Common Health Issues with Siberian Huskies You Should Know About

Siberian Huskies are a beloved breed for many dog owners, but they're not without their health issues. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in Huskies, with up to 50% of the breed affected.

Huskies are also prone to eye problems, with cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy being major concerns. These conditions can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Huskies are also known to suffer from hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. This can cause weight gain, skin issues, and other problems.

As a responsible owner, it's essential to be aware of these potential health issues and work with your veterinarian to prevent or manage them.

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Siberian Huskies can be prone to obesity, which can lead to a range of health issues, including diabetes and joint problems.

Regular exercise is essential to maintain a healthy weight, and Siberian Huskies need at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can be painful and lead to skin infections.

Siberian Huskies are also susceptible to eye problems, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause blindness.

Their large size and muscular build can make them prone to hip dysplasia, a condition that can cause arthritis and mobility issues.

Siberian Huskies are generally a healthy breed, but their short lifespan of 12-15 years means they need regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their health.

Siberian Huskies can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Huskies, typically developing within 6 to 12 months of a Husky's life and affecting about 10% of the breed.

Glaucoma is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated, with symptoms including squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea, and redness in the whites of the eyes.

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Corneal dystrophy is an inherited condition in Siberian Huskies that causes small white crystal deposits to form in one of the layers of the cornea, usually progressing slowly and causing only minor vision obstruction.

Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited degenerative disease of the eye's retina, with research suggesting it's sex-linked in Huskies, as it's more common in males, and the earliest clinical sign is night blindness.

Uveodermatologic syndrome is another common eye disease in Siberian Huskies, affecting the eyes, skin, and nervous system, and causing blindness in severe cases, with the first signs usually being redness in the eyes and impaired vision.

Annual eye exams can help diagnose eye diseases early, and if you notice any vision loss or changes to your pet's eyes, seek immediate veterinary care.

If you have a white Husky dog, they may develop tear staining, which can be removed with a gentle eye wipe or washcloth.

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Bleeding Disorders are a common health problem in Siberian Huskies. They can range in severity from very mild to very severe.

Many times, a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. This is because the bleeding disorder may not be noticeable until the dog is under stress or in a situation where blood clotting is necessary.

Von Willebrand's disease is a blood clotting disorder frequently found in Siberian Huskies. We'll conduct diagnostic testing for blood clotting time or a specific DNA blood test for Von Willebrand's disease or other similar disorders to check for this problem before we perform surgery.

Siberian Huskies are prone to heart disease, which can be caused by a variety of heart defects that affect the structure of the heart's dividing wall or vessels. These defects can also cause problems with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat or with heart valve function.

Some common symptoms of heart disease in Huskies include tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to have your dog checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial in detecting heart disease in Huskies, and special testing may be recommended if a heart murmur is heard or any unusual symptoms are noticed.

Huskies are more likely than other breeds to have high blood pressure, also called hypertension. This condition can be caused by another disease or occur by itself.

High blood pressure can cause blindness and strokes in dogs, just like it can in people. It's a serious issue that requires regular monitoring.

We'll test your dog's blood pressure on a regular basis to catch any problems early. If needed, we'll prescribe blood pressure medication to keep them healthy.

Your Husky is at risk for heart disease due to potential heart defects that can be present at birth.

Some breeds, like your Husky, can be born with a variety of heart defects that affect the structure of the heart's dividing wall or the vessels.

These defects can also cause problems with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat or with heart valve function.

If your veterinarian hears a heart murmur during an examination, special testing will be recommended.

Keep an eye out for unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting in your Husky, and report them to your veterinarian right away.

Your veterinarian will pay special attention to your Husky's heart during each examination because of the significant risk of heart disease.

Hip dysplasia is a common condition in Siberian Huskies that can lead to arthritis and pain.

This inherited disease causes the hip joints to form improperly, resulting in a loose joint that leads to arthritis. Hip dysplasia can be managed with regular exercise and a healthy weight, but it's essential to catch it early to avoid discomfort and pain.

Surgery is sometimes considered in severe and life-limiting cases of hip dysplasia, but it's crucial to keep your Husky at a healthy weight to avoid developing arthritis years earlier.

Overweight dogs are more likely to develop arthritis and suffer from hip dysplasia. Regular X-rays of your dog's joints can help identify the disease as early as possible.

Common symptoms of hip dysplasia include limping on one or both hind limbs, difficulty sitting, difficulty standing, and struggling when squatting to urinate or defecate.

Here are some key facts about hip dysplasia in Siberian Huskies:

Treatment options for hip dysplasia in Siberian Huskies may include surgery, weight management, and medication to relieve pain and discomfort.

Siberian Huskies are prone to several skin and coat issues that can affect their quality of life. One common problem is autoimmune skin disease, such as pemphigus foliaceus, which causes crusts and hair loss, especially on the nose and inside the ear flap.

Sunlight can make autoimmune skin disease worse, so it's essential to apply zinc-free sunscreen to sensitive areas before heading outdoors. Bacteria often invade the damaged skin, leading to secondary skin infections.

Follicular dysplasia is another common issue affecting Huskies, typically appearing between 3 and 4 months of age. It can result in abnormal hair growth, hair loss, or patchy, infectious skin.

Zinc deficiency can also cause hair loss on the feet, elbows, or face, including the chin and lip areas. Fortunately, zinc supplements can help alleviate symptoms, but it's crucial to consult with a vet before adding them to your dog's diet to avoid an overdose.

Obesity can be a significant health problem in Siberian Huskies.

It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

Giving your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes can "love her to death" with leftover people food and doggie treats.

Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk.

Parasites can invade your Husky's body, inside and out, causing pain, discomfort, and even death.

Fleas, ticks, and ear mites can infest your Husky's skin and ears, while hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system through contaminated soil, unclean water, or infected mosquitoes.

Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member, making them a serious concern for everyone.

Regular testing for parasites is crucial to keep your Husky healthy, and we'll recommend preventive medication as necessary to prevent infestations.

Autoimmune Skin Disease is a common issue in Siberian Huskies, especially around four years of age. Pemphigus foliaceus is a superficial skin disease that causes crusts and hair loss on the nose, ear flap, footpads, and toenails.

Bacteria often invade the damaged area, leading to secondary skin infections. Skin crusts typically wax and wane, and there's no cure, but effective treatments are available.

Sunlight makes autoimmune skin disease worse, so it's essential to apply zinc-free sunscreen to sensitive areas before heading outdoors. This can help prevent flare-ups and discomfort for your furry friend.

Zinc Deficiency can be a real issue for our furry friends. Just like humans, dogs need a sufficient amount of zinc in their body to remain at optimum health.

Zinc plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat. Siberian Huskies are particularly prone to hair loss on their feet, elbows, or eye, chin, and lip areas due to a zinc deficiency.

Zinc supplements may help alleviate symptoms, but it's essential to consult a vet before adding any to your pet's diet to avoid an overdose.

To keep your Siberian Husky happy and healthy, routine care and maintenance are crucial. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed, picking up after yourself, and blocking off rooms as necessary.

Regular grooming is essential. Brush your Husky's coat at least weekly, and daily during shedding season. Clean her ears weekly, and brush her teeth at least twice a week to prevent tartar buildup.

Here are some key care and maintenance tasks to remember:

Supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed, picking up after yourself, and blocking off rooms as necessary to keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldn’t put in her mouth.

A thorough brushing is essential for your Husky, at least weekly most of the year, and daily during the times she blows her coat and loses a lot of hair. Regular brushing will help prevent matting and tangling.

Keep your dog's diet consistent and avoid giving her people food. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and don't overdo it at first when exercising your dog.

Regular ear cleaning is crucial, even as a puppy, to prevent infections and other problems. Clean her ears weekly, and don't worry if you're not sure how – your vet will show you the way.

To prevent dental disease, brush your dog's teeth at home with a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush, and keep up with veterinary wellness checkups. This will help prevent plaque and tartar buildup on her teeth.

Here's a quick rundown of the essential care tasks for your Husky:

Ear Care is an important part of your Husky's overall health. Most Huskies don't have a lot of problems with their ears.

However, it's essential to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble, like debris or gunk building up in their ears. Clean them with a high-quality ear cleanser to keep them healthy.

If your Husky starts excessively scratching at their ears, it's a red flag that something's wrong. Their ears smell or they appear to be in pain, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Siberian Huskies are prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that can lead to arthritis and pain, particularly in older dogs. Keeping your Husky at a healthy weight and providing regular exercise can help manage this condition.

Hip dysplasia is just one of the many common health issues that can affect Siberian Huskies. Eye problems are also a concern, with conditions like cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy being common issues in the breed. Regular eye exams can help catch these issues early.

Some other common health issues in Siberian Huskies include autoimmune skin diseases like pemphigus foliaceus and uveodermatological syndrome. These conditions can cause a range of symptoms, including crusts and hair loss, and can be painful and debilitating if left untreated.

Here are some common signs of health issues in Siberian Huskies:

Dental disease is a common issue that can affect your Siberian Husky's life span. It's estimated that 80% of all dogs have dental disease by age two.

Your Husky is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. This is because she can be prone to tartar build-up on her teeth, which can progress to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth.

If left unchecked, dental disease can lead to serious problems, including damaging your Husky's kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. In fact, her life span may be cut short by one to three years.

Regular teeth cleaning is essential to prevent dental disease. Your vet will examine your Husky's teeth and recommend professional dental cleanings as needed.

Brushing your Husky's teeth at home with a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush is also crucial. This will help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, keeping her teeth clean and healthy.

Siberian Huskies are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, just like all dogs. These can include parvo, rabies, and distemper.

Vaccination is a key preventative measure against many of these infections. We'll recommend a vaccination plan based on the diseases we see in our area and other factors.

Many of these infections are preventable, but it's essential to stay on top of regular veterinary check-ups to catch any potential issues early.

Degenerative Myelopathy is a serious health issue that affects Siberian Huskies more frequently than other breeds. It's a neurologic condition that causes weakness and poor nerve function in the hind legs. This condition is similar to ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease in people.

Degenerative Myelopathy can lead to paralysis in the hindquarters and incontinence. It's a heritable disease, which means it can be passed down from parents to offspring. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this condition.

If your dog has Degenerative Myelopathy, rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful in managing the condition. However, there is no cure for this disease. It's essential to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan that suits your dog's needs.

Here's a summary of the common health issues associated with Degenerative Myelopathy:

Early detection and management are crucial in slowing the progression of Degenerative Myelopathy. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help identify any signs of this condition, allowing for prompt treatment and management.

Epilepsy is a common issue that affects many dogs, with three types of seizures: reactive, secondary, and primary.

Reactive seizures are triggered by metabolic problems like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin.

Secondary seizures are caused by brain tumors, strokes, or trauma.

Primary or idiopathic epilepsy often has no known cause and is an inherited condition, commonly affecting Siberian Huskies.

If your dog is prone to seizures, they usually start between six months and three years of age.

A diagnostic workup may help find the underlying cause of the seizures.

Lifelong medication is usually necessary to control seizures, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent them from injuring themselves, but don't try to control their mouth or tongue.

Note the length of the seizure and call a veterinarian or emergency hospital for assistance.

Laryngeal Paralysis is a serious condition that can affect older Huskies.

Older Huskies may develop this disease, in which the vocal cords become paralyzed and hang down into the airway.

Noisy breathing is a common symptom, especially when exercising or in hot, humid weather.

In severe cases, a pet can collapse and have difficulty breathing.

Mild cases can be managed with changes at home and possibly medication.

Bring your pet in right away if you notice signs, because you don’t want this problem to become a surgical emergency!

Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs, especially in breeds like Huskies that tend to live longer than many others.

Your Husky will likely live longer than many other breeds, which means they're more prone to getting cancer in their golden years.

Many cancers are curable by surgically removing them, and some types are even treatable with chemotherapy.

Early detection is critical in treating cancer in dogs, so it's essential to keep an eye out for lumps and bumps when you examine your pet.

Regular diagnostic tests can also help identify cancer early on, so be sure to stay on top of your pet's check-ups.

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Siberian Huskies are generally a relatively healthy breed of dog, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that can lead to arthritis and pain, particularly in older dogs.

Keeping your Husky at a healthy weight and providing regular exercise can help manage this condition. Regular veterinary check-ups are also crucial to monitor their health.

Eye problems are another common issue in Siberian Huskies, which can include cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These conditions can lead to vision loss if not treated.

A high-protein diet is essential for Siberian Huskies, as they are clean by nature and require less food to maintain a healthy weight. They are also known for being "easy keepers" and can live longer lives if they are leaner.

Dental care is also important for Huskies, as they can have plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth, leading to serious problems like dental disease. Brushing their teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush can help prevent this.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs, and Siberian Huskies are more prone to getting cancer in their golden years due to their longer lifespan. Early detection is critical, and regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential issues.

Some common symptoms that may indicate a serious disease in Siberian Huskies include a change in appetite or water consumption, tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth. It's essential to seek veterinary help immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Here are some specific health concerns to watch out for in Siberian Huskies:

Taking care of your Siberian Husky's physical and mental health is crucial to prevent common health problems. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and picking up after yourself to keep her out of trouble.

A proper diet and exercise routine are essential for your Husky's well-being. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and keep her diet consistent to prevent digestive issues. Don't give her people food, as this can lead to obesity and other problems.

Brush your Husky's coat at least weekly, and daily during shedding season to prevent matting and tangling. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy, to prevent infections. Regular exercise, such as leash walking and playtime, will keep her mind and body active and prevent boredom.

Spaying or neutering your Husky is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on their health and well-being.

Having your Husky spayed or neutered can decrease the likelihood of certain types of cancers.

It's a good idea to have this surgery done while your pet is under anesthesia, as it gives us a chance to identify and address some diseases they're likely to develop.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps us identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

This is a convenient and easy time to perform other procedures, such as hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extraction.

Taking care of your Siberian Husky requires attention to detail and a consistent routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and picking up after yourself to prevent trouble.

A thorough brushing is essential, especially during shedding season when your Husky will lose a lot of hair. Brush your dog at least weekly, and daily during the times when she blows her coat.

Siberian Huskies generally have good teeth, but regular brushing is still necessary. Brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week to keep them perfect.

Cleaning your dog's ears is crucial, even from a young age. Clean her ears weekly, and don't worry if you're not sure how – it's a simple process.

A Siberian Husky's high energy levels mean she needs mental and physical stimulation. Keep her mind and body active, or she'll get bored and misbehave.

If you have a yard, a sturdy fence is a must to prevent escape and unwanted adventures. And when you're out on a walk, be sure to leash walk your dog due to her high prey drive.

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Some Huskies are prone to snow nose, a loss of pigment from the nose that makes them susceptible to sunburn. Use dog-safe, zinc-free sunscreen to protect your dog's sensitive nose.

A consistent diet is vital for your Husky's health. Keep her diet consistent and avoid giving her people food, which can be unhealthy and lead to picky eating.

Feed your dog a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and don't overdo it with exercise at first. Start with regular, gentle exercise and gradually increase the intensity and duration as your dog grows and matures.

Here's a summary of your dog's routine care needs: