Like most canines, Huskies will drop fur from their coats throughout the year. Such fur dies and falls off, only to be replaced by new fur as a part of their natural coat regeneration.
Huskies in particular however, have a unique capacity to shed due to their thick dual-layered coats and prevalent shedding seasons.
Huskies tend to shed the most twice per year over a three to six week period, during which they will "blow" their undercoat.
This can result in a relatively heavy fur drop which can build up quickly, so it's likely that you'll need to have a vacuum on hand to mitigate these times.
While not the most prolific shedders in the world, Huskies do drop a significant amount of fur yearly that will be noticeable if left unmanaged, especially during shedding seasons.
When They Shed
Despite their capacity to have proportionally large fur drops, the good news is that a Husky will typically have more moderate shedding year round, and will only drop heavy amounts of fur as seasonal changes coincide with their shedding cycle.
In general, there are two seasons in which a Husky will shed the most, which is in the winter and spring.
This pattern plays a very functional role in Huskies' natural survival processes, in which they will adapt their coats to meet their body's needs during the upcoming climate.
During these seasons, they will "blow" their coat, which essentially means that they will drop excess amounts of it from the skin.
During the springtime, Huskies will drop their thick winter undercoats to make room for the growth of a lighter summer layer that will allow them to stay cool. Similarly, during winter, their summer coats will shed to allow for the growth of a warmer undercoat better suited to keep them warm during cold conditions.
Essentially, the most notable periods during which a Husky sheds signify its body preparing for seasonal temperature adaptations and getting ready to better function under such oncoming conditions.
How To Manage Husky Shedding
While it is basically impossible to stop your Husky from shedding completely, there are some mitigation techniques you can apply to better manage the onslaught of fur drops they can produce.
Keep A Vacuum Handy
One of your best weapons against the extensive shedding one can expect from a Husky is a pet vacuum. These tools can be a lifesaver for Husky owners, especially during peak shedding periods. They're ideal because they can effectively collect fur in a range of spaces, and similarly clean fur from soft surfaces. If your Husky's fur is starting to become a characteristic of your home's decor, it may be time to consider investing in a pet vacuum.
Feed Them A Healthy Diet
Another pertinent factor that can contribute to a Husky's shedding is their nutritional intake. Dogs need a balanced diet to aid in the management and prevention of issues such as skin problems, allergies and other illnesses. Feeding them an intake that is conscious and considerate of these needs can help in reducing unnecessarily large amounts of fur drop. It is important to note that while feeding them a select diet will not stop them from shedding altogether, it can be helpful in reducing levels of unhealthy shedding.
Grooming Guide For Huskies
The following are a few essential grooming practices to use when aiming to reduce the severity of your Husky's fur drops.
Do Not Shave!
It is extremely important to refrain from shaving a Husky's coat in an effort to curb the amount of fur they shed. As their double coat acts as a body temperature regulator, cutting or shaving it significantly can have a great impact on their fur regeneration cycle and ability to adapt to adverse conditions. The practice can cause what is called matting, which involves the undercoat outgrowing the shaved topcoat. As a Husky's topcoat is what protects them from the heat of the sun, shaving it and allowing the bottom coat to supersede it can result in an inhibited ability to respond to temperature changes, and can often lead to cases of overheating in the summer.
Brush Regularly
Brushing your Husky's coat regularly is one of the best things you can do to reduce the messes caused by their shedding. It works by proactively eliminating loose fur in a controlled manner, helping their body in the process of dropping their unneeded coat. Not only can this help cut down the mess in your space, but can likewise help your dog get through the process faster, allowing them to look and feel better on a more ongoing basis.
While having a Husky can be an all year round job in more ways than one, it is more than worth it for the joy and companionship they can bring into our lives.
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
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