Husky Shedding – How To Deal With It Starting Today

Husky on the floor besides shedded fur in the form of a husky

The thick, plush fur of Siberian Huskies comes with two perks. First, it protects them from freezing-cold weather. Second, it is eye-candy for both the owners and passers-by alike.

However, if you own a husky, you know well that there is a price to pay. The price is, of course — shedding. As many owners can already tell you, husky shedding is one of their biggest concerns.

You may be wondering how you should deal with this nuisance. Well, we got you covered. But first, let us take a closer look at the fur of a husky and answer the following question:

Why Do Huskies Shed so Much?

As a husky owner, you should know that Siberian Huskies have a double coat of fur. Other such breeds may include German Shepherds, Akitas, Shetland Sheepdogs and Labradors.

This thick coat means huskies need more maintenance than single-coated dogs.

Since huskies need to adapt to changing conditions, they need to shed their fur. This is especially true for climates warmer than their native Siberia.

Typically, they shed in the fall and spring. In the fall, your husky needs to prepare a fluffy winter coat. On the other hand, during springtime, it needs to get rid of that coat and prepare for the summer days.

Other reasons why your husky is shedding so much may be health-related.

If your dog is itchy or develops bald spots, do not hesitate to take it to the vet. A thorough examination will show if there are any underlying illnesses.

The causes may be allergies, nutritional deficiencies, stress or physical pain. Additionally, you may want to consider spaying your female husky. Her heat cycles can also cause uncontrolled shedding.

Finally, check your dog for pesky parasites like fleas, ticks and the like. However, let us hope health is not the issue at hand.

What Can You Do to Control Husky Shedding?

seberian-husky-sitting-besides-shedded-fur

We hate to break it to you, but you cannot prevent your husky from shedding. It is a natural cycle after all.

Do not fear, however, because it can be controlled.

  • Instead of letting your husky leave hairs all over your house, brush your dog regularly.
  • Start doing this when they are young. As a result, your dog will learn to relax and enjoy it.
  • Alternatively, give your dog a treat every time you brush it.

Here are some tools to help you fight this avalanche of fluff:

husky sitting on the floor besides an undercoat rake and shedded fur

​1) Brushes

For the best results, try using various kinds of brushes for huskies. This will give you more options to choose from. Remember, you want what works best for your dog.

Moreover, you can try brushing them with a human hair brush. Though it may be unconventional, it is worthwhile if it does the trick.

2) Undercoat Rake

An undercoat rake is not only affordable, but it is also the most effective tool according to the majority of husky owners.

It gets deep into the dog’s coat, brushing away the trapped hairs with ease. Moreover, some owners say it is the only tool you need to cope with husky shedding, but we will let you be the judge of that.

3) Vacuum Cleaners and High-Velocity Dryers

After you are finished with the grooming session, make sure to vacuum your dog. According to some owners, Dyson vacuums are perfect for this job.

It is simple — sit your dog on the floor and turn the vacuum on. But as you may know,  dogs can get scared by vacuum cleaners. With this in mind, give your dog a treat to help it relax.

A similar tool you can try is the high-velocity dryer. It is almost like a leaf blower but for your dog’s hair. 

Since it reduces husky shedding for 2 or 3 weeks, it can be a time-saver.  Of course, you may want to take your dog outside if you opt for this method.

What About the Furminator?

There is an ongoing debate on whether this tool is good or not. This rake-type comb with fine teeth has been deemed by some as unsafe.

On the other hand, other owners have achieved good results. A major disadvantage of the Furminator is that it is not an ordinary brush.

In fact, it does not only brush the hairs out-it cuts them. This can leave your pet with a choppy-looking coat.

Also, remember that shedding is a natural process. Accordingly, use tools that help ease the process rather than forcing it.

However, the Furminator is not all that bad when used in moderation:

  • If your dog has built up a thick undercoat, do not try removing it all at once. Use the Furminator in smaller bursts instead.
  • Use the Furminator sparing​​​​ly, and go gently about it. This will gradually loosen the undercoat, making it easier to remove with a brush. This way, the dog will feel more comfortable, and its hair will replenish naturally.
  • And one last thing - do not use the Furm​​​​inator on a w​​​​et dog. This will only result in ripping the coat.

Other Things to Have in Mind

siberian-husky-sitting-on-snow
  • Huskies are generally clean dogs. Their hair never gets excessively oily.
  • Bathe your husky at least once a month. In fact, do it only when the dog starts to smell or its hair begins to tangle and mat.
  • Always make sure to rinse its coat thoroughly, getting rid of all the shampoo and conditioner.
  • If your husky is dirty from playing outside, use a brush to remove clumps of dirt and matting right away. This will result in an easy bathing session.
  • While we are on the subject of hair care products, we recommend some deshedding treatment as well.
  • Always make sure you apply a shampoo prior to applying the deshedding conditioner. This is because the conditioner does not smell all that great.
  • After you are done with your brushing session, it is time to clean up. A vacuum cleaner should do the trick. Also, get a good cleaning mop if you have hard floors.

If brushing your dog gets you too tired to vacuum, consider the iRobot Roomba. This little guy will save you the time and effort. However, it may not work as well on carpets as it does on hard floors.

Final thoughts

Husky fur may look too thick and fluffy for you to handle. However, they are generally considered relatively low-maintenance dogs. Let nature deal with all the hard parts.

Despite that, you should regularly brush your husky and consult a vet if you notice something is wrong.

We hope our advice will keep your husky looking neat, and lessen your troubles caused by husky shedding.

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