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The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Happy and Healthy Husky

The majestic Husky, a stunningly beautiful dog with a dreamy white coat, is not just a fictional creation pulling Santa's sleigh. If you're captivated by the idea of owning one of these enchanting and unique dogs, then look no further. This comprehensive A-Z guide will equip you with everything you need to know about raising a healthy and happy Husky.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

Not only beautiful, but Huskies also win the hearts of many people thanks to their athletic abilities, intelligence, and adaptability to all weather conditions. However, they are also one of the most demanding breeds in terms of care and attention from their owners. Let’s find out if you know how to properly care for a Husky in this A-Z guide below.

1What is a Husky?

Huskies originate from the cold Northeast Siberia region of Russia.

Huskies are one of the largest yet gentlest and most adorable pet dog breeds, with a particularly funny and expressive face, which has earned them a lot of love. Research shows that Huskies originate from the cold Northeast Siberia region of Russia. This region is known for producing many famous dog breeds, and they were brought to Alaska, USA, to work and pull sleds due to their agility and strength.

Huskies come in various colors, with the most prominent being black and white, brown and red, gray, pink, or “agouti.” They have thick and long fur, weighing around 44-59 lbs for males and 35-50 lbs for females. Huskies look similar to Alaskan Malamutes, but the latter has a fiercer-looking face.

2How to Feed a Husky

For 1-2 Month Old Husky Puppies

1-2 month old Husky puppies

Taking care of a Husky puppy at this stage requires a lot of time and effort. Most 1-month-old Huskies don’t have teeth yet, so you should only feed them soft foods such as porridge made with bone broth, and avoid hard foods. Although they can eat dry food, it’s best to soak it in milk or water for about 5 minutes before serving.

It’s important to divide the daily food intake into 4-5 equal meals to aid digestion. Do not overfeed your puppy or space the meals too closely or too far apart.

For 3-6 Month Old Huskies

3-6 month old Huskies

At this stage, Huskies have developed muscles and have higher nutritional needs. Include nutritious foods such as beef, chicken, fish, and liver in their diet. Make sure to cook the food thoroughly. You can reduce the number of meals to 3-4 meals per day.

Additionally, supplement their diet with vegetables to provide extra vitamins and fiber. Do not feed large bones to your Husky as they can be dangerous. If you want to give bones, make sure to grind them first to prevent choking.

For Huskies Over 6 Months Old

Huskies over 6 months old

Once your Husky has reached this age and is in good health, their care becomes more manageable. You can feed them 2-3 meals per day, focusing on calcium-rich foods like beef, pork, organ meats, and bones. Also, include vegetables such as beets, spinach, and squash in their diet.

To promote healthy jaw development, offer your Husky bones and other hard foods. Additionally, you can give them 2-3 boiled balut eggs per week for a shinier coat.

3. How to Care for a Husky

Housing for Huskies

Huskies originate from a cold climate and are accustomed to snow, harsh conditions, and low temperatures. When kept in a hot and humid country like Vietnam, they can easily fall sick with a cold or fever. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide them with a spacious, airy, and cool living space.

Keep their living area clean, and on hot days, provide them with a fan and cooling foods. On extremely hot days, avoid taking your Husky out during the hottest part of the day. Instead, take them for a walk late in the evening when the temperature has dropped.

Bathing and Grooming

Bathing and grooming

Bathing and grooming your Husky is essential. Aim to bathe them once or twice a month to prevent dry skin and hair loss. Bathing too frequently can strip their skin of natural oils, while bathing too infrequently can lead to hygiene issues. Use dog-specific shampoo to keep their coat shiny and healthy.

After bathing, immediately dry your Husky with a towel and a hairdryer to prevent them from catching a cold. On humid days, their thick coat may take longer to dry, so pay extra attention to ensuring they are thoroughly dried.

Regularly trim your Husky’s fur to keep them looking neat and tidy. Trimming also helps prevent the growth of fleas and bacteria. You can either do it yourself or take your Husky to a professional groomer for a stylish cut.

4. How to Train a Husky

Huskies are working dogs used for pulling sleds, so they have exceptional physical strength compared to other companion dogs. They are active and love to run and jump, which can make training a bit challenging.

Teaching Basic Commands

Start by teaching your Husky basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and lie down. Once they master these commands, it will be easier to manage and care for them, and they will develop self-discipline.

Teaching your Husky basic commands

Here are some simple steps to follow:

Stand next to your Husky and command them to sit.
When they sit, press your hand down on their hindquarters and hold for 10-15 seconds.
Command “stand up” and gently lift them up, holding for 10-15 seconds.
Repeat these exercises, and your intelligent Husky will quickly learn and respond.

You can also teach other commands such as “lie down,” “stop barking,” or “go.”

Teaching Social Skills

Teaching your Husky social skills

Take your Husky for walks and visits to dog parks to help them interact with people. As they become familiar with the human world, they will learn not to panic when exposed to unusual sounds and objects. It’s important to socialize your Husky after they have received their vaccinations.

Be cautious when your Husky is around children, as they may unintentionally hurt them due to their strength and active nature. Use treats as rewards during training. Gradually expose your Husky to new people so they feel secure in crowded places.

5Common Health Issues in Huskies

The most common health issues in Huskies are eye problems and digestive issues, mainly due to diet and environmental factors.

Eye problems: Cataracts, retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and cloudy eyes.
Hip dysplasia
Digestive issues
Skin conditions

If your Husky shows any health concerns, take them to a veterinarian for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Common health issues in Huskies

The above A-Z guide provides valuable insights into caring for and raising a healthy and happy Husky. Take note of these tips and tricks to ensure you provide the best possible care for your furry friend. Dogs are loyal and adorable companions, so make sure to cherish and protect them.

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Frequently asked questions

The average lifespan of a Husky is around 12 to 14 years. To ensure your Husky lives a long and healthy life, provide a balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise, and maintain a healthy weight. Regular vet check-ups and keeping up-to-date with vaccinations are also crucial.

Huskies are highly active and require a significant amount of exercise, typically at least 2 hours per day. This can include walks, runs, hikes, and playtime in a secure area. Ensure you provide a variety of activities to keep your Husky mentally and physically stimulated, such as fetch, tug-of-war, and training exercises.