Siberian Husky

You’ll need to help your Husky look and feel their best by controlling their heavy shedding.  

• Bathing: Give your pup a bath every three months unless they get super dirty or stinky after one of their adventures. If you live in a warmer climate, your Husky might need a bath more frequently. Talk to your vet for the best advice. 
  • Use a dog shampoo that’s just right: For example, a puppy shampoo is best for Husky puppies, but a soothing shampoo might be best if your dog has dry, itchy skin.  
• Brushing: Brush your dog with a pin brush three to five times a week, as these pups tend to shed a lot. During high shedding seasons (in the fall and spring), use an undercoat rake every day. 
• Dental care: Brush your pup’s teeth daily. A vet can show you the best tooth-brushing techniques and recommend a dog-safe toothpaste. Get your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned once a year. 
• Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails every few months or anytime they start to touch the floor when the dog is standing (too-long nails may be painful). You’ll hear when it’s time for a trim because they’ll make clacking noises on hard surfaces. Use a nail clipper for dogs or ask your vet or groomer to help. 

Start off your Siberian Husky puppy with some basic obedience training—like sit, stay, and come. It’s ideal to begin when they’re still a young puppy, but you can begin as soon as possible if you adopt them when they’re already an adult. It’s never too late to learn! 

Don’t forget socialization, too. It’s important to introduce your pup to new people and places so they’re accustomed to novel interactions and become a chill(er) adult. Taking your dog to group training classes or getting involved in a dog sport like agility trials are both good options for socialization. 

As a working breed, Siberian Huskies love to have a purpose, which makes them very eager to learn. However, as a pet parent, you’ll need a well-prepared plan. Your Husky is smart enough to know if you’re winging it, and when they realize there’s no goal, they might choose not to listen.    

Consistent, structured training sessions with clear goals is best. Always use positive reinforcement—praise, treats, and toys—to teach your pup how to be on their very best behavior.

There’s no go-to nutrition plan for your Husky, as each dog has different needs. But every pup does need a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards.  

Choose a formula that’s made for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), and consider a large-breed diet, especially for Husky puppies, for healthy growth.   

Your veterinarian can help determine your dog’s ideal diet and feeding times, as your Husky might not need as much food as you think, and many people overfeed this breed.  

Don’t forget to calculate treats into your pup’s daily meal plan. These calories count, too, and should never be more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.  

A busy Husky is a happy Husky. This breed is very smart and easily bored, so Husky dogs need a devoted pet parent who can help them engage their brain and body every single day.  

Huskies should get at least two hours of exercise every day, whether that’s long walks (change your route often for variety), hikes (Huskies love being out in nature), or competitive dog sports like agility trials. 

Siberian Huskies will run off when they see, hear, or smell something exciting, so keep them on a leash when they’re not in a fenced space.

Huskies also often get the zoomies—it’s normal and adorable behavior, but if it’s happening a lot, it could be a sign that your dog needs some additional ways to expend their energy. So up their routine with an additional walk or game of fetch.  

Siberian Huskies are best suited for cold climates, but they’ll adapt to warmer environments if they have access to air-conditioning. So, in the hotter months, schedule outdoor time in the early morning or in the evening when it’s cooler. 

Huskies love playing outdoors, so a yard with a fence is ideal. These clever canines are escape artists, and they will try to go on neighborhood escapades by themselves if there’s nothing to stop them. They need an experienced pet parent who keeps an eye on them and stops them from hatching dangerous escape plans.  

They usually make good family pets and do well with other pets and kids. However, they may need supervision around small kids or cats, as an energetic Husky might accidentally knock someone over during playtime. But overall, a well-socialized Husky will thrive in a home with plenty of outlets for their energy and curious mind.  

Don’t forget to give them lots of opportunities for mental stimulation. A bored Husky will look for ways to entertain themselves, and you might not love their new hobby of chewing or digging.