For the Alaskan malamutes, the most terrifying situation is, freezing of their paws while walking on the snow. So getting winter boots are sometimes necessary, but the idea of snow boots or winter boots is not always clear on the mind of the malamute owners.
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Does malamute need snow boots?
Snow boots are for the weather when it is too cold and the malamute comes with nicely built paws that take care of the much cold weather and snow. However, you can be overprotective and use two pairs of boots for the Alaskan malamutes in the winter.
What temperature is too cold for malamutes?
As Alaskan malamutes are quite adjusted to the cold weather, they do not usually get hurt in winter. They can withstand huge temperature fall and feel rather sick when the mercury is rising. They can even bear the snowfall or the rain in the winter. Their double coat on the body keeps them protected from the bite of the frost and cold wind.
Temperature even -60 degrees Celsius is managed by the Alaskan malamutes, below which it may create difficulty for them.
Should you make your dog wear boots in winter?
If you are living with your dog in a snowy region, then you may need a pair of winter boots for your Alaskan malamute. It can be safe to make the dog wear such boots while you will take it out for the walk in the snow. It will increase the friction and thus the walking will be smooth, without any accident due to slipping on the ice.
Also, the paw pads of the dog will be protected from any kind of debris that is accumulated in the snow-covered field or even on the regular ground. Sometimes these minute tiny things make cuts and scratch on the paws of the malamute, which, with time, can create infections.
Alaskan malamutes come with double coats so they seldom feel cold. Also, the harsh weather of winter is not a much difficult thing for them as their place of origin is arctic. They are pretty comfortable with the extreme cold weather and they rather love to play in the snow.
But you should arrange for some kind of proper and well-built shelter which will take care of them at night. They are not supposed to live in open spaces. So a good shed will always be a nice shelter for the malamutes on cold nights.
Are boots bad for the malamutes?
Dogs do not like to wear boots generally. Boots are felt unnecessary by them and they often feel awkward while wearing the pairs. Sometimes the balance of walking gets disturbed while wearing shoes. At least for the first few months, the malamutes do not feel comfortable while wearing the boots.
Also, the frictions that they feel under the paw and due to the presence of the claws are halted by the shoes. That matters most while they are trying to walk. The grip on the earth is not possible while they are wearing shoes.
Can Alaskan malamutes walk in the cold?
Alaskan malamutes, when they get adult, can walk for 30 minutes at a stretch, even when the temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is below that, you shall not make the dog walk longer than 20 minutes as it can get affected by frost.
Do not go outside for a walk or exercise if the temperature is at zero degrees. This can be dangerous for the dog’s health.
Can Alaskan malamutes walk in the cold without shoes?
When you are living in a snowy area and the weather gets too cold, then it may harm the Alaskan malamute when it walks on snow without any protection. When the weather is too cold, it becomes risky for the dog’s health. Though there is a double coat on the body of the Alaskan malamutes, still it can harm them as the coat is not there to protect the paws of the dogs.
Also, while walking, make sure that the dog does not stay too long in the same place. The snow covering the ground may harm the feet of the dog and it will be painful for your pet. There is another chance of the snow around their feet getting melted and then their feet get stuck in it.
At what temperature shall you get the winter boots for the Alaskan malamute?
The paws of the Alaskan malamutes do not get freeze so easily like the human hands, as they are much tolerant to the cold weather. But after a certain level, the paws surely get affected by the extreme heat and cold. There will be no issue unless the mercury falls below 0 degrees.
But when it comes to heat tolerance, you should not keep the Alaskan malamute to any place that is hotter than 26 degrees Celsius.
Can there be frostbite on the dog’s paws?
Just like us humans, the dogs also get frostbite on their paws. Alaskan malamutes are much strong and can bear many low temperatures. But exposure for too long a time can affect their paws and yes, they can get frostbite.
So offering them the safety of winter boots is a good idea if you plan to take the dog out in snow-covered fields.
How do the Alaskan malamutes protect themselves on the cold snowy days?
The reason that the Alaskan malamutes do not need winter boots most of the time, is that they come with some different mechanism in their body to keep themselves warm in the cold winter. The veins and arteries in the paws of the Alaskan malamute are placed in close proximity. So they can pump more blood into their paws.
This is how the paws stay warm even when they are walking on the snow-covered path. But too long exposure to such snowy weather may cause problems for the dogs.
Conclusion:
Generally, most of the Alaskan malamute owners do not feel the need for winter boots or snow boots. This can be right to some extent but not always right. Alaskan malamutes come with paws that are protective in their own way. They cannot be damaged like the regular dog paws. But winter boots should be bought so the dogs may get protected from frostbite and other health issues.
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