As a lifelong animal lover, nothing pains me more than seeing our furry friends in poor health. That's why I wanted to share some insights on the most common health issues huskies face based on my own experiences caring for these spirited dogs. While every pup is different, understanding typical husky ailments can help owners provide the best care. So let's dive into the top nine health problems huskies commonly deal with.
Eyelid Trichinosis
One frustrating condition many huskies struggle with is eyelid Triassic, which occurs when eyelashes grow inward and rub against the eyeball. As an active breed, huskies are prone to kicking up dirt and debris that can damage delicate eye areas over time. Our sweet girl Luna battled this for years, requiring regular vet visits to trim her lashes. The condition caused frequent tearing and irritation until we learned how to properly maintain her facial fur. Now we're vigilant about grooming and catching problem areas early.
Hip Dyspepsia
Being a large, muscular dog puts stress on husky joints, so hip dyspepsia is another common complaint. The femur doesn't fit snugly into the hip socket, leading to discomfort and mobility issues down the road. Our boy Yuki showed early signs around two years old, limping after long play sessions. Thankfully, we caught it in time to start supplements and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around his hips. Daily exercise on soft surfaces also helps, so swapping out hardwood for rugs made a difference for Yuki. Genetics play a role too, so do your research when choosing a breeder.
Eye Issues
Besides eyelid problems, huskies can develop other eye ailments like cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome. Their light blue eyes lack pigment to protect them from UV rays, making them susceptible to sun damage over the years. Our senior girl Nala recently went blind due to severe cataracts. It was heartbreaking to see her struggle with everyday tasks. As husky owners, we have to be extra diligent in slathering on sunscreen if they'll be outside for long. Sunglasses designed for dogs can also offer protection from the elements and are worth trying if pups will keep them on.
Ear Infections
With those adorable pointed ears comes a higher risk of ear infections. As a double-coated breed, huskies shed profusely and all that fur can accumulate inside ear canals, trapping moisture and causing irritation if not cleaned regularly. Our rescue pup Koda came to us with chronic infections that required antibiotics and frequent cleanings. Now we check ears weekly, gently wiping with a cotton ball and solution to prevent a recurrence. It's an easy way to head off discomfort and vet bills down the road.
Allergies
Food and environmental allergies also plague the breed. Symptoms can include itchy skin, hot spots, ear issues, and gastrointestinal upset. We had to put Koda through the wringing to discover she's allergic to chicken and wheat, common ingredients in many dog foods. Switching to a novel protein like lamb or fish resolved her problems. For seasonal allergies, daily antihistamines and baths help relieve symptoms when pollen counts are high. It's a trial-and-error process to pinpoint triggers, but an important one for quality of life.
Obesity
As beggars extraordinaire, huskies can easily gain weight if overfed table scraps or given too many high-calorie treats. Carrying extra pounds puts more strain on joints already prone to dyspepsia. Our youngest, Aurora, had a bit of a purge from begging at the dinner table. We had to get serious about meal sizes and exercise to slim her down. Now she gets two cups of kibble per day along with daily walks and play to keep her fit and trim.
Dental Disease
Like many other dogs, huskies are susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth loss without proper dental care. Our senior girl Nala lost several teeth in old age, which we attributed to a lack of dental attention in her earlier life before rescue. Brushing pups' teeth or using dental chews starting young helps prevent buildup. For older dogs, professional cleanings are important to remove tartar and bacteria. Good oral hygiene is key to keeping husky smiles bright for life.
Skin Issues
Their double coat makes huskies prone to skin allergies and infections like mange, as previously mentioned. But hot spots, rashes, and dry skin can also flare up, especially in summer's heat and humidity. Frequent bathing strips the protective oils from the fur. We give our pack oatmeal baths as needed for soothing relief. Fish oil supplements also boost skin and coat health from the inside out. Regular brushing helps distribute natural oils down to the skin surface too.
Cancer
Sadly, cancer is common in older huskies, as with many dogs. Our sweet senior Nala recently lost her battle with oral melanoma. We suspect genetics played a role since she was only 9 years old. Now we're extra vigilant in checking mouths and skin for any abnormalities. Early detection is so important, so thorough monthly exams are a must as pups age. If anything seems off, it's better to err on the side of caution and visit the vet.
In conclusion, while huskies are prone to certain health woes due to breed traits, diligent care and monitoring can help manage many issues. Our fur babies are family, so it's worth being proactive about prevention through nutrition, routine exams, dental care, skin and coat maintenance, and addressing any problems that do arise. Wishing all husky owners and pups the very best of health!