All Siberian Huskies shed. There is no running away from it. Huskies blow their undercoat two times per year. And that is before a big season change. For example, after the winter, and before the spring starts, and sometimes in the fall. And if you want to prevent the big bowl of hair, you should brush your husky all the time. Do huskies shed that much? Yes, just try and google “husky shed season”.
Look at the pictures, and come back then. So, can you do something about it? Can you prevent husky shedding? Well, you cannot totally eliminate it. But you can surely reduce it.
Here are some ways to reduce the shedding in your husky.
Why do Huskies shed?
Heavy shedding is a common problem for any Husky dog owner. But why does it happen? Well, excessive shedding is the result of the coat your Husky puppy has.
Huskies need their big and fluffy coat to protect them during harsh climates and cold weather. Remember, this canine was once a sled dog. Pulling sleds in the winter climate required something to keep them warn. Hence, the thick double coat.
Understanding the shedding cycle
The first thing you need to do is understand the shedding cycle. And your husky’s coat. Never ever shave your husky. You might think shaving will solve your shedding problem. Yes, but you will get exposed to a lot more problems. For example, lack of protection against cold and heat, exposure to insects and bugs, exposure to the sun’s UV rays, increased risk of sunburn, and more.
Now, let’s try and explain husky’s coat. They have double coats consisting of topcoat and undercoat. The top coat is the guard hair. And the undercoat is the denser, thicker, and softer hair.
Thanks to their double coat, huskies regulate their body temperature. They can remain cool in summer and warm in winter. Most of the year, huskies shed their topcoat. But when the shedding season comes, they shed their undercoat as well.
So, when is the shedding season? And why huskies blow out their coat? Well, think about it this way, do you wear the same clothes in winter and summer? Of course, you don’t. Dogs have to change their “outfit” as well.
Shedding through the year depends on where you live, your dog, genetics, diet, exercise, and many more factors. The blowout season is something you cannot prevent. It happens two times per year, and it lasts between 4 and 6 weeks.
Blowout takes place in spring and fall. During the spring blowout, huskies shed their undercoat to make way for a thinner summer coat. And in the fall, they blowout to make way for their thicker winter coat.
How to reduce shedding
As we said before, huskies shed throughout the year. Double-coated breeds shed all year round with two blowouts in spring and fall. And you can generally reduce the shedding throughout the year with a couple of prevention tricks.
Generally speaking, that includes a brushing routine, regular bathing, a healthy diet, and frequent exercise. We will break down each individually.
Regular brushing routine
You cannot stop a husky from shedding. That is a natural process that will happen no matter what you think. But you can manage the shedding. Why live in a home with hair all over the furniture? You can brush your husky and remove its falling hair on the balcony or in another designated area. And then, it is easier to clean up.
Brushing is a great way to reduce shedding, but also improve your bond with the dog. During brushing sessions, you can communicate with your dog and improve your connection.
Brushing prevents the buildup of dirt, reduces shedding, prevents mats and tangles, keeps your dog smelling fresh, keeps your house free of loose fur, reduces dead fur, and keeps your dog clean and comfortable.
How often and how long should you brush? During the shedding (blowout) season, brush your husky for 20 minutes. Sometimes you might need to do it for more. And during blowout season, we recommend doing it at least every other day or every day.
Throughout the year, you can brush your Husky pup 2 times per week. Some owners do it only once per week.
The most important part here is to get the right tools for the job. You need just two tools, a slicker brush, and a grooming undercoat rake. And before you begin, wear something you will throw away instantly. You will know why. And do it in a room in your house. It is easier to clean one room than the entire yard.
Have your dog stand or lie down, and with one hand, hold the skin. With your dominant hand, hold the rake/brush and start with a wide-toothed rake to deshed your dog. After 10 minutes, switch to your rake and remove the undercoat without disturbing the topcoat.
You can check a couple of YouTube tutorials for how to brush your Husky’s thick coat.
Bathing to prevent shedding
You do not need frequent baths. Depending on the state of your dog’s coat, you can bathe him two or three times per year.
Do not bathe your husky puppy often, as it can dry their skin and fur. Before the bath, give your dog a light brush to remove loose fur. Prepare a warm bath, and get your puppy in the tub. After the bath, blow-dry your husky.
We also recommend using de-shedding shampoo. Work into a lather and massage into the dirtiest areas first. Let the shampoo stay for a minute or two before you wash it.
During the year, if your husky gets dirty often, buy a dry shampoo to clean him. Do not bathe your dog more than three times per year.
Does diet matter?
This might come as a surprise, but what your dog eats makes a big difference in his shedding problem. Try to provide your Husky pup with high-quality premium dog food. Remember, many huskies suffer from a sensitive stomach. Some foods might not work well with them.
What does classify as high-quality food? Look for food without or very little fillers. These filers like rice bran, hulls, corn bran, and more, have no nutritional value and can cause allergies.
For a healthy coat and skin, look for food high in omega-3 fatty acids. Or in other words, a fish formula. You can also supplement your dog’s diet with boneless salmon or flaxseed oil.
Can you vacuum your husky?
Some owners do this during the blowout season. Yes, you can vacuum your dog as long as he can handle it. Most dogs will run away when they see a vacuum. Or they will act aggressively towards it, barking and running.
If your dog gets used to the sight and sound of a vacuum, use it. But remember, only if your husky doesn’t show signs of fear or anxiety.
It is safe only when you use the right equipment and you know how to do it.
Do Husky Mixes Shed as Much?
One way to go around the problem of husky shedding is to get a husky mix. Some husky mixes do not shed as much as their purebred counterpart.
For example, the Goberian, a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Husky, doesn’t shed as much. This will come as a surprise since both parents shed a ton. Even though the Goberian has a double coat, it doesn’t shed as much. And this dog requires less maintenance than a husky.
Belusky, or a mix between Belgian Malinois and Husky is another dog that doesn’t shed as much. Yes, they shed, but moderately throughout the year.
Huskita, a mix between Akita and Husky comes with a rough coat. They require minimal grooming and shed two times per year.
One Husky mix that doesn’t shed is the Hoskydoodle. It is a mix between Siberian Husky and Poodle dog breed. These intelligent, sociable puppies have inherited the best traits from both parents. They can go by names like Poosky, Siberian Poodle, Huskypoo, Siberpoo, and many more.
Last, but not least, we have the Siberian Pinscher, a mix with a Doberman Pinscher. You end up with a strong and agile dog. He sheds average and needs only minimal maintenance. You can get away with brushing two times per month.
