Albino dogs – the best care for them in Nigeria

Albinism is a common case in the human race and very noticeable in Africa. Albinos are known to suffer a lot of challenges due to lack of skin pigmentation. Special care has been proffered for humans with this congenital anomaly which include avoidance of exposure to direct sunlight and a whole lot.

Dogs of all breeds can also be albinos with pink looking skin with coat that is white in color all through. Some people will start thinking that it is normal to have a white German shepherd for instance without knowing the underlining problem.

It was very striking to me to see a white German Shepherd dog once and looking closely I knew something was wrong it took me a little time to realize the dog was albino because I was already doubting the breed.

Albinism is simply the absence of melanin. Melanin is responsible for pigmentation (coloration) of the skin or outer surface of both humans and animals including the hairs and eyes. The absence of this melanin is usually a genetically inherited deficiency (congenital). The nose, eyes and skin of the dog appear pink in color while the fur remains white.

Albino dogs are prone to challenges like photosensitivity & skin cancer. The lack of pigmentation of the eyes makes an albino dog to feel intense pain in its eyes under sunlight and consequently impairing its vision.

Skin cancer is one other vulnerability the albino dog has due to the lack of defense provided by melanin pigmentation of the skin. This is very common in the tropical environment like Nigeria where there is abundance of sunlight within the day.

There are other health concerns that come with albinism in dogs and animals at large so in a country like Nigeria extra care must be given to such dogs to help reduce the effect of this condition. There is a need for constant shelter to shield the dog from direct sunlight which is the most important factor to tackle. Proper nutrition will also be a must due to the immune system challenges they also face.

I think albino dogs are beautiful because most of us prefer dogs with white fur here in Nigeria. If you love the features of an albino dog then I’m sure you will help the dog live a good life.