What are Huskies weaknesses

Huskies Are Prone to These 5 Health Issues (Owner Advice)

Knowing which health issues your husky is most prone to is helpful. While we all hope these things never happen, sometimes we arent so lucky.

Lets examine the most common health problems that Siberian huskies often develop.

This article doesnt suggest every husky will develop these issues, and many huskies go on to live long, healthy lives.

5 Common Health Issues Affecting Siberian Huskies

Below Ill briefly explain a little about each issue, as well as the typical symptoms and signs a husky will display.

Please remember that this is non-professional advice. If youre currently trying to diagnose at home, its much better to consult your veterinarian should any of the symptoms below be present.

1. Hip dysplasia

A painful form of arthritis thats very common in medium to large working breeds. Hip dysplasia affects many huskies and can happen in either old or young huskies.

Hip dysplasia is basically where the leg bone doesnt properly fit into the hip bone. It should be a smooth ball and socket style joint, but with this condition, the joints do not fit together as they should.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia in huskies:

• Weakness in legs
• Dropped rear hind
• Reluctant to get up from a seated position
• Reluctant to climb stairs
• Limping
• General immobility
• Laying down all day
• Lethargy and lack of motivation
• Loss of muscle mass on the affected side

Can hip dysplasia be treated in huskies:

There is no way to properly cure hip dysplasia in dogs, but several options exist to help with the condition including:

• Surgery
• Tailored exercise program
• Physical therapy
• Joint supplements
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Joint fluid modifiers

2. Eye problems

Various eye issues affect huskies including:

• Cataracts
• PRA (progressive retinal atrophy)
• Corneal dystrophy

These issues vary in severity, with some causing slight vision loss to total blindness. This is why its essential to have your huskys eyes checked at least once per year.

Its important to know that juvenile cataracts can develop from as early as three months, but most commonly happen between 6 months and 1 year old. This is why eye check-ups are crucial, especially early on.

Symptoms of eye problems in huskies:

• Cloudy film across the eye (cataracts)
• Bumping into things (PRA)
• Apprehensive going into dimly lit areas (PRA)
• Eyes become very reflective when light shines in the eye (PRA)
• Pawing at their eyes (all eye issues)
• Eye ulcer (corneal dystrophy)
• Changes in eye color (cataracts)

Can eye problems be resolved in huskies:

Solutions available depend on the specific issue, your huskys age, and how long the condition has been left to develop. Some treatments include:

• Eye drops
• Antibiotic drops
• Antihistamines
• Surgery
• Saline washes

PetMd Eye Issues In Dogs

3. Thyroid issues

Huskies are prone to developing thyroid issues, most notably: Hypothyroidism.

This happens when your huskys body doesnt produce enough thyroid hormone. This is a serious issue, but thankfully it can be managed and does not negatively impact their lifespan.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in huskies:

• Weight gain (without increased eating)
• Lethargy & laziness
• Dry skin
• Unhealthy hair loss (patchiness)
• Dull coat & excessive shedding
• Fearfulness
• Aggression
• Behavioral changes and mood swings

Treatment for hypothyroidism in huskies:

• Oral administration of thyroid replacement hormone can be the best treatment for huskies suffering from this condition.

VCA Hospitals: Hypothyroidism

4. Allergies

Huskies can develop allergies to certain substances, such as pollen, food, and chemicals, which can cause symptoms such as itchy skin, sneezing, and coughing.

Huskies are fairly sensitive dogs, and allergies are pretty common.

Symptoms of allergies in huskies:

• Itching and scratching
• Dry skin
• Rash or hives
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Ear infections
• Vomiting diarrhea
• Food refusal (reacting to common allergen ingredients)

How to help huskies with allergies:

• Keep the environment clean: Allergens like pollen, dust, and mold can be found in the air and on surfaces in your home and yard. To help reduce your huskys exposure to these allergens, try to keep their environment as clean as possible by vacuuming regularly, washing bedding and toys frequently, and using air purifiers.
• Use allergy-friendly products: Use hypoallergenic shampoos, conditioners, and grooming products on your husky to help reduce irritation and inflammation in their skin.
• Make dietary changes: If your husky has food allergies, your vet may recommend changing their diet to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient food.
• Medications: Your vet may prescribe medications, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy, to help manage your huskys allergies.
• allergy testing: If youre not sure what your husky is allergic to, your vet may recommend allergy testing to help identify the specific allergens that are causing your huskys symptoms.

5. Skin issues

Huskies are prone to suffer from dry skin. Dry skin is the tip of the iceberg which can lead to many other skin problems.

Yeast infections, general skin infections, and mange can all be triggered by dry skin.

Dry skin can be caused by diet, allergies, overbathing (very common), medications, and other health issues like hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of dry skin in huskies:

• Scratching
• Skin redness
• Visible dandruff

Resolutions to dry skin in huskies:

• Bathe correctly
• Ensure a diet rich in omega 3
• Keep on top of physical exercise
• Ensure your husky drinks enough
• Use humidifiers in winter
• Ensure no fleas, parasites, or other underlying health issues are present

Additional Health Issues Affecting Huskies

Huskies can also be prone to Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) heart conditions, and canine cancer. Still, these are not as common as the issues listed above.

Are Huskies a Healthy Breed?

The quick answer is yes, in general, Siberian huskies are considered a healthy breed.

The truth is that all breeds are prone to certain conditions, but with proper preventative care, diet, and a healthy lifestyle most health issues can be avoided.

Keeping your husky healthy means providing a premium quality diet with proper macronutrients, providing sufficient exercise, reducing their stress and keeping up to date with vet check ups.

The Pros & Cons of Siberian Huskies: Complete Guide

Huskies spark the curiosity of a lot of dog owners, but would one suit your home and family?

This article runs through the pros, cons, and the must-knows about Siberian huskies. Ill explain what kind of dog they are, and whether or not itll be a good match for your home.

Huskies make great pets and have many desirable qualities for owners. They are naturally friendly, sociable, and are amazing with children. But huskies are not for casual dog owners, they require A LOT of time and attention.

How To Know If a Husky Is Right For You

When choosing a new puppy you have to look past their cuteness and think about the long run, and how this breed fits your life and family.

Different breeds vary in their needs greatly, some dogs will happily be left alone and some will whine and cry (and howl) when you leave the house.

Whether or not the Siberian Husky is the right breed for you really depends on your lifestyle and ability to be there for your husky.

Huskies are an amazing dog with the correct owner or family but can be also considered a nightmare when they are notthey have a strong mind and attitude, more so than other breeds.

Are Huskies Good Family Pets?

Siberian Huskies can be amazing family pets that are highly affectionate and loving towards us and children.

Huskies are pack-orientated dogs and despite being somewhat independent, they crave company, especially human company.

Is there a but?

Yes, there is a but

Huskies need to be trained well, and a lot of time and attention needs to be given to them in order to be this well-behaved loving family pet you wish they can be.

Huskies desire attention and if they do not receive enough, its likely they will misbehave which will ultimately make training extremely difficult. This means you have to think about your family setup, are you at work all day and your kids at school? Who will be with your husky at home?

Huskies will best suit an active family that spends a lot of time outdoors. This level of bonding and physical exercise is exactly what huskies desire.

The Siberian Husky Temperament and Personality

Lets go through the different qualities that huskies bring to the table and this should help you understand better if this a breed you wish to add to your family.

Friendliness

Siberian huskies are naturally friendly dogs who loves human company.

Despite their wolf-like look who many people are wary of, huskies will even befriend a stranger theyve not seen before.

Protectiveness

Huskies can show signs of protectiveness over their owners and close family but usually, this behavior doesnt stem from guard dog qualities. Huskies do get have a tendency to get jealous and if another dog or person becomes close to them, they can become protective and a little aggressive.

Stubbornness

Huskies can be very difficult if they decide they want something they cant have. Stubbornness is a classic Siberian Husky trait and it comes naturally to them. This behavior and attitude can make huskies hard to train and for many beginner owners prove too difficult.

Prey Drive

Siberian Huskies have a huge instinctual prey drive that has been ingrained into them from their past. Huskies were bred in Eastern Siberia thousands of years ago to help the Chukchi Tribe with their nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle, which certainly included a great deal of hunting. This would have also been the way huskies caught food for themself and their tribe.

Aggressiveness

Huskies are not aggressive in nature and neither are they suspicious, this makes huskies poor guard dogs. People often ask if a husky would be a good guard dog but they would serve better just as a watchdog, at best. Huskies are more likely to befriend a stranger than be aggressive towards them.

Leaving Your Husky Home Alone

Siberian Huskies do not do well when left alone repeatedly.

If you constantly leave your husky home alone its likely they will develop behavioral issues and become destructive.

Many breeds can be ok when left home alone but for a husky, it will either lead to destructiveness or isolation anxiety which can be hard to manage.

If you are unable to spend a lot of time at home or at least find family or friends to take care of your husky while you are out, you may consider a different breed.

Trainability: Are Huskies Really That Hard To Train?

Huskies do make good pets but only under certain conditions and solid training is one of them.

Huskies are one of the most stubborn breeds, this means training is usually difficult and is not advised for first-time dog owners.

From the first day home, you will need to start training your husky puppy with a solid training routine. This will be a challenge and you shouldnt expect to train your husky with a lot of ease, although it is certainly possible.

If you are inexperienced with dog training, it can certainly still be done but if youre not ready for it to be difficult you may prefer a different breed that is naturally more obedient.

Huskies Require a Lot of Exercise

If you would like a pet who can help you train for a marathon, the Siberian Husky would be the No.1 choice!

If you and your family have a very active lifestyle a husky will be the perfect fit. Siberian Huskies need a lot of exercise and will not be happy without it.

You should ideally have 2 hours a day to spend with your husky exercising them in various ways. If you dont like the sound of taking your husky out in the morning and evening for intense physical activity, this breed may not be for you!

The best type of exercise for a husky include: Running, hiking, sled pulling, agility training, jogging, swimming, hunting.

Take a look at what Sixty Formula has to say about his two Siberian Huskies. Check out the video below.

Pros of Owning a Husky

You should consider getting a husky if you want a dog that:

• Is very energetic and outgoing
• Friendly and sociable with new people
• Not naturally aggressive
• Is very affectionate and loving
• Is a good companion for your family

Cons of Owning a Husky

You should consider a DIFFERENT breed if you want a dog that:

• Is easily trainable, always obeying commands
• Doesnt give a bad attitude if they want something they cant have
• Does not shed
• Does not need a lot of exercise
• Can be a good guard dog
• Is quiet and isnt very vocal

Summary

I think a Siberian Husky would be a great addition to most families, providing a lot of love, affection, and companionship.

There are some points that we have covered above that you would certainly need to think about, like their training needs, exercise and attention requirements.

But if you have that covered, then a Husky will be a perfect fit

Most Recommended For Huskies

Best Brushes For Husky Shedding

My two favorite brushes for a beautiful coat are a simple Undercoat Rake and a Slicker Brush. These brushes when used together will de-shed and maintain your huskys coat better than anything else.

Best Online Training Program For Huskies

Brain Training For Dogs has become increasingly popular with Siberian Huskies in the last few years. Its now recognized as perhaps the best way to train a husky in the most stress-free, positive way.

Best Husky Puppy Book

If you would like to support My Happy Husky directly and have an easy to read and entertaining guide for training your husky puppy, check out my book The Husky Puppy Handbook on Amazon. All purchases are greatly appreciated.