Dealing with Siberian Husky Shedding
Siberian Huskies are beautiful dogs known for their thick, lush coats. However, all that fur comes with a price - heavy shedding. Siberian Huskies shed year-round, but have two heavy shedding seasons per year when they "blow" their undercoats. Without proper grooming and management, Siberian Husky owners can find themselves dealing with tumbleweeds of fur floating around their homes.
While shedding is an unavoidable part of life with a Husky, there are many things owners can do to control the amount of hair and manage the mess. With the right grooming techniques, schedule, and tools, you can dramatically reduce Husky shedding in your home.
Understanding the Siberian Husky Coat
To deal with their heavy shedding, you first need to understand how the Siberian Husky coat is composed:
- The outer coat contains long, straight guard hairs that don't shed much. This top layer protects their skin from the elements.
- The undercoat is a thick, soft layer that helps insulate them from the cold. It's this undercoat that sheds the most.
- There is no top coat and undercoat distinction during their first shedding at around age 4 months. Puppy fluff sheds to make way for their adult coats coming in.
- Twice a year, during spring and fall, Siberian Huskies will "blow" their undercoats completely to adapt to warming and cooling weather. This is when the heaviest shedding occurs.
- Females may shed more heavily during estrus cycles. Dogs with thyroid issues can also experience increased shedding.
Understanding how the Husky coat works is key to managing the hair loss. Next, let's go over the most effective grooming techniques.
Regular Grooming
Daily grooming is essential to managing Husky shedding. By removing dead hairs before they can be spread around your home, you control the mess at the source.
A schedule of daily brushing is ideal during heavy shedding seasons. Here are the best grooming tools and techniques:
Slicker Brush
A slicker brush with fine, wire bristles is ideal for removing dead undercoat from the dense Husky coat. Brush against the coat growth pattern to lift out loose hairs caught in the undercoat.
Go slowly and gently to avoid scratching your Husky's skin. Pay extra attention to problem areas like the thighs, belly, and throat where undercoat can collect.
Undercoat Rake
An undercoat rake has longer, wider teeth to grab thick clumps of loose fur. Use it in sections to comb deep into the coat down to the skin and pull out undercoat.
Rakes work quickly, but improper use can scratch the skin. Always go gently and stop if your Husky seems distressed.
Deshedding Tool
Deshedding tools feature serrated edges to cut through and pull off undercoat while leaving topcoat intact. Rotate it against coat growth to remove loose hairs.
This tool works well during heavy shedding, but use with a light touch. Passing it over the same area repeatedly can irritate the skin.
Bathing
Bathing your Husky every 6-8 weeks helps remove dead hair. Use lukewarm water and a dog-friendly shampoo. Lather well twice, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid over-bathing, which can dry out their skin.
The impact of wet fur falling out during a bath makes it obvious why bathing helps reduce shedding!
Daily Brushing
- Work section-by-section to cover the coat thoroughly
- Pay extra attention to heavy shedding areas
- Use slicker brush first, then undercoat rake
- Finish by dampening hands and pulling out any remaining loose hairs
Bathing Tips
- Bathe every 6-8 weeks during non-shedding seasons
- Increase bath frequency during heavy shedding to remove more dead hair
- Always use a high-quality dog shampoo
- Dry thoroughly to avoid matting and skin irritation
With good daily grooming techniques, you can stay ahead of Husky shedding even during non-blowing seasons.
Shedding Season Grooming
When the heavy seasonal shedding starts, kick your grooming routine into high gear. During this time:
- Brush daily - this is the single most effective way to reduce shedding
- Bathe weekly - bathing loosens the undercoat so more hair comes out
- Use deshedding tools to remove large amounts of undercoat
- Increase vacuuming/cleaning frequency around the house
- Consider taking your Husky to a professional groomer for an extra deep deshedding treatment
Here are some quick tips for intensive Husky grooming during shedding season:
- Schedule daily brushing sessions
- Use an undercoat rake first to remove bulk hair
- Follow with a slicker brush to catch stragglers
- Give frequent baths using deshedding shampoo
- Enlist a groomer's help every 4-6 weeks for a thorough deshedding
With a strategic approach, you can get through even the heaviest shedding times while keeping hair under control.
Nutrition and Supplements
Diet and nutrition also play a role in a Husky's shedding. Making sure your dog is getting all his nutritional needs supports a healthy coat.
High quality dog food with animal-based protein should form the dietary foundation. Fish oil or omega fatty acid supplements help reduce shedding and give a shiny coat.
Poor nutrition can exacerbate shedding issues. If your Husky's diet is lacking, improve his food quality to see if shedding decreases.
Diet Tips to Reduce Shedding
- Feed a high-quality commercial or raw dog food
- Look for foods featuring fish, chicken, eggs, or lamb
- Ask your vet about supplementing with omega fatty acids
- Avoid poor quality foods with lots of filler ingredients
- Transition diets gradually over 7-10 days
- Stick to consistent meals instead of frequent switching
A species-appropriate diet enhances your Husky's coat health while commercially processed foods can interfere with normal shedding patterns.
Manage Shedding Between Grooms
To manage Husky hair between full grooming sessions:
- Use furniture covers on couches/beds
- Vacuum frequently - try a robot vac to automate hair pickup
- Stick with hard flooring over carpets where possible
- Keep a de-shedding tool handy for quick removal of tumbleweeds
- Use lint rollers on clothing before leaving home
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water to remove hair
- Wipe your Husky down with a damp cloth between full baths
With some simple daily habits, you can stay on top of all the hair shed between brushings.
Health Issues That Can Increase Shedding
While heavy shedding is normal for a Husky, certain health conditions may cause shedding to become excessive or persistent year-round. Have your veterinarian evaluate your dog if you notice a dramatic change in shedding patterns or coat condition.
Hypothyroidism
One of the most common medical causes of increased shedding in dogs is hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland. Signs include coat thinning and increased loss of hair. Treatment is a daily thyroid hormone supplement.
Allergies
Both food and environmental allergies in dogs can manifest as increased shedding, reddened skin, skin infections, and overall poor coat health. Allergy testing and treatment can resolve the problem.
Stress or Anxiety
Dogs may shed more when experiencing stress or anxiety. If you cannot identify another medical cause, talk to your vet about techniques to reduce your Husky's stress levels.
Cushing's Disease
Shedding is also a symptom of Cushing's disease, caused by an overactive adrenal gland. Medication or surgery may be options if this serious disorder is diagnosed.
Unfortunately, no supplements or remedies can permanently reduce shedding in an otherwise healthy Husky. But identifying and addressing any medical conditions causing excessive shedding can improve your dog's coat health.
When to See the Veterinarian
Consult your vet if your Husky's shedding seems abnormal or you notice any of these signs:
- Bald patches or thinning coat
- Red, irritated skin
- Increased dander/dry flakes in the coat
- Unexplained, constant shedding year-round
- Sudden increase in shedding amount
While shedding is a headache for owners, it can indicate an underlying issue for your Husky. So talk to your vet if anything seems abnormal.
Shedding Prevention Tips
While you can't permanently reduce shedding in Huskies, you can take steps to manage the amount of loose hair in your home:
- Brush frequently and thoroughly during shedding seasons
- Bathe more often to accelerate shedding process
- Use deshedding tools for heavy undercoat removal
- Vacuum constantly with robot vacuums
- Avoid carpet and upholstered furniture
- Use furniture covers and wash bedding weekly
- Feed high quality diet with omega fatty acids
- Have your Husky professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks during peak shedding
Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to managing Husky shedding. Follow these tips diligently, and you can maintain a fur-free home even with a heavy shedding dog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dealing with Husky Shedding
Many new Siberian Husky owners have similar questions when faced with the copious amounts of shedding. Here are some common FAQs about managing shedding:
Should I shave my Husky to reduce shedding?
NO! Shaving a Husky's coat removes both dead and healthy hair, leaving skin exposed to the sun. Their topcoat takes a long time to grow back, potentially leaving them unprotected. Plus, shaving can actually increase shedding in the long run.
How often should I bathe my Husky?
Huskies only need bathing every 6-8 weeks unless they get especially muddy or dirty between full baths. During heavy shedding, bathe weekly to help loosen and remove dead hair. Always use dog-specific shampoo.
What's the best way to brush a Husky?
Use a slicker brush first to remove dead hair from the topcoat, then an undercoat rake to pull out loose undercoat hair clumps. Finish by going over the coat with a damp cloth to catch any remaining loose fur.
How do I reduce shedding on my bed and furniture?
Use washable covers over couch cushions and beds. Vacuum furniture frequently. Block access to some areas if needed. Washing bedding weekly in hot water removes embedded hair.
What causes a Husky to shed excessively?
Severe shedding outside blowing coat seasons can indicate an internal issue like hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, allergies, or anxiety. See your vet to identify and address the cause.
When does shedding start to slow down?
Frequent and thorough brushing will gradually reduce shedding over 4-6 weeks. But with Husky double coats, be prepared for heavy shedding to return at least twice per year.
Is fish oil good for reducing Husky shedding?
Yes, fish oil supplements support healthy skin and coat in dogs. They can minimize shedding by improving coat quality. Always consult your vet on proper dosage for your dog.
Don't let concerns about shedding deter you from enjoying the companionship of the loving, lively Siberian Husky. With the right grooming tools and techniques, you can manage the hair while reveling in the affection of this beautiful breed.
While Siberian Huskies will always shed given their thick double coats, diligent grooming and proactive home habits can significantly reduce the amount of loose fur. By brushing frequently, bathing often, using the right tools, and managing environmental factors, Husky owners can control shedding and enjoy a cleaner home.
Understanding the Husky's unique coat composition and seasonal shedding patterns is the first step. From there, set up a schedule of regular brushing, bathing, vacuuming, and professional grooming. During peak shedding times, ramp up your grooming routine and tool usage.
No supplements or treatments can eliminate shedding entirely in this breed. However, paying close attention to your dog's skin health and coat condition can alert you to medical issues causing excessive shedding.
While managing Husky fur takes dedication, your efforts will be rewarded with the joy of sharing your life with these striking Nordic dogs. Don't let worries about shedding prevent you from welcoming one of these affectionate, adventurous canines into your home. With the right techniques, you can handle the hair while reaping the endless rewards of Siberian Husky companionship.