Breed Specific: The Quintessential Winter Dog – the Siberian Husky

Pikes Peak Vet wants you to know about your Siberian Husky’s lifestyle and other needs!

Personality: Bred for long-distance running, Siberian Huskies have boundless energy and love to chase small animals. They are also escape artists. A yard with a tall, secure fence that extends underground to keep them from digging out is a must. This loyal, outgoing and mischievous breed enjoys its pack (family) and gets along well with other dogs and people, making them a less than ideal watchdog, but a great addition to an active family.

Males – Height: 21-23.5 inches           Weight: 45-60 pounds

Females – Height: 20-22 inches          Weight: 35-50 pounds

Feeding/Treats/Weight: Discuss an appropriate diet with your veterinarian. A high-quality food is essential for a healthy skin and coat. Based on their activity level, you will need to choose a food with appropriate protein – working dogs will likely need more. Be careful not to overfeed and monitor your dog’s weight. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Grooming: Siberian Huskies are naturally clean. Baths should be unnecessary more than a few times a year. Because Siberians have a double coat, you will need to rake out the old coat while they are shedding twice a year. Pay close attention to their nails and keep them trimmed to avoid foot and leg issues.

Exercise: Siberians need a lot of exercise and do best when they have work to do, especially with their owners, which will strengthen the bond between you and them. Bred to run, it’s imperative to keep them leashed when not in a secure yard. These happy dogs are also adaptable and will do well in a variety of settings from regular agility and/or obedience training to daily walks and doggy play dates with urban friends.

Training: Early socialization is very important for basic obedience and good manners. Should you wish to include harness training, this can take hours of dedication and practice. The most successful training will be fun for both you and your Husky. These social dogs are not suited to being left alone all day, preferring to be with their owners or other dogs.

Thank you to the AKC’s webpage, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/,and Every Dog by Nancy Hajeski for much of this information.

BASIC FACTS

Over the Siberian Husky’s 12-14 expected years, you and your vet will create a health plan to evaluate and catch any conditions that may arise.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

• Hip issues
• Eye issues including juvenile cataracts, canine glaucoma and progressive degenerative issues
• Anxiety
• Skin issues

Pikes Peak Vet has the goal of healthy longevity for your Siberian Husky.

Wellness Exams and Vaccinations

• Every 6-12 months, as advised by your veterinarian, until age 6, including a full physical exam and routine bloodwork
• Pets age faster than us and tend to hide symptoms. At age 6, we recommend routine exams and bloodwork every 6 months to catch anything unexpected before it gets too firm a hold.

Other Exams and Screenings

• Joint x-rays
• Full eye evaluation and regular eye exams
• Regular skin checks
• Training education
• Regular dental exams and cleanings

Reach out for more information by phone or text, 719-475-1747, or through our Pikes Peak Vet app!