When living in colder climates, especially when the weather is bitter cold, we all need to wear coats, hats, scarves, and mittens. If our dogs have short thin coats, they too should be wearing a doggie sweater or coat.
The Siberian husky, well-known as a sturdy and strong sled dog, is adorned with its own rich, luxurious coat. No man-made coat is needed to keep them warm.
While we humans would rather hunker down inside sipping hot chocolate by a roaring fire, huskies revel in the cold and snowy elements.
When do huskies get their full coats? What is the difference between the husky winter coat vs summer coat? In the reading below,
I will list some husky-blowing coat tips and explain exactly what “blowing” their coat means.
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When Do Huskies Get Their Full Coats?
Adult Siberian huskies sport a thick, dense coat, but this is actually two coats in one. Their entire coat consists of an undercoat and a topcoat.
The husky’s undercoat is full and thick, providing much-needed insulation in frigid weather accommodating fine hairs that are crimped slightly for keeping warm air in
The Siberian topcoat consists of long, dense guard hairs, thus providing protection from the cold, rain, and snow by repelling moisture.
In summer, your husky’s coat also inhibits UV rays from the sun that can be harmful and it allows for breathable skin, allowing airflow and circulation when the weather is hot.
Siberian husky puppies start out a little different than their adult counterparts. They display an undercoat that is fluffy and soft but has no topcoat with guard hairs to protect them.
When your husky puppy is between ten and fourteen months old, it will completely shed all of that downy puppy fur.
This is good to know if you are unaware because you may think a health issue is a reason they are losing their hair. It is perfectly normal and will be replaced by their double-thick adult coat.
To check your Huskies’ health status or their DNA checks, please visit the Embark vet website for all the help you may need.
The Siberian Husky Blowing Their Coat.
Siberian huskies do shed some all year long, but during shedding seasons they will shed their entire undercoat.
This generally happens twice a year, spring and fall, although for some huskies it may only occur once a year.
This shedding of their entire undercoat is referred to as “blowing” their coat. Do not be alarmed. It is perfectly normal and there will be a lot of furs everywhere. It will come out in clumps.
This “blowing” of the husky fur occurs in fall when your pup will lose its summer undercoat and grow in a thicker warmer coat for winter.
In spring, your pup will shed its entire winter coat and grow in a lighter summer coat. This intense shedding can last from two to four weeks at which time you will have fur floating around in many places. It falls out in chunks and clumps.
Anyone who is sensitive to this, suffering from allergies, may experience allergy symptoms because along with the fur comes dander, which is dead flakes of skin and the real cause of allergies.
Husky Winter vs Summer Coat.
Siberian huskies blow their coats twice a year, usually during March and September, but this can vary depending on the climate in which you live.
They lose their entire undercoat to make way for a lighter coat for summer or a heavier one for winter.
The husky winter coat is extremely thick and fleecy, while their summer coat is sparse, light, airy, and allows the skin to breathe.
The amount of fur that is blown will probably differ in spring and autumn. In autumn, your pup will be losing their minimal summer coat, to make way for their full winter coat and there shouldn’t be a giant amount of hair.
When your husky lose its winter coat in the spring, that may be an entirely different matter as you may wonder where all of the furs could possibly be coming from, with clumps here and tumbleweeds there! You may even wonder if your husky will end up bald. They may look rather mangy and unkempt until blowing time is over.
How To Make The Best Of Siberian Husky Blowing Coat Time.
Below are some tips to make the best of the time when your Siberian husky is blowing their coat without blowing your top!
Brushing
Brushing your Siberian husky frequently all year is essential, but during their two shedding seasons brushing more often will be necessary to cut down on fur around your home.
Brushing once a week may be enough during the year, but brushing daily during shedding season will mean less hair around your house.
If you can brush your pup outdoors, this will be a big help in eliminating fur inside. An undercoat rake is an excellent tool to have on hand.
These will brush and pull out quite a bit of that loose undercoat hair and slicker brushes are fabulous for brushing away loose dead fur from their entire coat.
Bathing
They usually don’t have a doggie odor like some breeds. You can bathe them once every three to four months unless, of course, they’ve gotten into something dirty or stinky outdoors that would require an emergency bath.
They should not be bathed too frequently as this can dry out the oils found in their skin, which keep both coat and skin healthy.
A gentle shampoo should also be used, perhaps a hypoallergenic or sensitive skin shampoo.
One excellent time to bathe your Siberian husky would be when they’re blowing their coat. After they have started to lose some of their undercoats, bathing your husky will help loosen the fur and quicken the process.
Diet
Keep your husky on a high-quality diet with good proteins and all of the essential vitamins and minerals they need.
Speak with your veterinarian about their food and make sure it contains healthy oils for their skin and coat to be assured their new coats always come in looking rich and full.
Vacuuming
Remember to brush your pup outdoors if possible, but vacuuming will be a necessary part of coat blowing.
You may need to vacuum daily or even twice daily during this time. Keep lint rollers on hand for your clothing so that it doesn’t look like you are shedding!
Air purifier
Having an air purifier installed in your home is another consideration. This can help cut down on dust, dander, and fur all over your house.
Never shave!
No matter how frustrated you may become about all of the furs, never allow your Siberian husky to be shaved. This would only ever take place in a medical emergency.
Some groomers will gladly shave your pup if you ask but if you should consider this in springtime as a way to quickly get rid of all of your pup’s dead fur and think it may keep them cooler in summer; think again!
Shaving your husky can actually be dangerous for them. Their fur not only keeps them warm in winter but it keeps them cooler in the summer.
Also, insects are very attracted to bare skin. If your husky would be shaved, when its hair grows back in it may be disrupted from the shaving and regrow with a different texture and color, while also ruining the way its hair grows.
Don’t panic when you see your husky’s fur falling out in clumps. This is a perfectly natural cycle of the seasons.
Keep a handle on their shedding with some of the tips above. It won’t be long after their “blowout” that they will be showing off their beautiful, rich healthy coat.
Just as we wear heavy coats in winter and light jackets or sweaters in spring and summer, your Siberian husky will always have just the right built-in coat for the season.