Huskies are beautiful dogs that are beloved by many. Their thick fur coats, piercing blue eyes, and friendly demeanor make them great family pets and companions.
However, one issue that many husky owners face is shedding. If only huskies were hypoallergenic. Huskies are known for their heavy shedding, especially during the year’s warmer months. All this fur can be a nuisance for owners constantly vacuuming and cleaning up after their furry friends.
This article will discuss the husky’s coat, explore the reasons behind husky shedding and provide some tips and tricks for managing it and grooming your husky.
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Double-coat
Huskies are known for their thick, double-layered coats that help them survive in cold environments. The top coat, or guard coat or guard hairs, comprises long, coarse, straight hairs designed to repel water and keep the undercoat dry. The topcoat protects against elements like the sun, rain and wind.
On the other hand, the undercoat is made up of a soft, dense layer of fur that provides warmth and insulation. The undercoat comprises shorter hairs that are tightly packed together, which helps trap a layer of heat close to the dog’s body.
This layer makes the husky’s coat especially effective at keeping them warm in even the coldest temperatures. It even helps protect dogs from the heat! Though the undercoat thins out during the summer months, it still helps trap a cool layer of air between the coat and the skin, which helps huskies regulate their temperature in the heat.
Further reading:
How much do huskies shed?
Huskies are known for shedding a lot, especially if they are wooly huskies, and particularly during seasonal changes when they “blow” their coat. The phrase “a lot” doesn’t even come close to how much these fluff balls shed! Even when the seasons aren’t changing, huskies shed a great deal, leaving a trail of fur wherever they go.
But when the seasons change, Huskies often shed their entire undercoat. It often comes out in clumps you can see that are just barely hanging on to the husky.
Eventually, the clumps of fur will fall off, and you’ll have tumbleweeds of husky fur floating along the floors of your house. 😂
These clumps of light/white fur often make it look like your husky’s coat color is changing. But don’t worry, this is perfectly normal.
Why do huskies shed?
Huskies shed primarily to rid themselves of their old coat so they can have room for when their new coat grows in.
A husky’s coat needs vary based on the season. If a husky kept its winter coat all summer long, chances are, that husky would have a pretty miserable summer and be way too hot! Shedding is one way for a husky to keep cool in summer!
Similarly, if a husky didn’t grow a winter coat and kept its summer coat all winter long, it wouldn’t be able to stay as warm as it should. Huskies are perfectly designed to survive some of the harshest elements. Shedding just happens to come with the territory.
A husky’s coat doesn’t always shed this much, though! There is a short period of time during their youth when they will not shed like crazy. Enjoy it while it lasts!
When do husky puppies start shedding?
Some Huskies keep their puppy coats for as long as ten months, but other husky puppies will start to shed their puppy coats at around the five to six-month mark.
When huskies still have their puppy coat, it can be a great time to practice brushing with a comb or gentle brush. The last thing anyone wants is a husky that hates brushing, so be sure to keep the experience fun and positive. Use lots of treats!
When a husky is between the ages of ten and fourteen months, this typically starts to really shed the puppy fur and grow into their adult coat.
When do huskies shed?
Huskies shed throughout the entire year. Unfortunately, there is really no escaping it. Thankfully though, in some parts of the year, Huskies are just shedding a small amount, and it can easily be managed with regular brushing.
Husky shedding season
However, when the seasons begin to change, Huskies shed their old coat to prepare for the upcoming change in weather. This typically happens during the fall-to-winter season change and the spring-to-summer season change.
These times of year are typically when a husky will shed the most. Their fur will likely begin to come out in clumps, and they will need some help getting the fur off with frequent brushing unless you like husky tumbleweeds blowing around your home!
Abnormal shedding
Though huskies are well-known for shedding a great deal, there still comes up a point when a certain amount of fur loss becomes concerning. Various health concerns can cause hair loss, so it’s important to keep an eye on your dog.
If you notice that your husky is losing so much fur that it is developing bald spots in its coat, it will be time to consult with a veterinarian to figure out what could be causing such excessive hair loss.
Allergies
One of the first things that may come to mind when considering hair loss in Huskies is allergies. Dogs can have allergies just like humans, and one of the symptoms of an allergic reaction can be excessive shedding.
Common allergens include:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Certain types of food (usually highly processed food with many chemical additives)
Things you might notice along with fur loss are:
- Excessive itching
- Shaking
- Rubbing
- Red irritated skin or eyes
Skin Infections
Skin problems in huskies caused by bacteria or fungus can lead to excessive shedding.
Signs of a skin infection may include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Inflammation
- Thinning fur
- Bald spots
Hot Spots
Another skin concern that can lead to hair loss is the development of hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, which is a common skin condition in dogs, including Siberian Huskies.
What are Hot Spots?
Hot spots are areas of the skin that become inflamed, infected, and painful due to bacteria or other irritants. The affected area may be red, swollen, oozing, and itchy.
Due to their thick coat, Siberian Huskies are particularly prone to hot spots, which can trap moisture and bacteria against the skin.
What Causes Hot Spots?
Hot spots can also occur when a dog scratches or bites at an itchy spot on their skin, leading to inflammation and infection.
Treatment for Hot Spots
Treatment for hot spots typically involves cleaning the affected area and applying topical medications, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation and promote healing. In severe cases, oral antibiotics or other medications may be necessary.
Hormone imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can affect a dog’s coat and cause excessive shedding.
For example, Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, can lead to hair loss, shedding and weight gain in huskies. Hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s disease, is another serious health concern that can result in hair loss.
Adrenal sex hormone dermatosis is another health concern related to hormone imbalances that can cause hair loss. While these aren’t entirely common health concerns, it is important to keep them in mind when a dog exhibits symptoms like extremely excessive shedding and hair loss.
Parasites
Parasites such as fleas, lice, ticks, and mites can irritate a dog’s skin and cause excessive shedding. This is usually because the dog’s skin is so irritated it starts to excessively scratch and bite at its skin, which then causes hair loss and shedding.
In addition, some internal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms can cause nutritional deficiencies that can result in dull, dry, or brittle fur that sheds excessively.
Regularly checking your dog for signs of fleas and ticks and using preventative measures can help keep parasites under control.
Further reading: Best flea and tick treatment for huskies
Keeping your house clean
Keeping your house completely fur-free may not be entirely possible with a husky, but there are definitely things owners can do to make their home clean and free of as much fur as possible.
Invest in good cleaning equipment
For example, sweeping and vacuuming will likely need to become a part of your daily routine, at least for the areas of your house that your dog is in frequently.
Invest in good cleaning equipment to make the job easier. Many people with double-coated dogs like Huskies invest in robotic vacuum cleaners that do the work for you!
Vacuum recommendations: 👇
Shake out covers, blankets and sheets
Besides sweeping and vacuuming, other things you can do to minimize the amount of fur in your home is to frequently take blankets and sheets used by your husky outside and shake them out before bringing them back in.
Use coach covers
Additionally, if you allow your husky on the furniture but it is difficult to keep clean, consider using slipcovers like sofa or chair covers. Most of these can easily be removed, shaken out, and washed. By using covers, you likely won’t have to spend nearly as much time vacuuming your furniture!
Have lint rollers ready!
Double-coated dog owners also will likely need to have a lint roller in every room of their house so they can keep their clothes clean after petting the dog. Lint rollers and other fur-collecting tools can also be great to use on furniture to remove any stuck fur.
Thick carpets need a carpet rake
Another thing to consider is a carpet rake. If you have a thick carpet, it may be beneficial to get yourself a carpet rake to help rake up loose shed fur from the carpet. This will make the job a little bit easier on your vacuum and will likely result in a better clean.
Use an air purifier
Finally, an air purifier may be a good investment for your home, especially if you have multiple huskies! Air purifiers can help keep the home cleaner by removing contaminants, pollutants, and allergens from the air.
The best air purifiers for huskies work by pulling in air from the surrounding environment and passing it through a series of filters that capture particles.
Some of these captured particles include:
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Mold spores
- Pollen
Some air purifiers also use additional technologies like UV-C light or activated carbon to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and odors. Yes, they can even help reduce that wet dog smell after you let your dog inside from the rain!
Once the air has been filtered, the clean air is released back into the room, which can help reduce the number of airborne particles that can trigger allergies or respiratory problems.
Husky shedding tips
Here are some tips about how to reduce husky shedding:
- Brush your husky regularly: Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair and prevents matting of the coat. You should aim to brush your husky at least once a week, but during the shedding season, daily brushing is recommended.
- Use a high-quality de-shedding tool: One of the best brushes for huskies includes a de-shedding tool. These can be very effective in removing loose hair from your husky’s coat. Look for a high-quality tool that is designed specifically for huskies.
- Bathe your husky occasionally: Bathing with the best shampoo for huskies and the best conditioner for huskies once every two to three months can help to remove loose hair and reduce shedding.
- Feed your husky a high-quality diet: The best dog food for shedding huskies is a high-quality diet that is rich in nutrients and protein that keeps your husky’s coat healthy.
- Keep your home clean: Regularly vacuuming and dusting can help to remove loose hair and prevent it from accumulating in your home.
- Consider professional grooming: Professional grooming can help to keep your husky’s coat healthy and reduce shedding. A professional groomer can also help to trim your husky’s coat and keep it in good condition.
Can shaving reduce shedding or help a husky cool off?
No, unfortunately, there is no quick fix that can help reduce shedding or help keep a husky cooler. In fact, shaving a double-coated dog can actually make their shedding even worse!
What happens when you shave a Husky?
With their long coat, the shed fur is easy to see and pick up. But after shaving, a husky will still shed just as much! Instead of their long flowing fur, however, the coat will shed tiny, short, and sharp pieces of fur that will get everywhere you do not want them to be. They become embedded into your clothes, furniture, blankets, and even skin.
Moreover, when a double-coated dog is shaved, it is likely that its once beautiful coat will grow back thin, coarse to the touch, and patchy.
For some Huskies, after being shaved only once, their coat will grow back just fine, but unfortunately for others, after only being shaved once, their coat will grow in poorly.
The odds of a husky’s coat growing back thin, coarse, and patchy will only increase the more times its coat gets shaved.
Why you don’t need to shave a Husky
The husky’s coat is designed in such a way that it already provides as much protection from the sun and heat as possible. A husky’s undercoat thins out quite a bit during the warm summer months. Still, this undercoat traps a layer of cool air between the dog’s skin and fur to help prevent the dog from overheating.
Additionally, the husky’s coat significantly helps protect its skin against sunburn. Huskies have incredibly light skin underneath all that fur with very little pigmentation, so they have very little protection from the sun and need their fur to protect themselves from the damaging rays.
However, if your veterinarian recommends shaving your husky for medical reasons, read our guide to the best clippers for huskies.
Further reading: Can You Shave a Husky?
Are there Huskies that don’t shed?
No, there are no purebred Huskies that don’t shed. However, there are Husky mixes that don’t shed as much. It’s all about finding a Husky mix where the non-Husky parent is a low-shedding dog breed.
Final thoughts about Husky shedding
Husky shedding is a natural and normal occurrence that every husky owner must be prepared for. While it can be frustrating to feel like you are in a losing battle with fur all over the house, it is important to remember that shedding is necessary for a husky’s health and well-being.
Various strategies can be employed to manage shedding, such as regular grooming and a healthy diet. While shedding is unlikely to be eliminated, it can still be made much more manageable.
Ultimately, the joy and love that huskies bring to their owners far outweigh the inconvenience of shedding, and with a good brush and a good vacuum, you can have a happy home with your husky.
When bathing your husky, make sure you have the best dog blower for huskies on hand.
How do you manage your husky’s shedding?
Share your tips in the comments below.
FAQ
Do huskies shed?
Yes, huskies shed a lot!
How to stop husky shedding?
You can’t stop husky shedding, you can only control it. Refer to our tips for controlling husky shedding.
What is the shedding process for Huskies?
Shedding is a natural process for Huskies. They have a double coat that consists of a dense undercoat and a longer topcoat. Twice a year, usually in the spring and fall, Huskies shed their undercoat to prepare for the changing seasons.
How much do Huskies shed?
Huskies shed a lot. Their double coat ensures they stay warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather, but it also means they tend to shed a large amount of hair. Huskies shed all year round, with heavier shedding periods twice a year when they “blow their coat”.
What does it mean when a Husky “blows their coat”?
“Blowing their coat” is a term used to describe when a Husky is shedding heavily. During this time, the undercoat becomes loose and starts to shed in clumps. It is a natural process that helps Huskies regulate their body temperature and keep their coat healthy.
Should I shave my Husky to reduce shedding?
No, you should not shave your Husky to reduce shedding. Their double coat serves a purpose in protecting them from extreme temperatures and sunburn. Shaving a Husky’s coat can actually do more harm than good, as it can disrupt their natural cooling and heating system.
How can I manage Husky shedding?
To manage Husky shedding, regular grooming is essential. Brushing your Husky’s coat at least twice a week, especially during the heavy shedding seasons, will help remove dead hair and prevent matting. Using an undercoat rake can also be effective in removing loose hair.
Are Huskies hypoallergenic?
No, Huskies are not hypoallergenic. They have a double coat that sheds regularly, which can release allergens into the environment. If you have allergies, it is recommended to spend time with a Husky beforehand to see if you have any reactions.
How often should I bathe my Husky?
Huskies have self-cleaning coats and do not require frequent bathing. Bathing them too often can strip their coat of natural oils and cause dry skin. It is generally recommended to bathe a Husky every 2-3 months or as needed.
What is the best brush for a Husky?
The best brush for a Husky is a slicker brush or an undercoat rake. These types of brushes are designed to reach through the topcoat and remove loose hair from the undercoat without causing any discomfort to the dog.
Does diet affect Husky shedding?
Yes, diet can affect Husky shedding, but usually only when a Husky is nutrient deficient. Unfortunately, this is common due to the low-quality commercial dog food many huskies eat. Feeding your Husky a balanced and high-quality diet with essential nutrients from real wholefood ingredients can help maintain a healthy coat and reduce excessive shedding. Discover the best dog food for huskies.
Should I consider getting a Husky if I don’t want a dog that sheds?
If you don’t want a dog that sheds, a Husky may not be the best choice for you. Huskies are known for shedding heavily and require regular grooming to manage their coat. Consider other breeds that are hypoallergenic or have minimal shedding if shedding is a concern for you.
