Longevity is always one of the top factors owners consider when raising animals. It greatly affects the long-term companionship of pets with you.
So, how long do Alaskan Malamutes live? What determines their lifespan?
The answer will be in the article below.
How Long Do Alaskan Malamutes Live?

Knowing a pet’s lifespan helps pet parents take better care of them. Dogs originating from cold zones like the Alaskan Malamute have an average lifespan of 12-15 years.
However, in places with tropical climates, they only live about 10-12 years.
This number can also vary slightly depending on the physicality of each animal.
In the animal kingdom, larger species tend to have longer lifespans (except elephants or turtles), but smaller ones usually live longer if they’re the same species.
A 50 kg Alaskan dog will generally be healthier than those weighing 80 kg and have a longer life expectancy. Besides, this also depends on several other factors.
What Factors Affect The Life Expectancy Of Alaskan Malamute?
Nutrition
Diet is one of the most important factors closely related to the health and longevity of pets.
Unhealthy nutrition, such as too much fat, can be the culprit of various diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, rule of thumb, etc.
Even with healthy dogs, applying a poor diet for long periods of time will expose them to great health risks, even death. Thus, a proper diet is the key to a healthy life.
Living Environment
Just like humans, the living environment significantly impacts the physical and mental health of pets.
Alaskan Malamutes are intelligent, large, and active dogs, so they need a safe environment to live comfortably.
Those who have to live in a narrow and hot place will have a shorter life expectancy than others because they do not feel happy and comfortable.
Genetic
Genetic factors play an important role in the longevity of animals. Most of the health problems they experience are partly caused by defects in the DNA they receive from their parents.
They will appear from the first months of age.
Living Habits
Besides genetics, simple daily habits also determine their longevity. Many diseases can be avoided if your pet leads a healthy, active lifestyle, gets rid of bad habits, and does a bit of exercise.
What Disease Does Alaskan Malamute Often Get?

Cancer
Cancer is a “nightmare” for humans and all animals. It progressed quite silently until the onset of the disease; the body was too weak and difficult to treat.
The cause of cancer in dogs is usually the long-term accumulation of toxins in the body, environmental pollution, viral infections, parasitic infections, or genetics.
Some common cancers in this breed are blood, bone, etc.
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
These are two common syndromes in large dogs like Alaskan Malamutes. They occur when the elbow or hip joints appear abnormal, causing arthritis and pain if not treated early.
Signs include difficulty standing, limping, and abnormal sitting posture. Pain relievers can only control mild cases, so they need surgery to be definitive.
Cataracts
Cataracts in dogs are a phenomenon in which the lens in their eyes gradually becomes cloudy, preventing light from reaching the retina.
It reduces the vision of the eye or can even cause blindness.
Causes of the disease can be congenital, age, trauma, poor diet, electric shock, or toxins.
Symptoms of cataracts include the pet’s eyes appearing gray, cloudy, difficult to see, trauma to the eye, etc.
Hypothyroidism
In mammals, the thyroid is located in the neck region. This is the most common hormonal disease in dogs and occurs when the thyroid gland weakens and becomes underactive.
There’s no clear cause, but they’re usually related to the immune system trying to “attack” the thyroid and damage it.
Symptoms include weight gain, anxiety, lack of exercise, hair loss, seborrheic skin, itching, etc.
Dental Disease
About 80% of dogs show signs of this disease after 2 years. Plaque that adheres to the teeth will harden and form tartar.
Tartar accumulation for extended periods will make them suffer from gingivitis.
Inflamed gums cause pain, can lead to periodontal disease, and affect other organs.
How To Increase Alaskan Malamute Lifespan?

Many puppy parents are always looking for the best way to take care of them, but separation anxiety always bothers them. The daily habits below can help you when taking care of large dogs breed:
Diet
Nutrition is a major factor determining the health status of animals in general and Alaskan Malamute in particular. Puppy food provides energy for the body and contributes to the synthesis of the body’s cells.
At the same time, it helps maintain the dog’s daily activities and prevent diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal tract, bones and joints, and other conditions.
To have the best health, they need a balanced nutritional diet, just enough, not too much, not too little. There are 6 essential nutrients: Water, Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat, Minerals, and Vitamins.
Besides everyday foods such as rice, processed foods such as canned pate, nuts, etc., the combination of diets also helps to make the dog’s meal more diverse.
Choose safe and nutritious foods such as meat, water dishes, eggs, fish, especially salmon, and cooked vegetables, except for potatoes, peanuts, and corn.
A balanced diet is very important. Do not force feed and feed animals at regular intervals.
Regular Brushing
Dog dental care is an important part of their overall health. Caring for your dog’s coat or nails won’t be as easy, but they play a big role in supporting your dog’s long-term health.
The color of a dog’s teeth, gums, and tongue reflects its oral health. Healthy gums should be pink, not white or red, and not swollen.
Regular brushing will help to significantly remove plaque and leftover food from your dog’s teeth. Try to brush them daily or at least three times a week.
Healthy puppy parents must not use human toothpaste for animals because some ingredients in human toothpaste are very toxic if they swallow the mixture.
Buy toothpaste specially formulated for dogs.
You can choose flavors like chicken or peanut butter to help them enjoy their daily brushing. Many other foods and snacks help prevent plaque formation and aid in cleaning your pet’s teeth.
Start brushing your dog’s teeth early to form a regular schedule, and don’t forget to take them in for a regular dental check-up once or twice a year.
Exercise Regularly
Alaskan Malamutes are among the most intelligent dogs and very hardworking.
Thus, for them to stay healthy, in addition to a nutritious menu and a home full of love, it is also very important to have certain periods of time to exercise or training sessions.
Whether big or small, young or adult dogs, they still need daily exercise. Some with special needs or slow-aging dogs still need gentle daily routines.
They will become bored, sluggish, and have harmful actions without exercise. Exercising, in addition to muscle training tips, also helps the body’s metabolic system to function properly.
Exercise depends on age, size, and overall health, but it’s best to spend 30 to two hours per day moving with them.
No need for too hard physical activity; walking around the neighborhood is enough. House training also is a good idea.
Routine Veterinary Examination
Regular health check-ups are the best way to maintain the health and longevity of the Alaskan Malamute.
This helps to detect many dangerous diseases early and increases the chances of survival.
Regular health checks for pets also limit the spread of diseases from one species to another, from animals to humans. Let’s take your furry friend for a check-up every 2 years.
Conclusion
We have just learned the topic: how long do Alaskan Malamutes live? 12 – 15 years is just a relative number, and it can change depending on how you take care of them.
It is important to give them a happy, comfortable, and healthy life.
Thanks for reading and seeing you.