What happens when a Husky gets old

Eight signs your dog is getting old and what you can do to help them

The signs your dog is getting old are well worth knowing if you have a senior pup whos entering into their golden years. From physical signs to mental and behavioral changes, the more tuned in you are to these signs the more you can help your canine companion to age gracefully.

Even with the most delicious and nutritious dog food that money can buy, a comfy bed, lots of physical and mental stimulation, and plenty of the longest lasting dog chews being dished out as treats, all dogs get old - but the rate at which they age will differ from breed to breed.

Large pups, like the Great Dane, are typically classified as seniors at around six years of age, while smaller breeds, like the Chihuahua, dont normally get awarded the title of wise elder until around 10 years of age. Vets consider the final quarter of a dog's expected life to be their senior years, and you can expect to see some changes in their health and behavior at this point.

Its important to understand that your dog can be old and yet perfectly healthy, as aging itself is not a disease. However, many diseases are more common in old age and its worth being aware of the common symptoms and what you can do about them. Check out our guide to the best dog food for senior dogs or read on as vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt shares the key signs your dog is getting old.

Dr Joanna Woodnutt

After graduating as a veterinarian from the University of Nottingham, Dr Joanna Woodnutt went on to practice companion animal medicine in the Midlands, UK. Dr Woodnutt is specifically interested in consulting and helping her clients understand their pets better, whether its around medical problems such as dermatology, behavior, and nutrition.

1. They're getting stiff

You might have noticed your dog being a bit stiff in the mornings, or after getting up from rest and thought bless him, hes getting old!

However, according to a study published in the Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice journal, stiffness isnt related to old age itself, but is actually a sign that they could be suffering from arthritis, a painful joint condition that affects 80% of dogs over the age of 8.

Whilst many dog owners think that stiffness is a normal part of aging, its better for them to see a vet to get some pain relief and other suggestions for easing arthritis pain. For example, buying them the best orthopedic dog bed, can usually soothe these signs your dog is getting old.

2. Going deaf

One of the big signs your dog is getting old is a loss of hearing to some extent, although it can sometimes be difficult to tell if theyre genuinely deaf or just have selective hearing in their old age they seem to come running to the biscuit tin all the same!

Unless its accompanied by ear pain, a head tilt, or swellings of the skull, deafness isnt necessarily anything to worry about. However, you might decide to stop letting your dog off the lead, or teach them some sign language commands.

3. Cloudy eyes and sight loss

Your dogs eyes can cloud over in a condition called nuclear sclerosis one of the more common signs your dog is getting old. Whilst this might look a bit like cataracts, due to the blue-white shine, its considered normal for older dogs. You may also notice your dog appearing to lose their sight, although this will be very gradual and most dogs with nuclear sclerosis will be able to see well for a long time.

Nuclear sclerosis is nothing to worry about, and vets dont tend to recommend any treatment, as its a normal part of aging.

4. Dental disease and smelly breath

Dental disease and dog gum diseases can affect dogs of any age, but it gets more common and more serious as your dog ages. Smelly breath is often the first sign that pet parents spot, but if you get into the habit of examining your dogs teeth regularly youll also notice green-grey tartar developing.

Dogs should have their teeth checked annually by a vet, and ideally should be cleaned under an anaesthetic. You might be worried about putting an older dog under anaesthetic for a dental, but if theyre otherwise healthy its usually the right call dental disease is painful, and leads to increased likelihood of heart and kidney problems.

Consider giving them some of the best dental chews for dogs, and read our article on how to keep dog teeth clean for more advice.

5. Becoming forgetful

According to the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, canine dementia (properly called canine cognitive dysfunction or CCD) affects somewhere between 1 in 10 and 1 in 2 dogs over the age of 8, becoming more common as dogs get older.

Symptoms include forgetfulness, anxiety, changes in behaviour, and changes in sleep-wake pattern. Developing CCD is definitely a sign that your dog has reached their senior years.

Many dogs can improve with treatment using brain-boosting supplements. You can also keep your dogs brain active by playing games and giving food puzzles the canine equivalent of a Sudoku. Check out our list of the best dog puzzle toys to see what's out there.

6. Weight changes

You may also notice your dogs shape changing as they age, and their weight can either go up or down.

One of the signs your dog is getting old is that their metabolism slows down, making it easier for them to gain weight, and theyll start to lay down fat at the expense of muscle. Conversely, elderly dogs might have less of an appetite and be less efficient at digestion, causing them to lose weight. Many diseases of old age can cause weight loss, although arthritis can cause dogs to become reluctant to exercise, causing weight gain.

Whilst weight changes arent exclusive to the elderly dog, old dogs are more prone to unexplained weight changes than younger dogs are. If you notice weight gain in your dog, ask your vet for advice on the best dog food for senior dogs. If you notice weight loss, a vet visit is in order to ensure theres nothing stopping them from being able to gain weight.

7. Getting out of breath

Young dogs seem to be able to run all day and barely break out into a pant. Your older dog, on the other hand, may struggle more and get out of breath more quickly. You may see this with them lagging behind on walks.

This could be due to chronic lung conditions, heart changes, anaemia, or pain and stiffness causing reduced mobility. All of these are conditions for the vet to diagnose, so its best to book a check-up to make sure all is well.

8. Going gray

Many dogs with dark fur will turn gray as they age. This usually starts around the muzzle, but can also happen on the chest, neck, back, or legs.

Going gray is completely normal in dogs, and isnt anything to worry about. It usually starts at around 7 or 8, but may be later in life.

There are lots of possible signs that your dog is getting old to look out for, but ultimately, youre the one that knows your dog best. Whilst aging changes are inevitable, its best to visit the vet if any changes worry you, as many are signs of underlying diseases.

Enjoyed this? Check out our behaviorists guide on caring for a senior dog. If you have a senior dog and want to help them stay as healthy and comfortable as possible in their golden years, be sure to check out our helpful guide to joint pain in dogs where we break down the causes and treatment options for conditions like arthritis.

How to Care for an Elderly Siberian Husky

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The Siberian husky hails from the cold Siberian Arctic where lots of physical activity is required to stay warm. As a result, he has inherited traits of a strong, playful companion. When he becomes elderly and slow, he needs your care to help him maintain a quality life.

Step 1

Ask your veterinarian to begin screening your Siberian for elderly diseases when he is 7 years old. His life expectancy ranges between 10 and 14 years, and his breed is genetically prone to hypertension, liver disease, hypothyroidism and arthritis, among other conditions. Just like humans, early detection can help get your dog started on a treatment regime that may lessen his discomfort and reduce the chances of other conditions developing due to a lack of medical care.

Step 2

Adjust his diet to address the needs of his elderly digestive system. It will be easier for him to digest a premium, low-protein dog food formulated for elderly dogs. If constipation is a problem, try adding three teaspoons of bran to his food. In addition, fresh water is important for digestion as well, so be certain he always has a good supply.

Step 3

Brush his teeth once each week with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. An elderly dog often has sensitive teeth, and this causes him to reduce the vigor with which he chews his food. This results in excess plaque that can lead to tooth loss. If he can't tolerate a toothbrush, try wrapping surgical gauze around your finger, moisten with water and add dog toothpaste. Gently swab his teeth and gums.

Step 4

Take your Siberian for short daily walks to help keep his joints healthy. Although your younger Siberian loved to run and had enough strength to pull a sled, keep in mind that he may not be as quick on his paws as he used to be. Also, be sure to help your old friend by avoiding steep hills and staircases.

Step 5

Give your Siberian a soft, supportive place to rest his bones. A thick dog bed will help keep him from getting sore as he sleeps. If you can afford it, consider purchasing an orthopedic dog bed made of memory foam. Also, consider adding a heating pad or cooling mat to soothe his body.

Step 6

Monitor his behavior for signals that he is too cold or too hot, such as shivering or excessively panting. Although his breed has adapted well to warmer climates, like all elderly dogs, he may develop difficulty coping with temperature changes. Remember, a Siberian has a double coat of fur for warmth against the arctic cold, and playing outside on a hot day can be miserable during his senior years. Keep him in a temperature controlled environment for his safety and comfort.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion.

Siberian Husky First Heat and Cycle: What To Expect

If you notice your Husky urinating more than usual, it could cause concern. However, if she is unspayed, this increased urination might actually be an early sign of her first heat.

The onset of a Huskys first heat is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as a swollen vulva and blood-stained discharge, indicating the beginning of her reproductive cycle.

A Husky typically experiences her first heat between 9 and 12 months of age, marking the initial fertility phase and readiness for mating. Following this, she will enter into heat approximately every six months.

The Husky heat cycle is divided into four distinct phases, with the heat or estrus phase, the most critical for breeding, lasting between 4 to 15 days.

In this blog, well delve into the key aspects of a Siberian Huskys first heat, covering its timing, signs, and essential care tips.

Whether youre a new Husky parent or looking to broaden your knowledge, this guide will equip you with the necessary insights to navigate this natural process smoothly and responsibly.

Join us as we dive into everything you need to understand about your Siberian Huskys first heat cycle.

What Does Husky Heat Cycle Mean?

A Huskys heat cycle is when a series of hormonal changes occur. The time of first heat marks the onset of fertility, and its repeated every six months for the rest of your dogs life.

While some age-related variations will occur during your dogs life, a Huskys reproductive cycle typically happens in four stages.

Proestrus Stage

The proestrus stage in a Husky heat cycle is the initial period of the cycle and lasts around 4-20 days. The following signs characterize this period:

• Frequent urination.
• A darkened lower abdomen.
• Swollen vulva and teats.
• Bleeding, which may be more noticeable in some dogs than others.
• Attracting male dogs, but not necessarily ready to mate.
• Tucking in the tail to cover her vulva and keep away the males.
• Mood swings whereby your Husky may become more quiet or anxious.

Huskies can sometimes clean themselves off, making discharge harder to notice. While they can be dramatic about internal changes and pain, they remain relatively clean, so you must pay attention to their temperament and minute changes to spot this stage on time.

Learn All About When Your Dog Is In Heat In This Video

Estrus Stage

Estrus is the main stage in the Husky heat cycle. Its the heat period or season and the fertile phase of the cycle when ovulation occurs. At this point, your dog is ready to mate.

Estrus lasts between 4 and 15 days and is characterized by the following:

• Seeking out male dogs. If your dog has become more active and aggressive in seeking out other dogs, this could be a sign they are in the Estrus phase.
• Change in the color of the discharge. This is a pinkish/brownish liquid and not the blood-stained discharge of the proestrus stage.
• A flagged tail, raised and no longer hiding the vulva. This is a direct indication your Husky is getting ready to mate.

Diestrus Stage

The diestrus phase in a Huskys heat cycle is marked by a period of rest. If your dog hasnt conceived during the estrus period, her body will rest in preparation for the next heat season.

Diestrus in Huskies lasts around 60 days. Although your dog may still carry the scent of the heat period, her fertile window has closed at this point.

Anestrus Stage

The last phase of a Huskys heat cycle is the anestrus stage, which lasts around 90 days. This is the period when your Husky gets ready for her next cycle, which will resume once more with the proestrus stage.

If youre planning to neuter your Husky, the anestrus period is considered the most opportune time to do so.

My dog Willow was spayed in this stage of her first heat cycle, as advised by her veterinarian.

When Do Huskies Go Into Heat?

Smaller Huskies go into heat when they are around six months old. So, if your Husky is showing the symptoms of being in heat after four months of being adopted, she is highly likely in heat.

But if she is not in heat at six months old, dont worry. Larger Huskies take longer to come into heat. Most Huskies come into heat by the time they are 9-12 months of age.

Huskies may also come into heat at a much later age. Some Huskies will even go into heat at 18 or 24 months. These variations are all within the norm, and it all depends on your dog.

If your dog is coming into heat, this doesnt automatically imply that theyre ready for breeding.

In fact, experienced Husky breeders know its better to wait until the second heat, preferably the third. This gives them time to come fully into the cycle before breeding.

Mammalian reproduction is quite complex. Like a few other mammals, Huskies are not fully mature for reproduction at their first heat.

A dogs body is developed enough for healthy gestation by the third cycle. Pregnancy can have a parasitic effect at first heat. Second, heat pregnancy is manageable but burdens the Huskys body too much.

How Long Does a Huskys First Heat Last?

A Huskys first heat lasts between 4 to 15 days and corresponds to the estrus stage of the heat cycle. During these days, your Husky is fertile and can get pregnant if she mates.

However, a female Husky can get pregnant if she mates before the estrus period. This is because canine spermatozoa are motile in the females genital tract and can potentially survive for around 11 days.

You may have read that a dogs first heat and consequent heat seasons last 2-4 weeks. This is because many people consider the heat period to include both the proestrus and the estrus phases of the heat cycle.

However, strictly speaking, a dogs heat period is the estrus phase. This is when shes ready to mate and is fertile enough to get pregnant.

How Do You Know When Your Husky Is In Heat?

Youll know when your Husky is in heat by observing your dog for specific physical and behavioral signs, including:

• A swollen vulva and enlarged teats.
• A change in the color of discharge (pinkish instead of blood-stained).
• Frequent urination.
• A tail set to the side (flagging).
• A loss of appetite.

Huskies can be very visibly interested in male dogs and just as visibly aggressive toward female ones. Depending on how well-socialized they are, they might also have serious anger issues toward humans.

Aside from that, you can notice behavior like urine marking and licking their genitals. Both of these exhibit an interest in mating.

If you have an intact Husky and dont intend to breed her in this period, you should keep your pet on a leash during walks, as your furry friend will actively seek a sexual partner.

How To Care for a Husky In Heat

When your Husky is in heat, she is going through internal changes that she doesnt understand.

Since Huskies are sensitive to attention and care (as sled dogs working in a pack are very social and affectionate), you can make your dog feel more comfortable on her journey.

Emotional and physical change can be difficult, but your dog will remember that you were there for her.

Here are 7 things you should do to care for your Husky in heat:

1. Keep your dog engaged to distract her from the discomfort of the hormonal changes during the heat period. Playing games, offering treat-filled toys, or taking short walks can help keep your dog happy and calm.
2. Keep your Husky away from male dogs at home and outdoors if you dont intend to breed her. This entails keeping her on a leash during walks, not leaving her unattended in the backyard or garden, and keeping her in a separate room in the home.
3. Keep your Husky from carpeted areas of the home, couches, and bedding during the bleeding phase of the heat cycle. Alternatively, you can use dog diapers to stop the blood from staining floors and your dogs bedding. Choose something like the Simple Solution Disposable Dog Diapers from Amazon. These have a better fit due to the stretchable fabric that fits perfectly around your dog. If your Husky is trying to lick her genitals while in a diaper, consider removing it for some time to give her a chance to self-groom.
4. If your Husky shows the need for extra rest, always allow this. It would be best if you also eased your dogs exercise routine during the proestrus and estrus phases of the heat cycle, as your dog may feel a bit low-energy and under the weather.
5. Ensure your dog gets all the recommended nutrients in her meal during heat, including enough fresh drinking water. If your Husky prefers a different meal from the usual, consider giving it to her to boost her appetite. However, you should consult your vet about changing your dogs diet, even if just for a few meals.
6. If your Husky shows extreme discomfort or signs of pain in the swollen vulva, use heating pads to give some relief. I like the RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad as its waterproof, machine washable, and has an auto power-off function for extra safety. However, stay alert that your dog doesnt turn on you abruptly, and consult a vet if the uneasiness or pain doesnt seem typical.
7. Keep the surrounding environment calm and free of extreme noise or disturbance. Your dog is sensitive to any form of stress during this period.

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Your Husky may show unique characteristics and needs during her heat cycle. Be attentive and consult your vet about any unusual signs you do not know how to address.

Above all, use the environment in your favor. Dont put your dog in positions where she has to exercise more self-control than she can afford to exercise.

Avoid taking her in crowded places when she is acting aggressively. And give her a safe outlet to use her pent-up energy.

How Often Do Huskies Go Into Heat?

Huskies go into heat twice a year, approximately every six months. This is typical of larger dog breeds, as smaller dogs may go into heat 3-4 times a year, and the largest breeds only once a year.

Theres an approximate 6-month interval between heat cycles in Huskies. An average Husky can be expected to go into heat twice a year for 14 days. Some Huskies heat cycle lasts 28 days.

The variation isnt just in the number of days the cycle lasts but can also cover how frequently the dog goes into heat.

This depends on your dog and her body clock. How often your Husky goes into heat may vary and is contingent upon the following factors:

Age

After a Huskys first heat cycle, subsequent heat cycles may be irregular initially but will become more consistent with time. If your dog is experiencing irregular cycles, you may want to talk to a vet to determine if this is normal or if there are underlying causes.

Instead, older Huskies will have slowed cycles with fewer heat seasons. Despite this, your dog will still experience estrus her entire life and can get pregnant despite the reduced estrus seasons.

Conception

As happens in humans, gestation delays menstrual periods and fertility seasons. Similarly, dogs interestrus interval, or the period between estrus seasons, is prolonged after whelping.

A study on the effects of whelping on 375 dogs of various breeds found that they had a regular 6-month estrus interval under normal circumstances, but the interval was prolonged by an average of 64 days in those dogs who went into gestation.

Seasons

Though seasonality is generally considered a non-factor in estrus frequency in dogs, it is not an impossibility.

This seven-year study investigated the effect of season on reproductive parameters in 53 dogs of various breeds raised under tropical climatic conditions.

Scientists learned that breeding dogs in the summer resulted in a low whelping rate.They found fewer estrus incidences in summer and fewer occurrences of fertility and conception.

FAQs

At What Age Do Female Huskies Get Their Period?

Female Huskies get their periods when they are around six months old. As most breeders release Huskies 2 months after their birth, you can expect your Husky to get her period 14 to 16 weeks after adopting her.

How Long Does a Period Last on a Husky?

A period can last on a Husky for 2 to 4 weeks. Once you notice her vulva returning to normal, you can assume that her period is over. Your Huskys cycle can vary depending on her proximity to male dogs and age.

Do Huskies Get Period Cramps?

Huskies experience discomfort during their periods, but no conclusive evidence suggests they get cramps like humans. If the experience seems painful, the pet should be handled with care. Your company and kindness can help make her comfortable.

Final Thoughts

When your Husky experiences her first heat, its common to mistake the signs for illness. However, as these symptoms progress, it becomes clear that they are natural indicators of her reaching sexual maturity.

Typically, a Husky will go into heat for the first time within the first year of life, usually around the 9th month. Following this initial cycle, she will experience heat approximately twice a year throughout her lifetime.

When caring for your Husky throughout her heat cycle, you must show additional care and comfort during the initial, often uncomfortable phase, referred to as proestrus.

Additionally, its essential to keep her separated from male dogs during the estrus stage if she hasnt been spayed and youre not intending to breed her.

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