Huskies are among the most popular dog breeds, thanks to their friendly dispositions and impressive ability to work as part of a team.
But one of the most common questions people willing to adopt them ask is: do huskies shed a lot?
We’ve covered everything you need to know about the maintenance and grooming of these gorgeous wolf-like dogs.
Do Huskies Shed a Lot
Huskies are well-known for their thick fur, which keeps them warm in a cold climate. But many people don’t realize that they shed a lot.
Huskies have two layers of fur—an outer layer and an undercoat. The outer layer is made of longer guard hairs that protect them from the snow, while the inner coat is denser short fur. The undercoat is what helps insulate the dog and keep it warm in colder temperatures.
During the warmer months, huskies shed their undercoats to stay cool. This is known as the husky’s blowing phase. Huskies will typically go through this twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall.
While huskies’ shedding is natural, it can be a bit of a nuisance for their owners. They will shed heavily for several weeks, during which time their fur will be everywhere—on your clothes, furniture, and floor.
However, with regular brushing and vacuuming, you can keep the mess to a minimum.
How Often Do Huskies Shed
Huskies will shed year-round, but the main husky shedding season is usually during spring and fall.
In the spring, they shed their thick regal-looking winter coats in preparation for summer as the days start to get longer and the weather gets warmer. In the fall, as the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, huskies shed their lighter summer coats in preparation for winter.
This is normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, if you notice that your husky is shedding an irregular amount of hair followed by bald patches, this could be a sign of a more serious health issue, and you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Whatever you do, shaving the husky’s coat is not an option. Doing so will only make the dog more susceptible to the cold and could even lead to deteriorating health.
How to Deal With Husky Hair in the House
There are dogs that don’t shed, and then there are huskies. If you are a husky owner, you are probably all too familiar with the never-ending battle against husky hair in the house. It seems like no matter how often you vacuum, there is always a layer of fur on the floor. So, here are some tips on how to stop husky from shedding:
- Groom your husky regularly: The more fur you can remove before it has a chance to shed, the better. Invest in a good-quality brush and groom your dog at least once a week.
- Vacuum frequently: This is the most important thing you can do to keep husky hair under control. Vacuum every day, or at least a few times a week. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister often, so it doesn’t get full and stop working effectively. If you don’t feel like using your housing vacuum, plenty of robot vacuums are great at collecting pet hair.
- Keep your husky off the furniture and other upholstered surfaces: If you let your dog on the couch or bed, you’re just asking for trouble. Not only will their fur end up all over your furniture, but it’s also much more challenging to vacuum fur off the upholstery than off hard floors.
- Bathe your husky as needed: While you don’t want to overdo it and inadvertently cause skin problems, thorough bathing can help remove loose fur, keep your husky smelling fresh, and avoid a parasite infestation. Use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo to avoid irritation.
- Be proactive about cleaning: As soon as you see any shed fur, try cleaning it up immediately. The longer it sits, the harder it is to remove. Regularly sweep and vacuum floors and lint roll the furniture and clothing to remove any stray hairs.
- Deshedding shampoo: This is a medicated shampoo specifically designed with an anti-shed formula to help reduce hair loss. It can be a real lifesaver when it comes to keeping the hair under control.
By following these tips, you can keep your husky’s hair under control and enjoy your furry friend’s company without feeling like you’re living in a pet hair nightmare.
| Related article: Choosing the Best Dog Shampoo in 2022 (Reviews & Guide) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do huskies shed?
Huskies mainly shed twice a year, during spring and fall. The amount they shed varies from dog to dog, and some may even experience a little shedding year-round. But most hair loss happens during those two seasonal periods.
When do huskies start shedding?
Husky shedding begins as early as January, but most will begin to lose their fur around April. Huskies typically shed their undercoats twice a year, and the process can take several weeks.
During shedding season, it’s essential to brush your dog’s fur daily to help remove the loose hair. You may also want to consider using grooming tools like the rake (which is basically a wide-toothed comb) or the Furminator tool to help get rid of the dead hair.
Do huskies ever stop shedding?
No, huskies always shed. They often have a very heavy shed twice a year, but they also lose hair gradually all year.
Do huskies shed more than German shepherds?
No, they’re both known for their heavy shedding. Huskies have soft fur, but because both breeds have a double coat, they tend to shed a lot.
Key Takeaways
So, do huskies shed a lot?
Huskies seem especially prone to losing their fur, but that’s normal—especially in their shedding season. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the amount of hair your husky leaves around the house.
By following these husky shedding tips and regular grooming tips, you can keep your home fur-free (or at least as fur-free as possible).
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