Albinism is a genetic alteration that can affect dogs, especially large breeds such as the boxer, Doberman or pit bull. This is a recessive disorder that affects the melanin metabolic pathway and, therefore, is visible in physical characteristics such as the coat, eyes or nose of these dogs. However, albinism also has an impact on the general health of dogs, as it makes them more prone to eye problems and skin diseases.
Remember that not all white dogs are albino and, before classifying a specimen as such, you should ask your veterinarian for a diagnosis to confirm it. If you have an albino dog as a pet, we explain below what are the main aspects that you should take into account when caring for it.
The lack of pigmentation affects the iris of albino dogs, making them particularly sensitive to light. It is recommended to keep them away from overly lit places and put on appropriate sunglasses during walks. It is also quite common for them to suffer vision problems such as strabismus, so the order of their habitat will be a determining issue to avoid trips and falls.
Albino dogs require thorough and frequent cleaning of their ears to avoid infections such as otitis. They are also prone to hearing problems. Likewise, you should clean their teeth regularly in order to prevent tartar.
Skin care is a fundamental issue for the well-being of albino dogs. Apart from complying with the relevant deworming and vaccinations, try to brush his hair often. In addition, providing him with a specific, quality feed for his diet will have a positive impact on his coat.
Albino specimens are especially sensitive to sunburn. That is why you should avoid taking them for a walk during the central hours of sunny days. It is advisable to apply a high protection sunscreen and seek shade whenever possible.
These dogs are more prone to skin cancer and allergic reactions caused by collars or harnesses. The ideal would be to bathe him with a specific shampoo for delicate skin.
Albino dogs have a rather shy and skittish character. This, together with other conditions, such as their eye and hearing problems, causes them problems interacting with other dogs, to the point of sometimes being aggressive. For this reason, albino dogs must be socialized from puppies so that they learn to feel safe and confident.
