Albinism In Dogs: Caring For An Albino Dog
Albinism is a genetic disorder in which there is an absence of melanin (the hormone that causes pigmentation) present in the eyes, skin and hair of animals and also in humans. This causes extreme paleness, red eyes, and white hair. But melanin, in addition to giving color, provides protection against UVA rays from the sun and other environmental factors. Therefore, albino humans and animals need special care. Here we tell you the important factors of albinism in dogs and the care that should be given.
What health problems does an albino dog have?
The two most vulnerable aspects in an albino dog are vision and skin.
The lack of melanin affects vision in albino dogs, on the one hand because the retina is underdeveloped and on the other because an iris without pigmentation allows more light to pass than a pigmented iris allows to pass. Also, albino dogs often have strabismus (wandering eyes) and nystagmus (involuntary movements of the eyes in a rapid manner). Vision problems are a clear symptom for the diagnosis of albinism, both in humans and in dogs.
As for skin problems, depigmented skin is much more sensitive to solar radiation, so these dogs are more prone to burns, tumors and cancer.
Also, due to these two problems together, albinos have photophobia, that is; aversion to light. For this reason, these dogs avoid very illuminated places; partly because it dazzles them, due to the depigmentation of the iris, and partly because it damages their skin.
Albino dogs are also very likely to be deaf. Although not all dogs with albinism are deaf, it is very convenient for owners of albino dogs to do a hearing test.
What specific care does an albino dog need?
Being a genetic problem of secretion of the hormone that produces melanin, there is no treatment for albinism. Therefore, there are certain special precautions and care that must be applied to these dogs.
Having a poor vision, the house must always be orderly and everything must be in its place. It is not advisable to change the furniture frequently. In addition, the dog’s toys must have some sound, so that the dog can find them with reduced vision.
There are glasses, called Doggles, which reduce the amount of light that reaches the dog’s eyes and largely avoid solar radiation. Considering that the glasses obscure the vision of the animal, the owner must remember to remove them when it gets dark, otherwise he will not be able to see. These glasses cannot be worn all day, so it is necessary to consult the vet regarding the time and frequency of use.
As for specific skin care, the albino dog should be protected with sunscreen every time he goes outside. You can also wear light clothing that protects you from radiation, but does not give you heat. The skin of these dogs is very sensitive, so a special mild shampoo should be used. It is best to consult your vet about the type of soap to use for these dogs. Albinism often makes the dog’s coat allergic to certain materials, such as metal, so collars made of this material should be avoided in albino dogs.
Likewise, albino dogs are very suspicious, withdrawn and timid dogs because they cannot see or hear well what is happening in the outside world and they perceive it as a threat. To avoid this mistrust, the dog should be socialized from puppyhood, ensuring that it becomes familiar with everything that surrounds it.
Finally, if a dog is albino, it is advisable to sterilize it. The life of albino dogs is not easy, so puppies with this gene should be avoided as much as possible. If albino dogs are sterile they will not be able to pass the gene and little by little the alteration will disappear.
