeth brushing reduces tartar buildup, which can cause pain and bad breath.

Pay special attention to your Malamute's nose and paw pads, and moisturize them regularly to prevent skin cracking and wounds. A good quality Hypoallergenic dog shampoo is recommended for bathing.

Here's a quick reference guide to help you keep track of your Malamute's hygiene needs:

By following these simple hygiene tips, you can help keep your Alaskan Malamute healthy, happy, and smelling fresh.

Repair Cream for Pads

The Artero Dfender repair cream is a must-have for Malamute owners, especially during cold weather when their skin can become dry and cracked.

An Alaskan Malamute on the Grass
Credit: pexels.com, An Alaskan Malamute on the Grass

Their thick and tough coat makes them perfect for cold climates, but it also requires extra care to prevent skin issues.

The repair cream helps to protect the dry areas of the Malamute from skin cracking and wounds forming, which can be painful and even lead to infections.

Their trainability and high intelligence make them adaptable to new tasks in record time, but they still need regular care to stay healthy.

The repair cream is a simple and effective way to keep your Malamute's pads healthy and happy.

Nail and Ear Care

Nail care is a must for Alaskan Malamutes, especially during the summer months when their nails grow faster. Trim off very small amounts of the nail to prevent potential injury to your dog.

If you're not comfortable trimming your Malamute's nails yourself, don't hesitate to go to a professional. They can help you get the job done safely and effectively.

For nail trimming, use a dog nail clipper or grinder and be cautious to avoid cutting into the quick. This is especially important if you can hear your dog's nails on the floor, which means they're too long.

Malamutes don't tend to get very dirty ears, but if they do, there are ear cleaners made for dogs you can purchase. If their ears are congested or have signs of other abnormalities, seek veterinary advice.

Nail Trimming

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Regular nail trims are crucial for your dog's health and comfort. If you can hear your dog's nails on the floor, they're too long.

Use a dog nail clipper or grinder to trim your dog's nails. Be cautious to avoid cutting into the quick.

In the summer months, nails grow faster, so check your dog's nails more frequently. Trim off very small amounts of the nail to prevent potential injury.

If you're not comfortable trimming your dog's nails yourself, go to a professional. They'll use high-quality dog nail clippers to get the job done safely.

Ears/Eyes

Malamutes sleep a lot, so they'll likely have a lot of sleep around their eyes. You can use water and a cloth or get specialized eye cleaner for dogs to keep them clean.

Their ears tend to stay relatively clean, but if they do get dirty, there are ear cleaners made for dogs you can purchase.

If you notice excessive gunk around their eyes, it's a good idea to seek veterinary care as it could be a health issue that needs treatment and professional advice.

If their ears are congested or have signs of other abnormalities, including excessive itching, seek veterinary advice.

Dental and Shedding

Credit: youtube.com, HOW MUCH HAIR DOES AN ALASKAN MALAMUTE SHED | WHAT HOOVER DO WE USE AND GROOMING

Twice a year, Alaskan Malamutes 'blow' their undercoat, leading to substantial shedding.

Daily brushing and using a grooming rake or de-shedding tool can help control loose hair.

Regular dental care is essential for oral health, so brush your Malamute's teeth several times a week with a dog-specific toothpaste.

Dental chews can also help maintain good oral health, and there are tasty options available on Amazon for dogs who hate brushing.

If this caught your attention, see: Alaskan Malamute Health Issues

De-Shedder

The Artero King is ideal to remove the dead hairs from the Alaskan Malamute's thick coat without cutting the coat and risking damaging it.

Malamutes 'blow' their undercoat twice a year, leading to substantial shedding. Daily brushing and using a grooming rake or de-shedding tool can help control loose hair during these periods.

Using a de-shedding tool like the Artero King can make a big difference in managing your Malamute's shedding. It's a great investment for any Malamute owner.

Dental Care

Dental care is crucial for your Alaskan Malamute's overall health and happiness. Regular dental care is essential for oral health.

Brush your Malamute's teeth several times a week with a dog-specific toothpaste. Dental chews can also help maintain good oral health.

For dogs who hate brushing, tasty dental chews are a good option. These chews are available on Amazon.

Additional reading: Looking Good Dog Grooming

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Malamutes hard to take care of?

Malamutes are relatively low-maintenance dogs, but they do require regular grooming due to their thick coats. With proper care, they can thrive and make a wonderful pet.

Wallace Adams

Lead Writer

Wallace Adams is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge with others. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, he has established himself as a go-to expert on the Chinook breed. His articles on Chinook breeders and information have been widely read and appreciated by dog enthusiasts and owners alike.