The Siberian husky is a breed of working dog native to the Siberian Arctic. Huskies have a dense double coat that insulates them from extreme temperatures. Washing your husky can be time-consuming, but is possible with a few things you probably already have on hand.
Step 1
Warm up the water before you bring your dog into the bathroom. Ensure that the water isn't too hot or too cold. A mild temperature will keep your husky calm. Have your supplies nearby so you can reach everything while holding your husky still.
Step 2
Corral your husky and get him into the tub or shower. Many huskies like bath time, but some can be resistant. If your husky prefers playtime over bath time, try tempting him with some treats. Use a collar and leash if you think your husky will bolt and run through the house, shaking water and shampoo all over the furniture.
Step 3
Use a specially made doggie shower sprayer to rinse your dog's fur. You'll find such a device at any pet store. Soak the coat well so the shampoo will work through your husky's fur easier.
Step 4
Soap up your husky's coat. Don't overdo it, though -- because of your husky's double coat, it'll take forever to rinse out if you use too much soap. After you lather your husky up, rinse her coat well with mild water.
Step 5
Dry your husky well with plenty of towels, then gently brush her coat until it shines. If the weather is nice, it's best to take her for a walk after her bath so she can air-dry and her coat can fall back in place naturally.
References
Resources
Tips
- Be prepared for a full-body shake from your husky after you turn the water off. Keeping the shower door or curtain partially closed can save you from a flood in your bathroom.
- Feed your husky a diet that is high in protein to cut down on fur shedding.
Warnings
- Do not shave your husky under any circumstances. Her coat cools her in hot weather and keeps her warm in cold temperatures. Shaving her fur can damage these temperature-regulating properties, and the coat will not grow back properly.
- Do not bathe your husky too often. Once a month is the recommended most frequent interval. Too many baths will dry your husky's skin and coat out, causing him to itch and bite and create "hot spots."
Writer Bio
Based in Oklahoma, Maggie O'Leary has been writing professionally since 2001. O'Leary has served in the United States military since 1997 and is a two-time OIF veteran. She has been published in several local military and civilian newspapers and national media outlets including "The Washington Post" and CNN. O'Leary has a Bachelor of Arts in history and legal studies.