If you’re the proud husky owner, then you know they can be quite a handful. Not only are they incredibly active and playful, but they also shed like crazy! If you are unprepared, it can be quite inconvenient. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks on how to deal with husky shedding. We’ll also share with you some pointers on how to maintain your home clean and hair-free!
The Huskies Coat & Shedding
All huskies have a double coat, an outer layer of guard hairs, and an inner layer of downy fur. The guard hairs give the coat waterproofing abilities, while the downy fur provides insulation. It’s common to see huskies in the snow walking around with their guard hairs standing on end – this is because the downy fur is trapping heat close to their body and causing the guard hairs to stand up.
Shedding is a natural occurrence for all dog breeds, and huskies are no exemption. They shed year-round, but the shedding process ramps significantly in the spring and fall. It is due to the change in temperature and daylight hours – as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, their coat will start to thicken in preparation for winter. When the days start becoming longer and the temperature starts to get warmer, their coat will begin to thin out as they shed their winter coat.
When it comes to shedding, huskies do it in two main ways:
Blowing Their Coat
It happens twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. During this time, huskies will shed their entire undercoat – which can be A LOT of hair! It is a very intense shedding period, and you will likely brush your husky multiple times a day.
Since you know when your husky will be blowing its coat, it’s important to prepare in advance and schedule some extra brushing sessions for the week. It will be beneficial to remove the loose hair, which will help to avoid it from spreading all over your house.
Seasonal Shedding
It is the more common type of shedding, and it happens year-round. Huskies will slowly and steadily shed their undercoat throughout the year, typically losing about 15% of it every month. This shed hair will be much less noticeable than when they blow their coat, but you will still brush them regularly.
The Duration of Husky Shedding
Depending on the individual husky, the shedding process can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Some huskies will shed their coat relatively quickly, while others may take their time.
The climate and temperature can also play a role in how long the dog shedding process lasts. For example, huskies who live in warmer climates will shed their coats faster than those in colder climates. It is because they don’t need to keep their coat as thick and insulated, so they shed them sooner.
How to Deal With Husky Shedding: Tips for Minimizing the Mess
Now that you have a clearer knowledge about husky shedding let’s discuss some tips on how to deal with it. Husky shedding can be a real pain, but there are some things you can do to make it easier. By following these simple tips, you can minimize the amount of hair in your home and keep your Siberian husky healthy and happy.
Brush Them Regularly
It is probably the most important tip on this list. If you brush husky regularly, you will remove a lot of the loose hair before it has a chance to fall out on its own. It will help to keep your home clean and hair-free.
You can use a few varieties of brushes, but we recommend starting with a slicker brush. Slicker brushes contain bristles made of very tiny wire, making them very effective for eliminating stray hair. They can be a little harsh on the skin, so use them with caution!
You should brush your husky at least once a week, but more often is better. If you can, try to brush its coat every day – especially during shedding season. It will aid in removing the loose hair and prevent it from ending up all over your home.
Never Shave Your Husky
It may seem like an obvious tip, but we wanted to mention it anyway. Shaving your husky is a bad idea for a few reasons:
- Their coat shields them from the weather – you are removing that protection by shaving it.
- Their coat helps to regulate their body temperature – by shaving it, you could make them too hot or too cold.
- Shaving its coat can damage the hair follicles and lead to permanent hair loss.
- Shaving will lead to even more shedding – the dog hair will grow back uneven and eventually fall out.
- So, unless your vet tells you otherwise, never shave your husky!
Give Them a Bath
Another great way to minimize shedding is to give your husky a bath. It will aid in the removal of any loose hair on their coat. It will also help to loosen up dead skin cells clinging to their fur.
When you give your husky a bath, use a dog-specific shampoo. Avoid using human shampoo as it is too harsh for their skin and irritates them. We also recommend using a conditioner – this will help to keep their fur healthy and prevent it from tangling.
After the bath, make sure to brush them again – this will help to remove any loose hair that’s left on their coat.
Use a Deshedding Tool
Deshedding tools are brushes that have been designed specifically for removing loose hair. They are usually made with very fine bristles and can be a great way to remove shedding fur without damaging the skin.
There are several sorts of deShedding tools on the market, so we recommend doing some research to find one that is appropriate for your husky. You can read reviews, compare prices, and get an idea of what other people say before making your purchase.
Use a Deshedding Shampoo
If you’re looking for an extra-strength solution to your husky’s shedding problem, you might want to try a de-shedding shampoo. These shampoos are beneficial for loosening and removing dead skin cells, which can help to reduce the amount of shedding.
Deshedding shampoo can be a great way to keep your husky’s coat healthy and minimize shedding, but it’s important to use it sparingly. These shampoos can be very harsh on the skin, so you should only use them once or twice a month at most.
Feed Them a Healthy Diet
Did you know that diet can also affect shedding? If your husky isn’t getting the proper nutrition, its coat can become dry and brittle, leading to excessive shedding.
Ensure you’re feeding them high-quality dog food packed with nutrients. You can talk to your veterinarian about what type of food is best for your husky, or you can do some research on your own.
There are a few things you should look for in good dog food, including protein, fat, omega-fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. By feeding your husky a healthy diet, you can help to reduce shedding and keep their coat looking its best.
Give Them Plenty of Exercises
Don’t forget to give your husky plenty of exercise. Providing physical activity is essential for all dogs, but it is especially critical for Huskies. They are a high-energy breed and need to burn off that energy somehow.
If your husky isn’t getting enough exercise, it can become restless and destructive. It can cause a host of concerns, including excessive shedding.
So make sure you’re giving them plenty of opportunities to run, play, and burn off that excess energy. You can take them for lengthy walks, runs, treks, or even play fetch in the backyard. Exercise is vital for their physical and emotional wellbeing, so make it a priority.
Invest in a Good Vacuum Cleaner
Husky shedding is inevitable, but you can make cleanup a lot easier by investing in a good vacuum cleaner. We recommend getting a powerful suction vacuum and an attachment specifically for pet hair. It will aid in the removal of hair from your floors, furniture, and clothing.
Vacuum regularly – at least once a week, but more often is better. It will help keep the hair under control and make cleanup much easier.
Use a Lint Roller
Lint rollers are an effective tool for removing hair from fabrics and upholstery caused by pets. They are quick and simple to use and can be a lifesaver when it comes to shedding.
It is best to keep a lint roller in your car, at work, and anywhere else you might need it. That way, you can quickly remove any hair that’s left behind.
Try to Use a Husky Shedding Onesie
If you’re really struggling with husky shedding, you might want to try using a husky shedding onesie. These are basically like a regular onesie but have an extra layer of fabric that helps to catch the shed hair.
Husky shedding onesies can be a great way to keep your clothes and furniture free of hair, but they can be a bit pricey. If you’re on a budget, you can try making your onesie out of an old t-shirt or sweatshirt.
However, your husky might not be too thrilled about wearing a onesie. So you’ll have to experiment to see if this method works for you.
Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers will not reduce the amount of shedding, but they can help remove the hair already in the air. It can help keep your home fresh and clean, even if covered in shedding hair.
We recommend getting an air purifier with a HEPA filter. These filters help capture small particles, like pet hair, and they can make a big difference in the air quality in your home.
Talk to Your Vet
If you’re really struggling with husky shedding, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet. They will be able to give you some specific advice on how to deal with your husky’s shedding, and they might even be able to recommend a medication that can help.
Some huskies are prone to allergies, which can lead to excessive shedding. If this is the case, your vet might prescribe a medication that can help to reduce the amount of shedding. They might also recommend some dietary changes that can help to improve your husky’s skin and coat health.
The Right Way of Brushing Husky’s Coat
Brushing your husky’s coat properly is one of the most critical things you can do to decrease shedding. It will aid in the removal of dead skin cells and loose fur while also stimulating the creation of natural oils.
Here are tips on how to brush your husky’s coat correctly:
- Use a shedding brush. This brush is more effective than a regular brush in removing loose hair. You may also use an undercoat rake, which can help to remove the thick undercoat.
- Be gentle. Huskies have sensitive skin, so you need to be careful not to irritate it. Brush in the direction of the hair growth, and avoid pulling or tugging at the hair.
- Start slowly. Don’t try to brush the entire coat at once – you’ll just end up frustrating your husky. Instead, start with a small section and work your way up.
- Be consistent. Brushing should be a part of your regular grooming routine. Try to do it at least once a week, but more often is better.
- Don’t overdo it. Brushing can be beneficial, but you don’t want to do it too often. If you brush too much, you can actually damage the coat and irritate the skin.
- Don’t forget to praise them. Huskies love positive reinforcement, so make sure you give them plenty of praise and treats while brushing their coats.
Excessive Shedding in Huskies
Aside from normal shedding, huskies are also prone to specific health issues that can cause excessive shedding. When something like this occurs, taking them to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and receiving the appropriate treatment is essential.
Excessive shedding in huskies can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common causes of excessive shedding in Siberian huskies. If your husky is allergic to something in their environment, it can cause them to lose a lot of hair.
There are many potential triggers for allergies, including dust, pollen, food, and even flea bites. If you think your husky might be allergic to something, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet. They will be able to recommend some changes that can help to reduce shedding.
Poor Nutrition
What your husky eats can have a big impact on their skin and coat health – and that includes shedding. If your husky isn’t getting the nutrients they need, it can lead to excessive shedding.
Feed your husky a high-quality diet appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level. A balanced diet that contains protein, fat, and carbohydrates is important for keeping the skin and coat healthy. Provide your husky with all the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy; eventually, the shedding will reduce.
Skin Problems
Skin disorders such as mange can cause excessive shedding in huskies. If your husky has mange, they will lose hair in patches all over their body.
Other skin problems, such as allergies and infections, can also cause excessive shedding. If you notice your husky scratching a lot or their skin looks irritated, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet.
Wrong Shampoo
If you’re using the wrong shampoo on your husky, it can cause them to lose a lot of hair. Some shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can strip the natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and shedding.
When choosing a shampoo for your husky, make sure you choose one that is safe for them. You should also avoid shampoos that contain harmful chemicals, such as sulfates and parabens. These are notorious for causing skin irritation and shedding.
Stress
Stress can cause a lot of problems in huskies, including excessive shedding. If your husky is stressed, it can lead to hair loss. If you are certain that stress is causing your husky to shed excessively, it’s important to find a way to reduce their stress.
Huskies can be stressed by a variety of factors, including:
- Lack of exercise
- Boredom
- Separation anxiety
- Fear or aggression
- Changes in the environment
The best way to reduce stress is to ensure your husky has a good environment. Provide your husky with plenty of exercises, socialization, and enrichment. It will help to keep them happy and reduce shedding.
Lack of Exercise
If your husky isn’t getting enough exercise, it can lead to many problems – including excessive shedding. Physical activity helps to keep their skin and coat healthy by stimulating blood flow and distributing natural oils.
Huskies are an energetic breed that needs a lot of activity to keep fit and happy. Ensure you’re giving your husky at least an hour of exercise daily. It can include walking, running, playing fetch, and even swimming.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones can have a big impact on a dog’s skin and coat health – and that includes shedding. If your husky has a hormonal imbalance, it can lead to excessive shedding.
Hormonal abnormalities in huskies can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Spaying or neutering: In a female husky, spaying can cause a decrease in the production of estrogen, which can lead to shedding. In a male husky, neutering can cause a decrease in the production of testosterone, which can also lead to shedding.
- Cushing’s disease: This is a condition that affects the adrenal glands and can cause an increase in the production of cortisol. It can lead to several problems, including hair loss.
- Thyroid problems: Hypothyroidism is the most common cause of hormonal imbalances in dogs. It is a condition caused by several things, including autoimmune disease, infections, and even some medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When do Huskies lose their puppy coat?
When huskies are still young, their coats will undergo a few changes. At around six to eight months old, they will start to lose their “puppy coat” and grow into adult coats. This process can take a few months, and during this time, you may notice your husky shedding more than usual.
Once the adult coat has grown, it will become longer, thicker, and denser. The coat color also may change during this time.
Q. Is it proper to use a dryer to blow a husky’s coat?
Yes, you can use a dryer on a low or cool setting to blow the coat of your husky. It can help to remove any loose hair and make grooming easier. You should always brush your husky before using a dryer and never use a hot setting, as this can damage the coat.
If you’re using a dryer to remove loose hair, ensure you also give your husky a regular bath. It will help to keep their skin and coat healthy.
Q. Can Husky shedding be stopped?
Unfortunately, there is no way to stop husky shedding completely. Nevertheless, there are certain things that you can do to lessen its impact. Shedding is a natural process that helps to keep the skin and coat healthy, so you don’t want to stop it completely.
Q. Is it fair to give my husky a bath every day?
While bathing your husky daily isn’t necessary, it can help reduce shedding. It is because it will help to remove any loose hair and keep the skin and coat healthy. If you bathe your husky daily, ensure you use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo.
You can bathe the husky with warm water and dog shampoo every day. Using conditioners or other products on their coat is unnecessary unless a veterinarian recommends it.
Q. Is coconut oil beneficial for shedding?
Coconut oil can be beneficial for shedding, as it can help to keep the skin and coat healthy. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help reduce dryness and irritation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe any itchiness or discomfort.
When using coconut oil for shedding, use a high-quality virgin oil. You can apply it directly to the skin or coat or add it to your husky’s food. Start with a small amount and gradually work your way up as necessary.
Q. Can I use a supplement to help my husky shed less?
Yes. Supplements are beneficial for many things, including shedding. The most important thing is to choose a high-quality supplement. It will ensure that it is safe for your husky and contains the right ingredients.
Some good ingredients to look for in a shedding supplement include omega-three fatty acids, biotin, and vitamin E. Omega-fatty acids can help keep the skin and coat healthy and have anti-inflammatory properties. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to support healthy skin and nails. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin and coat.
When using any supplement, make sure you’re following the recommended dosage. You should also talk to your veterinarian before starting any supplement, as they can help to determine if it’s right for your husky.
Final Thoughts
Living with huskies can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. If you own a husky or are thinking about getting one, it’s important to be prepared for the shedding. Huskies shed year-round, and it can be a lot of work to keep up with it. However, you can do a few things to minimize shedding and keep your husky healthy and happy.
Do you have any tips or tricks for dealing with husky shedding? Share them in the comments below!
