Because Huskies are such active dogs, huskies don’t generally start shedding until mid-autumn and continue right through until spring. Regular brushing will help to keep their coat in check, but if you want to avoid finding husky hair everywhere then you’ll also need to invest in a pair of dog-friendly rubber gloves. If your new addition is an adult or adolescent husky, then there’s every chance that they will begin shedding around this time. You might also notice that their fur gets rather matted at the base of their tail and underneath their jawline – this is quite common among double-coated breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, and Samoyeds. However, husky puppies don’t usually shed until they are around nine months old.
Why do huskies shed?
Huskies are known as ‘double-coated’ dogs, meaning that they have two layers of fur – a short, dense undercoat and a longer, coarser topcoat. Double-coated breeds are more susceptible to shedding than their single-coated cousins, particularly during periods of rapid growth. This increased shedding is, in part, due to the fact that a husky’s undercoat has no way of escaping its topcoat. If this trapped undercoat isn’t loosened and removed regularly, it will eventually build up and create mats in the coarse topcoat. Huskies have a reputation for being a messy breed – and there’s good reason for this! Their excessive shedding is the main reason that they’re so notorious for leaving fur all over the place. If you don’t regularly brush your husky’s coat and remove the loose fur, you’ll soon notice that it’s ending up all over your house, your furniture, and even on your food!
How to brush a husky
Brushing your husky’s coat on a regular basis will help to remove loose fur, prevent matted fur and distribute natural oils from the skin through to the end of their coat (which are essential for keeping their fur healthy). Along with occasional baths, brushing is perhaps the most important part of grooming your dog. Before you start brushing your husky, it’s important to understand that they generally dislike having their fur brushed. This is because they’re naturally very shy dogs that have been bred to be very aware of their surroundings, so they have a heightened sense of danger. It’s therefore advisable to spend a few minutes each day brushing your husky’s coat while they’re young to help them get used to the sensation of being brushed. Begin brushing at the base of your husky’s tail and work your way up towards their head. If you find any knots in their fur, try to work them out using your fingers rather than a brush; knots in your husky’s fur will only get worse if you attempt to brush them out.
How to minimize shedding in your husky
It’s impossible to completely stop your husky from shedding, but there are a few things that you can do to minimize the amount of fur being left around the house. Begin by brushing your husky’s coat on a daily basis and washing their fur as often as required. Although daily brushing may seem excessive, it’s the only way to keep your husky’s coat in check. It’s also important to make sure that your husky is receiving adequate nutrition. Your dog’s diet should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which can help to minimize the amount of shedding. If your husky’s coat is particularly thick, you may want to consider trimming the fur around their paws and eyes to prevent it from getting stuck in their fur. It’s also a good idea to invest in some rubber gloves if you want to avoid having husky hair on your hands!
Tips for managing excessive Husky shedding
If you’re struggling to keep on top of your husky’s shedding, there are a few things that you can do to minimize the amount of hair you find in your house. Begin by brushing your husky’s coat daily and bathing them as often as required. It’s also a good idea to vacuum your house every day, as this will help to collect loose fur and prevent it from building up. Finally, you may want to consider investing in a grooming rake. Grooming rakes are designed to remove loose fur from your husky’s coat while they’re being brushed. If your husky’s shedding is particularly bad, you may want to consider having their fur cut. Short-haired huskies will shed less than their long-haired cousins, and their fur will also be easier to manage. There’s no shame in taking your dog to a professional groomer if you’re struggling to keep up with their shedding.
Conclusion
Huskies are beautiful dogs with a lot to offer, but they do come with their fair share of issues. Luckily, most of these issues are manageable, and many can be prevented by taking your new husky on regular walks from a young age. Brushing your husky’s coat on a daily basis and bathing them as often as required will help to minimize the amount of fur being left around the house. It’s important to make sure that your husky is receiving adequate nutrition, as this will also help to minimize shedding.
