Coping Successfully with Husky Shedding
Hair here, hair there, Husky hair everywhere! Being owners of this beautiful breed, you’re more than familiar with the double challenge of keeping your home clean and maintaining the health of your Husky’s coat.
As you know, their luxurious, trademark double coat consists of outer guard hairs, which protect them against dirt and water and a soft undercoat, which insulates and regulates their body temperature. They “blow” or shed their undercoat twice a year, typically in the spring and fall, a phase that can last for weeks. Consider, then, these tips for managing your own Husky’s shedding both at this particular time and all year round.
1. Brush his coat frequently and always use the appropriate tools: Select an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool to reach deep into his dense undercoat and remove loose hair without damaging his topcoat. Use a slicker brush, which is ideal for removing tangles and loose fur from the surface of his skin. For finishing touches and smoothing out his coat, use a specially designed pin brush. Brush your Husky two to three times a week, daily during shedding season, and always brush in the direction of the hairs’ growth to avoid any irritation.
2. Bathe your Husky every one or two months and more frequently if needed when he’s shedding most heavily to help loosen any dead hair. Use specially formulated shampoos to further reduce shedding by nourishing his coat and skin. Among the brands suggested by experts are: FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo, Wahl Shed Control Pet Shampoo, TropiClean PerfectFur Thick Double Coat Shampoo, Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Dog Shampoo, Healthy Breeds Siberian Husky Deodorizing Shampoo and TropiClean Lime & Coconut Deshedding Dog Shampoo for Shedding Control. After his bath, dry him thoroughly by using a high-velocity dryer to blow out any remaining loose fur.
3. Feed your Husky a balanced diet in order to promote a healthier, shinier coat. Ensure that his diet includes essential vitamins and minerals by feeding him only high-quality dog food. Enrich his diet further by adding Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, found in fish oils and supplements, to improve the condition of his skin and coat. Keep him well hydrated by providing him with fresh water daily, which helps to prevent dry skin.
4. Think of bringing your Husky to a professional dog groomer when he’s shedding most heavily. Groomers use highly specialized tools and know the techniques for removing loose fur most efficiently. And although Huskies don’t need haircuts, professional trimming can neaten their appearance and reduce shedding even further.
5. Huskies, quite obviously, shed more when they’re hot. For this reason, keep them as cool as possible by using fans and/or air conditioning during the summer months. And NEVER shave your Husky’s coat! It can both seriously damage his fur and negatively impact his ability to regulate his body temperature.
6. Since your Husky’s shedding also affects your home, here are three ways of helping to keep it clean: vacuum often by using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap fur and allergens, use air purifiers to reduce airborne fur and dander and use lint rollers on furniture and clothing.
In short, regular brushing, a healthy diet and proper grooming equal a fur-free home and a happy Husky.