So you have a stinking and shedding husky, and now it’s bath time! Bathing a husky can seem like a daunting task, especially when you already know that your husky isn’t going to be very cooperative. Whether your husky is well-behaved for the bath or not, you want to make sure that you are using the best dog shampoo for huskies to ensure that all your hard work will be worth it!
In the grooming salon, my favorite for huskies is the Furminator deshedding shampoo. In addition to this shampoo, I’ll also share some of my other favorites that are especially great for tackling different problems like odor, shedding, dry fur, and allergies. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each so you have as much info as possible when deciding which shampoo to choose for your furry pup.
Guide to Buying Shampoo for Huskies
Importance of bathing a husky
I know it is a fair amount of work, but bathing your husky regularly really can help improve the appearance and feel of their coat, significantly reduce shedding, and of course, leave your husky smelling fresh! While it is not necessary to bathe your husky every day or every week by any means, I would recommend that huskies get a bath every two to three months.
Most of my clients found that every two months was about the perfect amount of time in between baths and helped them stay on top of shedding! It is typically around the three-month mark when folks start to notice that loose fur is starting to accumulate in the corners of their house and that it is time for another bath!
Types of shampoos
There are all sorts of shampoos designed for dogs. Many shampoos are designed with a certain concern or function in mind, like shedding or deodorizing.
Today I mentioned some of my favorite:
- Deshedding shampoos
- Moisturizing shampoos
- Hypoallergenic shampoos for sensitive skin as well as itching relief
But different shampoos can tackle other concerns, too, like whitening the dog’s coat, removing bad smells like skunk spray, or a veterinary shampoo prescribed by your local vet.
Quality
Quality is important to consider when choosing a shampoo. There are some shampoos on the market that just aren’t made well and can often do more harm than good and leave a dog’s coat more brittle and dry, or even just leave your dog with a wet dog smell after their bath. In fact, the quality of shampoo is one of the main reasons why huskies can have dry skin.
Budget
There is a wide variety of prices for dog shampoos, with some costing more or less than others. Most fall in the $12 to $20 range, but others from luxury brands like OUAI or CHI might land in the $30 range. It all just depends on what you are looking for.
Another little trick I like to sometimes use is to wash my dog all over in a less pricey shampoo first. Then if I really like the scent of a higher-priced shampoo, I’ll use that shampoo just on my dog’s face, chest, and neck instead of all over. All the places I lean into when I give him a hug!
Recommendation
The shampoos mentioned today are all ones that I have tried and loved for my own dogs and for my clients’ dogs. I try to base my shampoo choice on what skin or coat concerns the dog might have and pick my favorite based on that. My absolute favorite, though, is the Furminator deshedding shampoo. It completely deodorizes the dog and helps remove any loose or stuck shedding fur. But the rest of the shampoos mentioned are close runner-ups!
If you liked this article, you’ll also like my recommendation for the:
What shampoos have you tried on your husky?
Let us know in the comments below.
FAQ
Do huskies need a certain shampoo?
Huskies can benefit from just about any dog shampoo. But it really all depends on their specific coat needs and concerns. If it is shedding season, I would recommend Furminator Deshedding shampoo, but maybe it’s the middle of winter, and you’ve noticed your dog’s coat is getting dry and brittle. With that, I would instead recommend the Chi moisturizing shampoo.
How often should you bathe a husky?
Huskies don’t need baths as frequently as some other breeds might, but they definitely still benefit from regular bathing and grooming. I recommend a bath every two to three months. Two months is typically ideal, especially if your husky is a heavy shedder, as it helps you to stay on top of all that shedding.
Should I dry my husky after a bath?
You should definitely dry your husky after a bath as best as you can. Huskies have such thick coats that it can take a while for them to dry completely on their own. Start with letting your husky shake off as much water as possible, and then towel dry. From there, I recommend using a high-velocity dog grooming dryer to help blow out their loose fur and get them dry quicker. If you don’t have that, though, it is perfectly okay to use a human hair dryer on your husky. Just make sure to use medium heat, and keep the dryer far enough away from the dog that their skin doesn’t get too hot. If it’s a nice day outside, you can then let your dog outside to finish drying. I just hope that they don’t go for a roll in the dirt or mud!
What should I use to bathe my husky?
You don’t need a lot to bathe your husky. Just a bathtub or a hose outside, shampoo, some towels, and a blow dryer if you have it! If you’re bathing your husky outside, make sure you put him or her on a leash, as you don’t want to have them run off when they’re all soapy and have to chase them with the hose!
How do you wash a dog’s face?
This part of the bath process is often the trickiest! I like to save this part for last so that I’m not making them really upset right at the very beginning. It is important to try your best to avoid getting soap or water into your dog’s eyes. So what I like to do is grab my dog’s muzzle and tilt his chin up and direct the water from the hose to his forehead so it falls back over his head and neck and down on his muzzle. If you’re using a cup of water, the same concept applies; just tilt your dog’s head up before getting it wet. Then apply a small amount of soap and start massaging it into their face, head, and neck. Once you’re done, you’ll want to repeat the same method you used to get your dog’s face wet to rinse it. If your dog absolutely does not tolerate a hose or water being splashed on their face, you may have to use a wet washcloth. Just be sure to get all the soap out.
