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Maintaining a husky’s luxurious double coat can be a challenge, and understanding the nuances of grooming is essential for their well-being. While we advocate against the practice of shaving huskies unless explicitly advised by a veterinarian due to medical reasons, we understand that there are circumstances where a shave might become necessary.
To equip husky owners with the knowledge of the most suitable clippers to use if the need arises, we’ve curated a selection of the best clippers for huskies. By understanding the nuances of husky coat care and the tools required for responsible grooming, you can ensure your furry friend’s well-being and keep their coat in optimal condition.
Reasons Why Shaving is Not Recommended
First, let’s address why shaving a double-coated dog like a husky is discouraged.
Must read: Can You Shave a Husky?
Importance of Husky’s Natural Coat
Breeds like huskies possess a unique coat that helps regulate body temperature. Shaving to keep double-coated dogs cool in the heat is ultimately counterproductive. The coat acts as a natural cooling system, trapping air near the skin. Removing it disrupts this cooling mechanism, heightening heat-related risks.
Protection from the Elements
The outer guard hairs shield against the sun and insulate from heat, while the dense undercoat provides warmth in colder conditions. Shaving disrupts this natural temperature control, increasing the risk of extreme temperature vulnerability, heat stroke, and hypothermia.
Long-Term Damage
Shaving also damages the coat long-term. The regrown coat might differ in patches, texture, and color. The new coat could be less effective in insulation and protection and could grow back much coarser to the touch. Shaving exposes the skin to sunlight, heightening the chances of sunburn and skin issues, which can leave the skin painful and infection-prone.
Unintended Consequences
Though surprising, shaving can sometimes actually trigger more husky shedding as the undercoat grows thicker, shedding excessively due to the abrupt change. Some owners might want to shave their dogs due to matting concerns. However, regular husky grooming, like brushing and de-matting, can address these issues without shaving.
Possible Reasons Shaving May Become Necessary
When to Consider Shaving a Husky’s Coat
There may be some rare medical situations or circumstances where shaving a husky’s coat could be considered. If a husky’s coat becomes severely matted or tangled and these mats cannot be safely and effectively removed, shaving might be necessary. Mats can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and even skin infections if left untreated.
Skin Conditions Requiring Shaving
If a husky develops a severe skin condition that hampers its coat’s health and alternative treatments have failed, shaving could be considered under the guidance of a veterinarian. For many husky skin problems, the medical treatment includes a medicated bath. Medicated baths can be required as frequently as two to three times a week. Now, bathing a husky is a ton of work, especially with their thick double coat. So, to make the bathing process a bit easier, owners may consider shaving their husky’s coat down a bit shorter. But again, this can have negative consequences, too, so it is best to weigh the pros and cons.
Professional Evaluation and Guidance
Shaving a husky’s coat is generally not advisable, but there are specific instances of skin conditions where shaving might be considered beneficial, provided it’s done under the supervision of a veterinarian. These situations are relatively uncommon and require professional evaluation and guidance. Examples of such conditions include severe hot spots or pyoderma, where shaving can aid in cleaning and applying medications for faster healing.
Other Conditions Requiring Shaving
Additionally, in cases of severe allergic reactions, deep skin infections, ringworm, or autoimmune skin disorders that cause blistering and ulceration, shaving might be necessary to facilitate proper treatment and prevent further irritation. However, it’s important to stress that the decision to shave a husky’s coat due to a skin condition should always be made in consultation with a veterinarian, who can determine the necessity of shaving and provide guidance on appropriate care. In most instances, alternative treatments and management strategies will be explored before considering shaving as an option.
That being said, let’s jump in and talk about some of the best clippers for huskies, should the need arise!
3 Best Clippers for Huskies
Overall Best Clippers for Huskies
Andis 23280 ProClip 2 Speed Clippers
The Andis pet clipper is a versatile and indispensable grooming tool that holds numerous advantages for pet owners, particularly those seeking to groom their huskies. Its features work in harmony to provide a grooming experience that is both convenient and comfortable for both the pet and the owner.
Detachable Blade Design
A key highlight of the Andis pet clipper is its detachable blade design, allowing for effortless blade changes and cleaning. This feature proves invaluable when dealing with the thick coat of a husky, as it enables swift adjustments between different blade lengths to achieve the desired fur outcome.
Ample Cord Length
Moreover, the inclusion of a 14-foot heavy-duty cord offers ample room for movement around the pet and grooming equipment, ensuring that you won’t be hindered by a cord that is too short.
Adjustable Speed Range
The clipper has an adjustable speed range of 3,400 to 4,400 strokes per minute, which helps it easily adapt to varying coat thickness and sensitivity levels. This adjustable speed setting empowers owners to customize the grooming process for their husky’s unique needs, catering to delicate areas with lower speeds and efficiently managing denser fur with higher speeds.
Durability and Noise Reduction
The clipper’s durability is enhanced by its shatter-proof housing, assuring users of its resilience against accidental bumps or drops during grooming sessions. By far, my favorite feature is how the clipper’s design prioritizes quiet operation, minimizing noise-related anxiety that might arise during grooming and fostering a more tranquil atmosphere.
Convenient Features
The convenience of grooming is further optimized by a locking switch, which prevents unintended shut-offs during use. Additionally, the clipper’s compatibility with a range of UltraEdge, CeramicEdge, and ShowEdge blades offers users a diverse selection to achieve various coat lengths and styles for their husky.
Valuable Accessories
The package includes valuable accessories such as a number ten blade, 4 oz. of animal-safe blade oil, and an extra blade drive. These extras contribute to the overall value of the product, equipping users with the essentials needed to embark on grooming endeavors.
Blade Numbering System
For effective grooming, understanding the reverse blade numbering system is crucial. In this system, smaller blade numbers signify longer hair lengths, while larger numbers result in shorter hair. For huskies needing a shave for medical reasons, I would recommend the 4FC and 7FC, producing fur lengths of ⅜ inch (9.5 mm) and ⅛ inch (3.2 mm), respectively.
Clipper Combs for Versatility
To cater to longer fur preferences, clipper combs that fit the unit can be attached. These combs enable fur lengths of up to half an inch or even one inch, granting users versatility in achieving their desired grooming outcomes. Easily attachable and detachable, these combs enhance the clipper’s adaptability to diverse grooming needs.
✅ Pros:
- Shatter-proof housing adds durability
- Quiet operation helps minimize pet anxiety
- The locking switch prevents accidental shut-offs
- Compatible with different blade types
- Detachable blade design for easy changing and cleaning
❌ Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to more basic models
- The heavy-duty cord might be cumbersome for some users
Quick Pro Tip:
The blades of clippers can easily become too hot and end up hurting the dog. Thankfully, there are quite a few things you can do to reduce the risk of this happening.
First, check the temperature of the blade frequently by pressing it on the back of your hand or on your wrist. If it is hot or uncomfortably warm, it is too hot for your husky. If you find your blade getting hot, you’ll need to take frequent breaks to make sure it cools down.
Another thing you can do is keep an extra blade on hand and swap the hot blade with a cool one. You can also invest in Cool Care Plus, which is a spray that can be sprayed directly onto the blades to help keep them from overheating as quickly.
Best Budget Clippers for Huskies
Oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers
The Oneisall Dog Clipper is a grooming essential for anyone wanting to shave their dog. With its detachable blades, grooming becomes a breeze as they can be effortlessly changed and cleaned, ensuring consistent performance.
Rechargeable Convenience
The clipper’s rechargeable design with a built-in battery offers exceptional flexibility, allowing grooming sessions to continue even while charging, eliminating the worry of an unfinished grooming job.
Quiet and Calming Operation
Notably, the Oneisall clipper boasts a low vibration and ultra-quiet operation, emitting only around 50 dB of noise, which is crucial for the sensitive nature of huskies. This thoughtful feature helps keep the pets calm and at ease during grooming.
Versatile Guard Combs
The inclusion of six guard combs, ranging from 3mm to 18mm (⅛ inch to ¾ inch), accommodates the varying coat lengths of huskies, enabling customized grooming. The clipper’s blade length is akin to a ten-blade.
♀️ User Experience
I have this clipper myself, and it has been quite good so far. The only downside is that it doesn’t have the option to leave the coat longer than ¾ inch. So if you just want to shave off a short amount of fur and keep your husky’s coat relatively long still, this wouldn’t be the best option. But if, for medical reasons, you need to take the coat quite short, this would be a good budget-friendly option! This is also a great choice if you just want to shave the bottom of your husky’s paw pad to tidy up some of the long fur that grows there!
✅ Pros:
- Quiet operation
- Long lasting charge
- Budget-friendly
❌ Cons:
- No option to buy additional or replacement blade
- The longest length is ¾ inch
Best Cordless Clippers for Huskies
WAHL Professional Dog Clippers
For husky owners seeking an effective grooming solution, the Wahl Dog Clipper proves to be an indispensable tool.
Cordless Convenience
I personally really love the cordless design making grooming sessions easier without the hassle of cords getting in the way. With a rechargeable battery boasting an impressive 80-minute cordless runtime and a quick 75-minute charge time, this clipper ensures uninterrupted grooming sessions.
5-in-1 Fine Blade
The standout feature of the Wahl Dog Clipper is its 5-in-1 fine blade, which can be adjusted to sizes #9, 10, 15, 30, and 40, catering to various grooming preferences. This adaptability is especially beneficial for huskies with their unique coat requirements.
Comprehensive Grooming Kit
The comprehensive grooming kit also includes two drop-in NiMH rechargeable battery packs, a soft storage case, a charging stand with a charger, four plastic attachment guide combs, a cleaning brush, blade oil, and an instruction book.
Impressive Performance
The clipper’s impressive performance shines through its ability to deliver up to 5,500 strokes per minute, making quick work of even the thickest husky coats. To achieve a customized grooming length, it’s recommended to acquire additional guard combs compatible with the clipper. These guard combs, offering cutting lengths from 1/8 inch to 1 inch, provide a tailored approach to trimming your husky’s coat.
Trusted Warranty
Additionally, Wahl stands behind the quality of its product by including a one-year limited professional warranty with the clipper. This warranty not only reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their product but also provides husky owners with peace of mind knowing that their investment is backed by trusted support.
✅ Pros:
- The cordless design provides convenience and ease of movement
- The rechargeable battery offers an extended 80-minute cordless runtime with a quick 75-minute charge time
- A one-year limited professional warranty adds to the clipper’s reliability
❌ Cons:
- Some users may find this clipper’s price point relatively higher compared to basic alternatives
- Included blade lengths might not cover all grooming preferences, necessitating additional guard combs for more options
Recommendation
Throughout this article, we’ve underscored the importance of maintaining a husky’s natural coat for temperature regulation, protection from the elements, and overall skin health. We have also explored the circumstances where shaving might be medically necessary, such as surgical procedures, severe matting, or skin concerns. There are genuine medical reasons that might necessitate shaving, and such decisions should only be made under the guidance of a qualified veterinarian.
If faced with such a situation, selecting the right clippers becomes crucial to ensure a safe and effective grooming process. By choosing clippers designed for dense double coats and employing proper techniques, husky owners can mitigate potential damage and maintain the integrity of their beloved companions’ coats. Our recommended clippers ensure a safe and comfortable grooming experience for your husky.
Overall, I recommend the Andis ProClip Clippers if you need to shave your husky for medical reasons.
Have you ever had to shave your husky for medical reasons?
Share your experience in the comments below.
FAQs about Husky Clippers
What are the best clippers for grooming huskies?
The best clippers for grooming huskies include models specifically designed for thick coats and matted hair. If your vet has recommended shaving your husky for medical reasons, we recommend the Andis 23280 ProClip 2 Speed Clippers.
What should I look for when choosing dog clippers for huskies?
When choosing dog clippers for huskies, make sure they have a powerful motor to handle thick fur, a durable blade for efficient grooming, and features like multiple speed settings and cordless operation for convenience.
Can I use regular clippers for grooming my husky?
Regular clippers may not be suitable for grooming a husky’s thick coat. It is recommended to use clippers specifically designed for dog grooming, as they have the power and blade design to efficiently groom thick fur.
Are cordless clippers better for grooming huskies?
Cordless clippers can be more convenient for grooming huskies, as they offer freedom of movement without being restricted by a power cord. However, make sure to choose a cordless clipper with a long enough battery life to complete the grooming session.
What is the difference between a ceramic and stainless steel blade?
Ceramic blades are known for staying sharp for longer periods and running cooler than stainless steel blades. Stainless steel blades, on the other hand, are generally more affordable and easier to find as replacements.
How often should I groom my husky?
Huskies have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming. It is recommended to groom them at least once a week to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.
How do I clean the clippers after grooming my husky?
After grooming your husky, remove any loose fur from the clipper blades using a brush or a specialized cleaning tool. You can also use a cleaning solution to disinfect the blades. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
Can I use clippers on sensitive areas of my husky?
When using clippers on sensitive areas, it is important to be extra careful and use a gentle touch. You can consider using specialized clipper attachments or trimming these areas with scissors to avoid any discomfort or injury.
Are there any clippers specifically designed for matted coats?
Yes, there are clippers specifically designed for matted coats. These clippers often feature powerful motors and specialized blades that can cut through tough mats.
