Have you recently adopted a Siberian Husky? Maybe you are considering it, but you aren’t sure if they shed or exactly how much. Do Huskies shed? There is a very short and simple answer to this, and it is, yes, Huskies shed a lot! Like any dog, he will drop hair all year round, and you will find it all over your furniture and clothing. And they also “blow” their coat twice a year.
I explain what this is and why it happens. As well as how best to manage your Husky’s shedding to keep your clothing and furniture hair-free.
If you’re thinking of getting a handsome Husky or have already taken the plunge and are amazed at just how much hair one dog can produce, this is the guide for you. Left unchecked and unprepared, cleaning up after your Husky may easily be a full-time job for a few weeks of the year. Let’s jump right into the Husky hair handbook.
Siberian Husky Coats
Second, only to their icy blue eyes, the Husky’s coat is his most recognized feature. Regardless of what color coat he has, the feature we are here to discuss is the thickness and the softness. It is this double-layered super-soft coat that causes so many issues despite it being lovely to pet and cuddle.
These dual layers serve two very different but equally important roles. They protect his skin and ensure he stays toasty warm in the harshest of icy weather conditions. The fluffy and dense undercoat traps warm air against the skin. His outer coat protects against wind and snow by repelling water and keeping him dry.
Just like all working dogs, the Husky is a heavy shedder because of his weatherproof coat. They are designed to protect him as he works in the freezing Serbian conditions. Although most Huskies no longer need this level of protection, he’s still got it if he needs it.
Siberian Husky Coat Colors
Huskies are generally considered gray, but there is much more variety than that – there’s a reason they call it the Siberian rainbow. You can choose from gray, black, sable, completely white, agouti (which is wolf-like), red, and even “dirty face.”
So, does it make a difference to his shedding? Sorry, but no, they all have the dual-layered coat that sheds and “blows” twice a year. On the plus side, you can choose the color you love the most. Or you could choose a color that will blend into the color of your décor. The choice is yours.
Siberian Husky Shedding Frequency
Huskies, like most dogs, will drop a certain amount of hair throughout the year. Hair dies and falls out, and it is replaced by new hair as part of the natural hair regeneration cycle. This means the Husky is a moderate shedder throughout the year and will require a regular brush and vacuum!
If you’re on the hunt for a light shedder, the Husky isn’t for you because, come shedding season, he blows his coat. This is a complete shed of the dense undercoat, which comes away in huge clumps and causes plenty of mess for you to clean up.
The bottom line is your Husky is going to shed. If you want a non-shedding dog breed, a breed like a Goldendoodle that sheds less might be more in line with your goals.
When Siberian Huskies Shed
There are two shedding seasons where your Husky will shed the most: spring and winter. This is where the term “blow the coat” comes into play. So-called because the coat blows off the skin. This is where you see many odd, patchy-looking Huskies doing the rounds on social media because this is them “blowing their coat.”
During the spring, his thick winter coat that protects him from cold weather will make way for the lighter summer undercoat that will help him stay cool. Likewise, in winter, the summer coat will make way for that extra thick winter undercoat. This prepares him to lie in the snow and keep his human pack warm.
Shedding Triggers
Seasonal Changes
When it comes to the Husky, the biggest shedding trigger is weather changes. While there isn’t much you can do about that, there are other triggers that you can watch out for and minimize. Husky shedding season corresponds with the significant seasonal temperature changes. While many dogs blow their coat twice a year, the Siberian Husky often has three shedding seasons yearly.
Parasites
If your Husky is shedding patches during shedding seasons, chances are something isn’t quite right. Couple this with a lot of scratching and sore, flaky-looking skin, and chances are it could be a parasite infestation of some sort. Mites, fleas, or even an allergic reaction to something such as grass, new food, or even a chemical he has come into contact with.
Stress
Stress is another aspect of your pup’s life that can be a super-shed trigger. Dogs are highly sensitive to your emotions and environmental changes and will feed on negative energy. If you find your pooch’s hair is falling out rapidly for no good reason, take some time to understand whether the house has become a stressful place to be. Things such as new jobs, arguments, and even a lack of discipline can stress your dog if he doesn’t know what’s happening.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common hormone imbalance in dogs that can cause excessive shedding. It’s a condition where the body does not make enough thyroid hormone. Huskies are prone to hypothyroidism. The condition can include dry skin and hair loss. Excessive shedding from a low-functioning thyroid often affects a dog’s trunk, tail, and collar area. If you see this pattern of hair loss, it is worth getting your pup tested. Thyroid medication can boost hormone levels. Hair regrowth can take four or more months.
Managing Your Husky’s Shedding
Here are my top tips for managing your Husky through the shedding periods. These are commonly recommended, tried, and tested methods that many dog owners use to handle hair loss. Remember that some will work for your Husky, and some won’t. It is trial and error until you find his magic trick.
Brushing
Although brushing can be time-consuming, it is the best way to remove hair quickly and effectively. The truth is, the more hair you collect with your brush, the less you’ll receive on your clothes and the furniture. Regular brushing removes tangles and collects the loose hair from his outer and inner coat. It is also a great way to spoil your pooch and bond with him.
The shedding season will require a good brush every day. It might be too much for him at first, but lots of fuss and the odd treat go a long way to help make him stay put throughout while you get all that fur captured and bagged. An all-over brushing will take around 20 minutes.
For the rest of the year, you can give him a quick brush every other day to remove any loose fur and prevent tangles and knots. Having the right type of brush for your Husky is important.
De-shedding Products
A great hairstylist uses the best tools to produce a great hairstyle. The same goes for Fido’s shedding sessions. Get the right tools to start with. The job is easier and the result tidier. The rule of thumb for grooming is one brush and one de-shedding tool. De-shedding tools are sometimes called undercoat rakes. These are highly recommended tools by home and professional Husky groomers. Undercoat rakes help prevent matting in your Husky’s dense undercoat.
We recommend a slicker or a pin brush for his daily grooming sessions and a de-shedding tool for the more bi-annual severe coat blow. The brush has wider teeth with gaps that quickly remove large amounts of loose fur. Make sure to always brush in the direction the hair grows, and do not use a lot of force.
The de-shedding tool gently digs deep and pulls out the loose inner coat that is made up of much finer hairs and needs tighter teeth to get them all out. Collect it in a pile and make yourself a second Husky! Then, use the slicker brush to collect any loose, thicker hair from the topcoat. This will also help to stimulate the hair follicles for a healthy and shiny coat.
Shampoo
Finding the right shampoo for your Husky’s needs should not be underestimated. From a sensitive lil’ soul who needs a soft touch shampoo for his skin to a show-stopping pedigree that requires his coat to glimmer like ice, the correct shampoo can make it happen.
If your Husky sheds more than most, try an anti-shed shampoo formula. Designed to help the skin hold on to hair longer and stronger by regulating pH levels, it can assist just by replacing your regular shampoo.
Your usual bathing pattern of once every 8 to 10 weeks is more than enough. Any more than that, you will wash off the natural oils that help to regulate hair growth. Getting it wrong could make them shed more rather than less. So, always read the label or consult your vet if you’re unsure how regularly you should wash Fido.
If your vet diagnoses a skin problem, they will likely advise using a medicated shampoo. These are specially designed to soothe skin, which in turn reduces shedding.
Diet
For many owners, the last place they look when they have shedding issues with Fido is the food bowl. A dog’s diet can have a significant impact on his shedding habits. Skin and hair need specific vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and glossy. Good fats, omega acids, and vitamins D and C are all essential dietary supplements that will decrease hair loss.
Feeding your Siberian Husky high-quality dry kibble is a great way to keep his coat in tip-top condition. A proper diet keeps him healthy and handsome, so it’s a win-win for you and your Husky.
My best advice is to buy the best high-quality kibble your budget allows for. Look for recipes that are full of omega fatty acids, fish, fish oil, flaxseed, and egg products, along with vitamin E, folic acid, and biotin. All are good for regulating shedding naturally and keeping your boy looking his best. You may also want to consider adding fresh dog food to your pup’s bowl. There are several top-notch options to consider, including Nom Nom, Freshpet, and Ollie.
Supplements
Review the food you feed your Husky and see if it provides what he needs for his daily intake of omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. If not, you can either change it or add a supplement to boost his intake. Fish oil supplements come in pill or liquid form. Mixing in bone broth and other nutritious toppers can give standard kibble a nice boost of flavor and nutrients.
Supplements can help ensure that his coat stays in good shape. There are also supplements for better brain function, healthy blood cells, eye and cardiac health, joint support, and overall well-being.
I Have Allergies, Can I Have A Husky?
Siberian Huskies are not hypoallergenic, and due to their high level of shedding, they are not a good match for allergy sufferers. Because of the prolific amount of hair, dander, and saliva they shed, these pups can be quite the allergy trigger. Of course, you can always take medication yourself to combat allergy symptoms if you have your heart set on a blue-eyed Husky.
If you want a dog similar to the Husky that is more allergy-friendly, you might consider a Samoyed. These pups still shed a lot of hair but produce less dander and drool than many other breeds. Samoyeds are considered hypoallergenic and are less triggering for allergy sufferers than many other breeds. You can also consider a Huskydoodle, a mix between the Husky and a hypoallergenic Poodle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most asked questions regarding the Husky, his coat, and how to manage his shedding. If I missed yours, share it in the comments section.
Why do Huskies shed so much?
All double-coated dogs shed. The Husky is no exception. For him to perform in all weather at his peak, he needs to have the right coat for the right season. It is a natural process. Failure to shed would affect the regulation of core body temperature. It’s not uncommon for dogs with Husky genes in them to shed just as much.
Can I shave my Husky to cool him off and reduce shedding?
No, don’t shave your Husky. Apart from him looking remarkably odd, this is a definite no for another, more important reason. His double coat regulates his body temperature in both hot and cold conditions. Removing his jacket will stop this and mean he cannot control his body temperature effectively. He is more likely to overheat and become dehydrated and ill. Shaving him will also expose him to UV rays.
How do I know if it is time to see the vet?
First off, compare the amount your boy sheds with online Husky forums. You might be surprised to see how much other Huskies shed, which may put your mind at rest. If you suspect something else is at play, seek advice on the reasons above, such as allergies, stress, or infections. If he has visibly dry, flaky, or inflamed skin, or you notice significant hair loss in a short time, take him to see his favorite vet.
Other Fluffy Dog Breeds To Consider
Siberian Huskies are lovely dogs but are known to be high-maintenance. If you love cold weather dogs and the wolfy look, consider a Shiba Inu, or a breed with a Husky-like face but smaller stature, consider the American Eskimo Dog. The mighty Great Pyrenees may be a good fit if you want to go with a bigger breed. There are so many lovely, fluffy breeds to choose from. It’s hard to pick just one.
Why Trust Love Your Dog?
Emma is a dog owner with over 20 years of experience. She has also worked as a professional dog walker and sitter for many years, taking care of countless dog breeds with different needs, including Siberian Huskies. Emma dedicates countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to keep her two best buddies and other doggy clients as happy and healthy as possible. She works alongside a professional and experienced team to bring the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information to our readers.
