How long do huskies live? How long do they play?
Are questions most owners of huskies ask because huskies are loyal, and they kept wondering how long they will stay by their side.
The Siberian Husky is a well-known working-dog breed, and like any other breeds in the working group, it is intelligent and a fast learner. It is also one of the oldest Huskies in the world. Due to its strength and alertness, the Siberian Husky is proficient at pulling sleds. So if you’re wondering how long do Siberian huskies live? Learn all about it in this post.
Life Span of Siberian Huskies
Generally, Siberian Huskies are sled dogs that pull loads for their owners. They are also known in dogsled races and are a big help during search-and-rescue missions. So how long can huskies live?
A Siberian Husky average lifespan is about 12 – 15 years, and like many dog breeds, the females tend to live longer than the males.
Common Health Issues of Siberian Huskies
Aside from their excellent temperament, Huskies are also healthy. The Siberian Husky club of America said that the only health issues related to Huskies are connected to the eyes and the hips which include:
- Hip dysplasia – This happens when the femur is not fitted appropriately to the pelvic joint socket. This issue is inherited and can become worse when the dysplastic dog is on a high-calorie diet.
- Progressive retinal atrophy – This is a group of degenerative eye disorders that can result in blindness if not treated properly. This health problem starts when the Husky loses his vision at night or in dim light. It can even turn to an inability to see even during the day.
- Corneal Dystrophy – Corneal dystrophy is the cloud that is often white or grey in the middle part of the eye of a Husky. It is a hereditary condition that does not need treatment unless the Husky’s vision is greatly affected.
How to Help Huskies Live Longer
The Huskies don’t need a cool place due to their thick double coat, and if you have a Husky, make sure that your Husky has access to a shaded area and freshwater. Apart from their required living areas,
Here are some tips in caring for the Siberian Husky:
Bathe your Husky only when needed.
One of the best things about Huskies is that they need minimal grooming. Their coat can repel most dirt naturally, so there’s no need for you to groom him very often. Bathing your Husky is only necessary; your Husky gets into something filthy.
Feed him two or three times daily
Most Huskies are fussy eaters, and feeding them can be challenging. Your Husky’s meal should be more palatable, so add food toppers to it. You can also use freeze-dried raw meat as a topper for your Husky’s usual meals. When selecting a dog food topper, go for ones that don’t have fillers and grains.
Though Huskies are large, they don’t need to eat much. They can go on small amounts of food given in two or three equal parts daily. If you want to give your Husky commercial food, make sure that it is formulated with nutrients that will provide complete nutrition to your Husky.
Your Husky can also eat home-cooked meals, but be very careful when giving new things to them. Avoid onions, sugar, chocolate, garlic, raisins, and grapes.
Spay
Spaying a Husky can help the dog have a longer life because it reduces the risks of several diseases like mammal cancer. In male huskies, spaying is believed to prevent the risk of testicular cancer and prostate disorder. Female Huskies should be spayed the first season because they are more prone to uterine infections later in life if not spayed. Spaying also prevents overpopulation in dogs.
Avoid Shaving
Your Husky’s coat can protect him during winter or autumn. His skin can also keep him naturally fresh during summer, so there is no need for shaving him.
Keep your environment secured
Having a safe living environment for your Husky is one of the best ways to protect him. Your Husky will likely be in danger if you let him go wherever he wants. A Husky will always look for an opportunity to run and escape. That’s why most Huskies owner has tall fences. However, the best solution is not to leave your Husky alone for a long time, so he doesn’t get bored and jump at the wall.
Give your Husky lots of walks and hikes.
Huskies are high-energy dogs, and one of your duties as a Husky owner is to make sure that he gets to run, walk, or play outside daily.
Huskies are sled dogs and are known naturally for vigorous activities. If you stay in places close to woodland trails, the best exercise for your Husky is hiking.
However, lessen the exercise time when your Husky reaches 8-9 years old. A short walk daily will be pleasant to keep your dog healthy.
Clean your Husky’s teeth regularly.
Brush your Husky’s teeth for about a minute to avoid periodontal diseases. Use toothbrush and toothpaste intended for canines. Don’t use regular human toothpaste for your dog because of the fluoride in the toothpaste can be poisonous to Huskies.
If you find it difficult to brush your dog’s teeth, then use dental chews, it can still keep its mouth clean. Dental chews are good ways to clean your dog’s teeth, especially when he is too stubborn to let you brush his teeth.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve gotten the answer to the question how long do huskies live? in this post. You can as well help your dog live a longer and healthier life by providing him with a proper diet and by monitoring his health.
Spend time with your Husky and show him you love and care for him by buying him treats. If you care for your Husky correctly, your husky will have a long life span.