Huskies are notorious for their coats. They’re thick and soft and boy do they shed. Huskies are innate to cold weather climates thus their double coat allows for an all around temperature maintenance. But the question remains.
How often do they really need to be bathed?
Huskies are a naturally hygienic breed and can be bathed once per year unless they have a tendency to roll around in the mud on a frequent basis. Do not bathe your husky any more than once every 3-4 months. Their fur is absorbent and allows for dirt to wick off naturally.
Disclaimer: The Can My Dog articles contain information based on the individual research and opinion of the author of the site. How you utilize the information given is completely up to you. Proceed at your own risk. As told by Jax Boy the Cocker Spaniel.
A Husky Has Impeccable Hygiene
As a matter of fact, huskies are akin to cats in the sense that they take the time to clean their fur.
Huskies are extremely hygienic which allows them to be bathed less frequently than many other dog breeds.
Fun fact: Huskies do not produce the stinky dog odor like most others. This is because of their obsessive self cleaning habits.
How Often Should a Husky Be Bathed?
Please keep in mind that these recommendations are widely generalized for the collective whole.
Some huskies may have a tendency to dig ridiculously muddy holes in the backyard. Some huskies may not have a back yard and spend the predominance of their time indoors.
It just depends on the activity level and location of your husky.
As a general rule of thumb, a husky needs to be bathed once per year. If that gap freaks you out too much, you can bathe them more frequently, but never exceed more than once every 3-4 months.
It’s important to find the husky versus bath sweet spot. A husky has two coats and the undercoat holds moisture and takes considerable time to completely dry out. Too many baths and this could potentially become an issue.
We only bathe Callie (my husky sister) once per year, AT THE MOST. And she’s perfect. She has soft fur, no skin issues, and smells like the sweet little flower that she is. 🙂
What Happens If You Bathe Your Husky Too Much?
Over bathing your husky could lead to dry or itchy skin and begin to strip your husky’s fur of its natural oils.
The purpose of the oil is to maintain moisture thus promoting overall skin and coat health. When you bathe your husky too much, the oil is removed from their skin. This signals the skin to produce more oil, essentially overcompensating from what’s removed during bath time.
This will decrease the overall look and integrity of your husky’s coat and make them appear oily.
When in doubt, go without (a husky bath).
Useful Husky Bathing Tips
- Brush Your Husky First
If you have a husky, you already know, they shed like nobody’s business. It’s important to thoroughly brush your husky before bath time.
- Do Not Use Hot Water to Bathe Your Husky
Hot water will dry your husky’s skin and coat out. If you’re bathing your husky inside, it’s best to use room temperature water.
Make sure that the water is not freezing cold. While huskies are cold weather dogs, that only applies to a dry husky – not a wet one.
Outdoor baths on a hot summer day are another story. If that’s the case, cold water will be just fine.
- Make Bath Time an Eventful Experience
Some huskies (like all other dogs) will love bath time, while others will loathe it entirely!
Be mindful of this. Make bath time a fun experience for your husky. Talk to them, love on them, play with them.
- Rinse and Repeat the Rinse Several Times
Husky’s have a thick undercoat that absorbs more water and soap than you may think.
Rinse and re-rinse your husky’s hair after lathering them in soap several times to ensure all of the excess soap has actually washed out of the undercoat of your husky’s fur.
Leaving dried soap in there will cause skin irritation and itch.
- Dry Your Husky Thoroughly
Again, thick undercoat. If you leave your husky sopping wet after a bath they may become cold or worse, could lead to skin issues and irritation over time.
Use a big absorbent towel and even a hair blow dryer on warm (not hot) heat to ensure maximum blow out!
- Brush Your Husky After a Bath
For the same reasons you brush pre bath, you will need to brush post bath.
Brushing your husky’s coat after they are clean and dry will ensure the removal of any excess fur and aid in overall skin health.
What If Your Husky is Afraid of Water?
This absolutly happens and should be taken seriously.
Do not traumatize your husky by throwing them into a bath tub full of water and then forcing them down while you lather them in soap.
This is horrifying for them.
Instead, start slow.
Use pet / dog wipes to clean the surface of their fur for the most part. Then you will need to gradually get your husky used to water over time.
Make it fun.
Make it a game.
Do not rush the process.
And use lots of positive reinforcements and treats!
Start with putting one paw in a bowl of water and SLOWLY progress from there. Maybe I’ll write a blog about this topic, alone. Could be a good idea. Stand by..
Conclusion
Don’t over complicate the whole husky bath time situation. Like I said before, Sister Callie gets one bath per year and she’s the picture of healthy skin and fur.
She doesn’t hate a bath but she also doesn’t need one as often as I do.
Use what you’ve learned here with what you already know about your husky. You’re the dog parent. You know best and we trust you.
As always, humans, continue to Live, Love, Laugh, and Scratch our bellies often!
Love you guys,
JTB
P.S. If you’re new to this world, you may want to check out my Ultimate Guide for First Time Dog Parents. It’s a great reference to get you started on this journey.
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