The Alaskan malamute often is mistaken for the Huskies, but they are actually pretty different in nature, though the look seems similar to some extent. They have a wolf-like huge body and that body is covered with a dense coat.
People living in cold regions can adopt this dog but they often are confused about how much cleaning should be required by the malamutes, and also which products are useful for their proper grooming.
Contents
How to choose the shampoo for your Alaskan malamutes?
There are certain types of shampoo for dogs that discreetly work for a single purpose. We are listing them below, from where you can understand what is needed by your Alaskan malamute.
There is one category for general dog shampoo. The malamutes have thick and short fur so you should choose the shampoo which is suitable for that kind of coat. There is no specific use of this shampoo as this one can be used to clean the coat.
Medicated shampoos are needed when the malamute is itching too much or you can smell the stink from the dog. Do not use the medicated shampoo if your malamute is fine, as often these medicated shampoos cause dryness of skin when applied on healthy skinned dogs.
Shampoos particularly for flea treatment will be used only after the vet prescribes them. You will get these shampoos with some particular medicinal ingredients.
Allergies are different kinds of ailments for which the shampoo will also be different. The vet can diagnose the cause of the allergy and can suggest the right kind of shampoo to treat the problem.
The Best Shampoo For Alaskan Malamute (Reviews)
Now we will list down the best shampoos that are available for grooming the Alaskan malamutes.
1. TropiClean shampoo for pets
This shampoo is claimed to be naturally produced and does not contain any trace of soap and paraben. The pH balance of the dog skin will be maintained after washing it with this product. you can create a rich lather by rinsing the coat of the malamute with this product. it leaves a fresh fragrance that will last for a day and will give the dog a fresh feeling.
This shampoo offers relief from the itchy skin. It also contains a moisturizing element that will keep the coat soft and smooth. The presence of beta hydroxyl in this shampoo makes it an effective solution for the itches. This is not the right shampoo for the puppies, but you can use it on dogs that have become older than 12 months. The product price is quite pocket-friendly and it will not cause any effect or side effects after use.
Pros:
- Leaves subtle fragrance
- Keeps the coat soft
- No paraben
Cons:
- Some users complain about the packaging
2. Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo
This product contains an oatmeal formula that is already celebrated by vets around the world. This shampoo is free from harmful ingredients like alcohol or paraben. It also moisturizes the dry skin so it will be just an awesome product for your pet malamute. The product contains coconut and lime which cleans the dirty coats effectively. The product is required in small amounts as it is much beneficial. The concentrated coconut formula from the sodding agent will be washing the coat of the malamute effectively.
It can effectively cure severe allergies and also it keeps the coat feeling fresh and smelling good. Also, there will be a soft feeling that will allure you to pet the dog more often. This shampoo also performs greatly when it comes to conditioning. This shampoo is free from PEG-80 which means it is a safe product for dogs of all ages. As there is no harsh ingredient in this shampoo, it will not irritate if gets inside the eyes.
Pros:
- Required in a small portion
- No harsh chemical
- Leaves the coat soft
- Good for all ages
Cons:
- Can induce shedding in some dogs
3. 4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo
This is an all-natural product that comes with aloe and lemongrass. Both are quite eco-friendly and helpful ingredients that will make sure that the coat of the malamute gets cleared without being harsh on the skin. The shampoo can be used on dogs with normal skin and also it can affect the itchy dry skinned malamutes. For allergy-sensitive dogs, shampoo with no harsh chemicals will be a suitable option. So it will cause no sensation or itchiness while used on the dogs.
Use this shampoo to make foam and then apply it to the body of the malamute. This product will be useful in cleaning the thick fur coat of the malamute, and while massaging you will bring out all the natural oils from the skin of the dog. The shampoo contains no artificial thickener so its froth will be soft and gentle on the furs. This shampoo can be used on dogs of all ages, even newborn puppies can be cleaned with this shampoo.
Pros:
- Organic product
- Good for the newborn and mature malamutes
- No artificial ingredient
- No itchiness
Cons:
- High priced
4. Healthy Breeds Smelly Dog Deodorizing Shampoo
This shampoo contains baking soda which works great as a deodorizing agent. This shampoo claims to remove the stink off your malamute. Though the name supposes that it works for a particular purpose, like removing the odor, still it can be used on dogs that do not have any problem and needs basic cleaning and moisturizing. Other than baking soda, this product also contains oats and some natural proteins along with aloe leaf juice. The last ingredient helps to keep the coat of the malamute soft and moisturized.
The after wash effect on the malamutes’ coat will pretty visible. The dog will shine and the smell will be fresh. This shampoo contains no product which can make the dog itch, thus it can be called a hypoallergenic one. For dry-skinned malamutes, this shampoo can be much beneficial. The shampoo does not contain any particular strong scent but it makes the dog smelling good so you can completely trust this product.
Pros:
- Treats allergy and dry skin
- No burning feeling when used
- Contains natural aloe leaf juice
- Moisturizes the coat
Cons:
- The smell does not last long
5. BarkLogic Calming Shampoo
This shampoo comes with an unusual lavender essence. This product has a calming effect on hyperactive dogs so if you have got a malamute that is restless, try bathing it with this shampoo. The manufacturer claims that this product will do well for the dog which possesses itchy dry skin or some irritation related to allergy. The shampoo contains good fatty acids like Omega 3 and vitamin E. Not only that, but it also has aloe and flaxseed which are natural cleaning and moisturizing agents.
It also removes the odor from the unclean coat of the malamutes with the help of the essential oil, which is an ingredient of this product. This is a vegan product that does not contain any animal product and only mineral-based products are used to create it. The soft and refreshing feeling of the coat of the malamute will make you use this shampoo again and again. Moisture balancing is another great aspect of this shampoo that balances the moisture level of the dog’s coat.
Pros:
- Vegan product
- Contains omega 3
- Balances the moisture level
Cons:
- Dog does not smell nice for long.
Common FAQs
What kind of shampoo will be ideal for the Alaskan malamutes?
As the coat of the malamutes is thick and fluffy, the shampoo should be able to clean the skin from the depth of the fur.
The shampoo should contain some conditioners as that will keep the dense coat soft and manageable. Thick fur will become rough if not conditioned well.
Which ingredients are to be avoided in the dog shampoo?
You should always check the ingredient list in the package of the dog shampoo, and if you find ingredients like sulfate, phthalates, artificial dye, paraben, or such harsh chemicals in the list, you must not use that shampoo for your Alaskan malamute.
Are oatmeal shampoos good for the Alaskan malamutes?
Yes, oatmeal shampoos are good for Alaskan malamutes. Oatmeal has been used as a natural ingredient for cleaning the fur coat as well as the skin of the dogs. The pH level of the dog’s skin is balanced when you use oatmeal shampoo. Not only that, but it also leaves the fur coat soft and refreshed.
How often can you shampoo your malamute?
As the Alaskan malamutes are from a cold place, they do not need frequent bathing. Many say that they need to be bathed only 4 times annually, but some differ and bathe their dogs once a month. However, cleaning should be an important part of the daily schedule of the Alaskan malamute. They often lick their coat to keep them clean.
They can be shampooed once every 6 weeks, as that will be enough to clean their double coat. They need to be properly washed and dried after shampooing.
How to shampoo the Alaskan Malamute?
To bathe an Alaskan malamute, you first have to make a mixture of water and shampoo in a 2:1 ratio. Give the bowl or container a vigorous shake where you have kept both the ingredients. This will create a frothy solution that you can apply to the body of the malamute.
The malamute’s body should be smoothly rubbed with this solution. You should start from the back and gradually come forward. This will be a time-consuming process as you have to make sure that every inch of the malamute’s coat gets cleared during this process.
After you are done, wash the body with water and be specific that the water does not get inside the ear canals.
What is the cause of the stink in the malamutes?
Unlike the common idea, of bathing the dog when it stinks, malamutes stink if only they come to close contact with water too often. If they have been bathed in recent times or have walked on the snow and had not been properly dried, it can stink.
Malamutes come with a double coat and it is pretty common to get microbes growing in their coats. So it will give out an awkward musty smell when the microbes start breeding. This infestation usually happens on the skin. If you want to get rid of this smell, then give it a good bath and make sure to use a medicated shampoo. Drying the double coat is mandatory so the smell does not come back.
Can shampoo make the coat of the Alaskan malamute fluffy?
Alaskan malamutes often come with a very fluffy coat, but if yours seem less fluffy or after a wash it does not look as good as the ones seen in images and various pet websites, then maybe it is not the problem with the shampoo.
Like humans, animals also get their looks from their lineage and genetics. Naturally, they should have fluffy coats as they are originally from a cold place. But some of them may get matted coats and that cannot be changed by using any particular shampoo.
Can the shedding of Alaskan malamute be controlled by shampooing?
Alaskan malamutes do shed throughout the year. However, at two seasons they shed extensively, and those are spring and winter.
When these two seasons come forward, they shed in clumps. You can see the fur on the furniture, carpet, and almost everywhere. This is a natural phenomenon that lessens with the change in the weather. But if you see the shedding continues, then use a shampoo prescribed by the vet. Also taking the dog for a run every day for 30 minutes can help in blood circulation which will decrease the shedding.
Conclusion:
Using the right shampoo for the cleaning of majestic dogs like Alaskan malamute is necessary. The pampering session of shampooing is a great bonding time for the dog with its master. The product you use at this time should be really beneficial and you must make sure that you are investing your money in justifiable products.
More: