Have you recently adopted a Siberian Husky? Maybe you are considering it, but you aren’t sure if they shed, or exactly how much? 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.
Here in this guide, we will 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 you have already taken the plunge and are amazed at just how much one dog can produce in hair, this is the guide for you. And if left unchecked and unprepared, it could easily be a full-time job for a few weeks of the year. Let’s jump straight 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. For 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 make sure he stays toasty warm in the harshest of icy weather conditions. The dense and fluffy 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 the majority of Huskies don’t need this level of protection anymore, he’s still got it if he needs it.
Siberian Husky Coat Colors
Huskies are generally thought of as 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, it means 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 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, which are 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 will make way for the lighter summer undercoat that will help him stay cool. Likewise, come winter, the summer coat will make way for that extra thick winter undercoat. Making him ready for laying out in the snow and keeping his human pack warm.
Shedding Triggers
When it comes to the Husky, the biggest shedding trigger will be a change of weather. While there isn’t much you can do about that, there are other triggers that you can watch out for and minimize.
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, 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.
Another aspect of your pup’s life that can be a super-shed trigger is stress. Dogs are highly sensitive to changes in their environment and will feed on negative energy. If you find your pooch’s hair is falling out at a rapid rate for no good reason, maybe 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 make your dog stressed if he doesn’t know what’s going on. Ultimately, if it’s out of the ordinary, get him checked out.
Managing Your Husky’s Shedding
Here are our 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 jacket. 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 goes a long way to help make him stay put throughout while you get all that fur captured and bagged. An all-over brush 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.
Deshedding 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, and the job is easier and the result tidier. The rule of thumb for grooming is one brush and one deshedding tool.
We recommend a slicker or a pin brush for his daily grooming sessions, and a deshedding tool for the more bi-annual severe coat blow. The brush has wider teeth with gaps that remove large amounts of loose fur quickly.
The deshedding tool gently digs deep and pulls out the loose undercoat that is made up of much finer hairs and needs the 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. While we don’t recommend shaving your husky down, it might be an option if you live in a hotter climate. In this circumstance, get a decent pair of dog grooming clippers, and get to work.
Shampoo
Finding the right shampoo for your Husky’s needs should not be underestimated. Whether he’s a sensitive lil’ soul who needs a soft touch shampoo for his skin. Or he is 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, there is also an anti-shed formula available to assist. Designed to help the skin hold on to hair longer and stronger by regulating pH levels, it can assist by just replacing it with 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 not sure how regular you should wash Fido.
If your vet diagnoses a skin problem, they are likely to advise the use of 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 a high-quality dry kibble is a great way to keep his coat in tip-top condition. With the right dietary intake, your pup’s coat will look after itself. Plus, a proper diet keeps him healthy as well as handsome, so it’s a win-win for you and your Husky.
Our 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.
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.
Not only will supplements ensure that his coat stays in good shape. But they are also needed for better brain function, healthy blood cells, eye and cardiac health, joint support, and overall well-being. So, not just benefits for his shedding!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most asked questions when it comes to the Husky, his coat, and how to manage his shedding.
Why do Huskies shed so much?
All double-coated dogs shed. The Husky is no exception. For him to perform in all weathers 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?
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 too.
I want a Husky, but don’t want to clean up tons of hair, what are my options?
With a handsome Husky comes huge responsibility. You must brush regularly and clear up the hair. If you are not driven enough to do this for the health of your Husky, you probably shouldn’t get one. Maybe think about a Huskydoodle, because his Poodle genes make him shed much less. But it does mean your sled won’t go as fast!
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, and it 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, take him to see his favorite vet.
Final Thoughts
So, there you are. To be a responsible Husky owner, you need a good vacuum, hair-resistant clothes, and of course, a lot of patience. But believe us when we say he’s worth it. He might shed all year round, and blow his coat, but follow our tips and you’ll manage it well. If you don’t, not only will your handsome boy look like a disheveled beast, but his health could also be affected.
Invest in the right tools and the time to bond with him, and his shedding will become a massive part of your relationship that is incredibly rewarding. Couple it with a great diet full of the goodness of omega fatty acids, and you will be the apple of your Husky’s eye.
