So, can Malamutes eat rice? Is it suitable to become part of their everyday diet? Are there any risks that you have to be aware of when feeding rice to your beloved pet? This article will discuss all that and more.

Can Malamutes eat rice?

Malamutes are gentle giants. They are huge dogs, often ranging from 23 to 25 inches tall and 75 to 85 pounds in size, with many varieties on both ends of the scale. They were originally bred as a class of working dogs, pulling heavy freights in the Arctic and Siberian regions of the world. 

Due to this, it’s not surprising that their need for energy is immense.

That’s why you’d be happy to know that Malamutes can’t just eat rice–it’s even beneficial for them.

Rice provides plenty of carbohydrates, which get broken down into energy. Rice can make for a great part of your Malamute’s diet with the right amount and routine. In fact, rice is often used as an ingredient in most dog foods for its added nutritional value. Even Siberian Huskies benefit from rice.

More than that, rice is great for sick Malamutes. It’s easy to prepare, easily digestible, and provides them with the right amount of energy to fight their sickness.

How to Serve Rice for Malamutes

When making rice for your gentle giant, it’s best to serve it plain, in addition to tastier food such as meat or fish. Seasonings won’t make a difference to Malamutes, and your beloved pooch may even have an adverse reaction to them.

Both brown and white rice are edible to Malamutes. However, while brown rice is more nutritious, it might be harder to digest. Meanwhile, white rice is easier to digest but is not as healthy and can cause a rapid increase in weight if given excessively.

Rice: The Pros and Cons

Rice contains many nutrients and minerals, such as carbohydrates, iron, protein, vitamins, and fiber, supplying your playful giant with lots of energy to fuel its shenanigans. It’s also very easy to prepare and much easier to digest, so it’s excellent comfort food for Malamute puppies and sick Malamutes.

However, everything is harmful in excess. Too much rice in their diet can make them gain weight and increase their risk for diabetes. For Malamutes that are not used to brown rice, it can give them constipation and indigestion.

To mitigate these risks, give rice only occasionally. If you’re planning to make it into a regular part of their diet, always consult a vet first.

Final Thoughts

Now we know that not only can your Malamute eat rice, it can also be a great addition to their diet. However, there are some precautions that you must keep in mind.

In this article, we learned that:

• Rice is good for your Malamutes because it contains lots of nutrients and minerals
• This food is also easy to prepare and digest.
• However, consult a vet if you plan on making rice a regular part of your Malamute diet because too much can do more harm.

The post Can Alaskan Malamutes Eat Rice? The Benefits and Risks appeared first on Husky Habits.

We know they can eat mangoes, but can Malamutes eat apples? Is an apple as good for them as it is for humans? Does it have any risks? 

In this article, we’ll discuss if Malamutes can eat apples.

Can Malamutes eat apples?

This shouldn’t be surprising, but Malamutes can eat apples. Like many other fruits, apples offer plenty of nutrients that are beneficial to your Malamute. Also, since they’re low-fat and low in protein, even senior Malamutes with weaker bites will have no problem chewing them.

Health benefits of apples to Malamutes

Apples contain many nutrients and minerals, such as essential fatty acids (such as Omega-3 and 6), antioxidants, fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

All of these help with your Malamute’s immune system and gastrointestinal health. They might even strengthen your beloved Malamute against degenerative conditions such as joint disease.

More than that, munching on apples is good for your dog’s teeth. Although it must never be a substitute for regular brushing and dental checkups, apples can help your dog maintain a fresh breath by cleaning residue off the teeth.

Risks of giving Malamutes apples

However, there are some risks that you have to consider when feeding your dogs this delicious sugary treat.

For one, apples contain large amounts of sugar and fiber. While these goodies are great in the right amounts, they can contribute to indigestion or diarrhea. Don’t feed your Malamutes too much apple at once, and always watch out for signs of indigestion.

Also, apple seeds can be dangerous in excessive amounts. Just like with humans, apple seeds can be metabolized by the liver into cyanide. Small quantities of apple cores and seeds should be okay, as it takes approximately 200 apples all at once to poison your poor pet. 

A more significant concern is choking hazards. Apple cores and seeds might get stuck in their throat because of improper chewing. This is especially true for young Malamute puppies or smaller-sized Malamutes.

Lastly, be mindful of allergic reactions. There are many types of allergic reactions. Although it’s very rare for Malamutes to display allergies towards apples specifically, it’s not impossible, so be sure to keep an eye on them while they eat.

What other fruits can Malamutes eat?

Some fruity treats are good for Malamutes in small amounts. Dogs can eat apples, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupes, cranberries, cucumbers, mangoes, and oranges. These fruits don’t cause reactions in dogs in the right amounts and even contain lots of beneficial vitamins and minerals.

However, there are some fruits that dogs must not eat. Fruits such as avocados, cherries, grapes, and tomatoes contain harmful substances that will immediately be toxic to dogs, including your Malamute.

To be sure, do your research first about the fruit that you want to give your Malamute.

Final thoughts

Apples can be a tasty and nutritious treat for your Malamutes. That said, be sure not to make it part of their regular diet and always watch out for potential risks.

In this article, we discovered that:

• Apples contain lots of vitamins and minerals which are good for your Malamutes.
• Apples are healthy for your dog’s teeth, immune system, and more.
• Don’t overfeed and watch out for signs of diarrhea, indigestion, or allergic reactions.
• Never feed your dog fruits like grapes, cherries, and avocados.

Did you like this article? Check out our other posts on Husky Habits!

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In this article, we’re going to examine the characteristics of the Alaskan Malamute and see whether they display protective characteristics.

Are Malamutes protective?

Alaskan Malamutes are the surviving descendants of the oldest sled dog breeds. Thought to be bred by the ancient indigenous tribe called the Mahlemut, these dogs were made to pull working sleds in their location of origin: the harsh, snowy lands of Siberia.

Primarily working dogs that lived with their tribe’s family, Malamutes are a calm and very even-tempered dog breed. Although their wolf-like appearance is thought of as ferocious, they are actually very playful and docile. As such, most Alaskan Malamutes are not protective of their owners and actually enjoy being around different people.

Are Alaskan Malamutes possessive?

Malamutes can exhibit significant possessive behaviors, such as with food during feeding time. However, this isn’t common for all Malamutes. Rather, this behavior is more likely to appear in Malamutes who are in the middle of determining their pecking order.

This breed of dog has strong pack-forming tendencies, so they are very likely to establish their position in the pack through challenging actions. If they sense that you are not a strong owner and leader, they will likely be more stubborn and possessive about various things.

Due to this, Malamutes, as well as other Husky breeds, are not recommended for first-time dog owners who don’t know how to remain firm with their pets.

Are Malamutes aggressive?

This dog breed was developed to love work and be loyal to their family. Because of that, their aggressiveness is generally toned down.

However, aggressiveness doesn’t just depend on a dog’s breed. It can also be a matter of upbringing and socialization.

If your Malamute suffered from some kind of trauma in the past, they are more likely to be aggressive when they feel threatened. Even perfectly healthy Malamutes might become aggressive to other animals and people if they’re not socialized properly as they grow up.

Characteristics of a good guard dog

Because of their large and furry wolf-like appearance, people often think of Alaskan Malamutes as guard dogs. But what makes a good guard dog in the first place, and do Malamutes have those characteristics?

In this section, let’s discuss the important characteristics needed in guard dogs.

Size

If you want your guard dog to be intimidating and effective, they need to have the right size for it. 

Your Chihuahua might be trained to attack, but no burglar or harasser would be intimidated by a dog that you can carry around in a small bag. Also, when push comes to shove, bigger dogs have the highest chances of subduing the bad guy.

In this respect, Alaskan Malamutes fit the category well. They are huge dogs, weighing anywhere from 50 to 85 pounds and with a height of 20 to 27 inches, depending on sex. Regardless if they’re harmless or not, most people will probably feel intimidated by their size alone.

Trainability

It’s important for guard dogs to learn how to keep their aggression in check and follow commands. After all, they are likely to be big dogs with a high potential for damage, so it’s important to ensure that they completely obey your commands.

In this respect, Malamutes fit the bill. They’re smart dogs who enjoy doing work, so chances are high that they will follow what you say.

Temperament

The last and perhaps most important factor in finding the perfect guard dog is temperament.

Guard dogs need to have the right balance of aggressiveness and docility. Some dogs are too docile and friendly to everyone — even to strangers. Obviously, you don’t want your guard dog to happily greet burglars as they enter your home.

However, you also don’t want your guard dog to be overly aggressive. Some people make the mistake of assuming that the meaner their dogs are, the better they are as guard dogs. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Remember, excessively aggressive dogs are also more likely to attack you. This defeats the purpose of getting a guard dog in the first place — which is to keep you and your family safe.

In terms of temperament, the Alaskan Malamute falls into the docile category. They are friendly and affectionate, and they’re practically never aggressive. Although they look may look intimidating, they don’t usually attack first and are more likely to act friendly towards strangers.

Do Alaskan Malamutes make good guard dogs?

All told, Alaskan Malamutes won’t make good guard dogs protect against other people. Developed to be pack animals that live together with their human families, they are friendly and affectionate and will rarely bark. In most cases, you can’t rely on an Alaskan Malamute to fight burglars or attackers for you. 

However, because of their size and appearance, burglars may be more likely to hesitate to enter a house with a Malamute, especially if they’re not familiar with this dog breed.

That said, Alaskan Malamutes make good guard dogs against wild animals. Unlike with humans, they can be aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex, especially if they feel threatened.

Final thoughts

As great as Alaskan Malamutes are, they’re not typically protective of their owners. They also don’t make good guard dogs against burglars or robbers, as their default temperament leans more towards the gentle and playful side.

In this article, we learned that:

• Because of how they are developed, Malamutes are often not protective, possessive, or aggressive.
• Malamutes can be possessive when they’re testing the pecking order.
• They can also be aggressive when they’re traumatized or unsocialized.
• Dogs need to have the right size, temperament, and trainability to be effective guard dogs.
• Although Malamutes are huge and trainable, their temperament is largely unsuited for guarding against other people.

Did we answer your question? Feel free to check our other posts at Husky Habits!

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We all know that this fur coat should be maintained by daily brushing. However, this can quickly become too time-consuming to do every day, and improper maintenance can cause mattes that can become breeding grounds for infection. In the summer months, their thick fur can also cause them to overheat and feel ill.

But do Alaskan Malamutes need haircuts? Is it the solution to the problem? Would it cause harm? In this article, we’ll answer all of those questions and more.

Do Alaskan Malamutes need haircuts?

Ideally, you should never have to trim your Malamute’s gorgeous fur. A bad haircut can easily damage their beautiful coat, and they might even react negatively in sensitive areas.

If absolutely needed, your first choice should be to go to a licensed professional for your Malamute’s grooming.

Should I shave my Malamutes?

Avoid shaving your pet’s fur at all costs unless it’s absolutely required, such as in the case of a medical operation or procedure.

Not only is shaving highly unnatural and irritating to them, but their thick coat is also essential to regulate their body’s temperature. If their fur coat is compromised, Malamutes become even more at risk of heatstroke and sunburn. In the worst-case scenario, these irritations could fester and develop infections.

Do Malamutes have hair or fur?

When it comes to dogs, ‘hair’ is often used interchangeably with ‘fur.’ Those with a single layer are referred to as ‘hair’ more commonly, while those with a double layer are referred to as ‘fur.’

In the case of Alaskan Malamutes, they have a specific kind of fur called a ‘double fur,’ so named because it has two layers: a thick outer coat called ‘guard coat’ and a more luxurious undercoat.

Although thick, a Malamute’s guard coat is coarse and short. Meanwhile, the undercoat can reach up to two inches long and has a silky, wooly feel for repelling water and providing warmth.

This double coat is used by Malamutes to protect them against the elements. The Arctic region where they originated is a place of extreme cold, and so they’ve adapted to withstand that climate. Today, this double coat is seen as a distinctive trait and is enhanced through selective breeding.

How Can I Keep My Malamutes Clean?

Although an Alaskan Malamute’s luxurious double fur coat is one of its most distinctive features, it’s also one of the aspects that make their care so challenging.

Nevertheless, as fur parents, we have to do our part to keep our fur babies happy and healthy. Aside from professional grooming, we can do the following things at home:

Set regular bathing schedules

While they don’t need to be groomed and trimmed all the time, regular bathing can help your Malamute in various ways. Aside from keeping them cool, clean, and looking good, you can also minimize shedding if you bathe your dog at least once every one to two weeks.

Use the right shampoo and conditioner.

Don’t get us wrong — regular shampoo works just fine in keeping your dog clean. However, if you want to go the extra mile, nourishing shampoos can help your Malamute’s coat look healthier.

If their coat appears to be dry, conditioners can help things along. Whatever you apply, make sure you research it well first and start slow.

Blow-dry their fur properly

Perhaps more important than using the right shampoo and conditioner is blowing your Malamute’s fur properly.

A wet coat easily attracts all sorts of dirt and germs. If you don’t dry it properly, your Alaskan Malamute might be even dirtier than when you started. You can buy a high-quality blow dryer for this, but many grooming salons now rent out their blowdryers for home use.

Brush their fur regularly

Malamutes require regular brushing at least once a week and professional grooming at least once every 6 to 8 weeks to avoid mats on your Malamute’s coat.

While little mattes aren’t that big of a deal, improper maintenance of your Malamute’s fur could lead to severe matting. This can harbor all sorts of infections. Your Malamute’s fur might need to be shaved if the matte becomes too much. As mentioned, shaving is highly discouraged for this dog breed, so best avoid it as much as you can.

How Often Should You Brush Your Malamutes?

Your Malamutes should be brushed properly at least once or twice every week on their normal days.

However, you will have to brush them every day during their shedding seasons to keep them clean and shed-free. You should also carefully clean the abundant amount of shed fur that Malamutes will have in this period. If you have carpeted floors, you may need to vacuum daily or invest in many lint rollers to keep your carpets fur-free. You can donate the excess fur to yarn shops that accept dog wool.

You should start brushing and grooming your Malamutes early on. This makes them more likely to get used to grooming and relax under treatment than when they’re fully grown. To make this process easier, you can brush them during the quiet hours of the day or night to help them be more relaxed.

Final Thoughts

Alaskan Malamutes don’t need haircuts, not exactly. Instead, they need proper maintenance for their lovely fur coat, and as their owner, that responsibility falls on you.

In this article, we learned that:

• Malamutes have a double fur coat that they adapted to help them in colder temperatures.
• Trimming your Malamute’s fur should be done very carefully.
• You must never shave a Malamute unless absolutely necessary..
• To keep your Malamute’s fur healthy, bathe them regularly, use the right implements, blow-dry properly, and regularly brush their fur.
• You must take your Malamute to the groomer at least once every six to eight weeks, bathe and brush them at least once a week.
• During shedding season, brush your Malamute every day.

Did you like this article? Check out more posts at Husky Habits!

The post Do Alaskan Malamutes Need Haircuts? Ultimate Grooming Guide appeared first on Husky Habits.

However, it doesn’t end there. There are still a few things you need to consider when feeding your dog rice. So, if you’re wondering, “Can Siberian Huskies eat rice?” then don’t fret – in this article, that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about.

Can Siberian Huskies eat rice?

You may not know it, but rice is an ingredient found in most dog foods. Rice contains a ton of nutrients that’s good for your Husky, so it’s even highly beneficial for them to eat a certain quantity of rice from time to time.

Also, if you have a sick dog, rice is even preferable to dry dog food. This is because rice contains lots of carbohydrates for energy, is easily digestible, and can be prepared conveniently.

When preparing rice for your dog, keep it simple. Avoid adding spices or seasonings – your pets can’t tell the difference, and some of those spices can even cause an allergic reaction to some. Also of primary consideration is the amount of rice to feed your Husky, which should be consulted to a vet.

Should I give my Siberian Husky brown rice or white rice?

Brown and white rice differ in the ways that they are processed.

Brown rice isn’t as processed, so the grains ‘seed coat’ remains. This contains more nutrients and fiber, which is noticeably absent from white rice. However, although it’s healthier, brown rice might be harder for Huskies to digest. That’s why it’s not generally recommended to feed your furbabies brown rice.

On the other hand, white rice contains fewer nutrients but is much easier for your dogs to digest. The downside is that white rice also has a higher glycemic index, which means that it contains more carbohydrates. This extra amount of carbs might be dangerous for huskies who already have delicate blood sugar levels because of an illness, such as canine diabetes, so you must be careful.

Benefits and risks of rice for Siberian Huskies

Rice as a diet for Huskies has a lot of benefits. It contains many carbohydrates, protein, iron, vitamin D, and helpful fiber, giving your pups an extra health boost. It’s also easy to digest and can supply sick puppies with the right amount of nutrients to keep them healthy.

However, it could also pose some risks. If given too much rice, Huskies can gain weight and even become high-risk for diabetes. Feeding them brown rice could also result in constipation.

Final thoughts

As long as proper considerations are taken, rice is healthy and easy food for Huskies.

In this article, we learned that:

• Rice is safe for Huskies to eat.
• Rice contains a lot of carbohydrates, protein, iron, vitamin D, and helpful fiber.
• More than its abundant nutritional value, rice is also easy to prepare and digest.
• It’s safer to feed dogs white rice rather than brown rice.
• Too much white rice can make diabetic dogs more at risk, while brown rice can cause constipation.

Did you like this article? Don’t forget to check our other blog posts here at Husky Habits!

The post Can Siberian Huskies Eat Rice? Benefits and Risks appeared first on Husky Habits.

That said, how big can an Alaskan Malamute grow, anyway? In this article, this is precisely what we’ll discuss.

How big can an Alaskan Malamute grow?

Alaskan Malamutes are classified as a large breed by the AKC. Understandably, this means that they’re generally bigger than other breeds of dogs, including other Husky breeds like Siberian Huskies.

For males, the average height is about 25 inches (63.5cm) at the shoulders. Females are a bit smaller, standing at around 23 inches (58.5cm) at the shoulders.

In terms of weight, males are also much heavier, weighing 85 pounds (38.5kg) on average as opposed to females who typically weigh roughly 75 pounds (34kg).

Since these are just the averages, don’t be worried if your Alaskan Malamute doesn’t match these stats exactly. For instance, a male Alaskan Malamute that is 24 inches high and weighs 79 pounds is still within the healthy range. At the same time, a female Alaskan Malamute that is 25 inches high and weighs 80 pounds is also considered normal.

Of course, an Alaskan Malamute that is both tall and heavy will look a lot bigger than an Alaskan Malamute that is shorter and lighter. But ultimately, as long as your Malamute is fine, health-wise, their size doesn’t really matter.

Can Alaskan Malamutes be overweight?

It’s important to determine whether an Alaskan Malamute is indeed overweight or if their coat is simply too thick.

Alaskan Malamutes have naturally thick coats to help protect them from extreme cold. They tend to shed these coats year-round, most notably around spring or winter. Some Malamutes have such thick coats that they look overweight because of it, even though that’s not the case.

However, it’s also true that there are some Alaskan Malamutes that are overweight. If a Malamute is around the average size (25 inches for males and 23 inches for females) but weighs at least 20-25 pounds heavier than usual, there’s a good chance that they’re overweight.

Obviously, taller Malamutes should be able to handle a bit more weight, but it’s safe to say that most average-sized Malamutes that are at least 110 pounds are severely overweight.

One way to check whether a Malamute is overweight or not is if you can still feel their ribs. No matter how thick their coats may be, you should still be able to feel them if you press gently by their side.

If you still can’t feel their ribs no matter how hard you try, it’s a good sign that your Malamute is overweight. Proper diet and exercise should be done immediately as being overweight can cause a lot of health issues to Alaskan Malamutes.

Are giant Alaskan Malamutes real?

If you’ve ever searched on the internet for information about Alaskan Malamutes before, you’ve probably already come across a special variant called Giant Alaskan Malamutes.

“Giant” Alaskan Malamutes are simply Malamutes that weigh heavier than 120-150 pounds. Unlike regular Malamutes, they stand taller than 35 inches. Coupled with their heavy weight, they do look like giant versions of our beloved, cuddly furbabies.

However, are they an actual breed or simply a variation of the regular Alaskan Malamute?

Actually, giant Alaskan Malamutes are simply selectively bred Malamutes. They’ve been around for hundreds of years, originally found in the frigid regions of Alaska. In order to achieve their size, breeders would take the largest Malamute puppy from one litter and breed that with another litter’s largest puppy.

Over time, this led to bigger and bigger Malamute puppies. Their offspring are what we know today as Giant Alaskan Malamutes.

Is my Alaskan Malamute too small?

Since Alaskan Malamutes are classified as a large breed, it’s understandable to feel worried when your Malamute seems a bit shorter and lighter than average.

Luckily, you don’t have to worry. There’s no such thing as “miniature” Alaskan Malamutes, but smaller Alaskan Malamutes do exist. And while they’re definitely not the norm, it doesn’t make them abnormal.

Why is my Alaskan Malamute small?

There are many reasons why your Alaskan Malamute may be smaller than usual.

The first one is genes. Just like how bigger Alaskan Malamutes can be selectively bred to create “giant” Malamutes, the same can be done to small Alaskan Malamutes, as well. If your Alaskan Malamute seems smaller than average, check to see if their parents or other siblings are also small.

Two, if their siblings seem normal-sized, your Malamute could be the runt of the litter. Runts can sometimes have underlying health issues, so be sure to get yours checked at the vet.

Three, they may not be eating enough, or their diet may not be up to par. Make sure that you’re feeding your Malamute only the best dog food possible to provide all the necessary nutrition.

These are just the most common ones. It’s best to still consult with a vet to find out what is truly going on.

Is my Alaskan Malamute too skinny?

It’s essential to determine first whether your Malamute is actually small or if it’s just skinny.

A small Alaskan Malamute means they’re not just light, they’re short in stature as well. For instance, a fully-grown male Malamute that’s 21 inches in height and 65 pounds in weight is certainly small but not necessarily skinny.

A skinny Alaskan Malamute is one that’s, say, 23 inches in height but only 55 pounds in weight. Alaskan Malamutes are working dogs, which means they must have a lot of muscle and fats on their body that contribute to their weight.

If they’re too skinny for their height, it’s important to visit the vet to get them checked out.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, as we mentioned above, your Alaskan Malamute’s size rarely matters, as long as they’re healthy.

In this article, we learned that:

• Alaskan Malamutes can grow up to 25 inches and 85 pounds for males and 23 inches and 75 pounds for females.
• Giant Alaskan Malamutes and small Alaskan Malamutes exist.
• Being overweight or underweight is not good for your Alaskan Malamute.

Did this answer your questions? Feel free to visit us at Husky Habits!

The post How Big Can An Alaskan Malamute Grow? appeared first on Husky Habits.

That said, it’s not unusual for problems to arise every now and then. For instance, maybe your Husky has stopped eating their dry food, even if you try to hand-feed them. Like most furparents, this probably got you concerned and worried about your precious furbaby.

If you’re wondering why your Husky won’t eat dry food, then don’t fret – you’ve come to the right place.

5 reasons why your Husky won’t eat dry food

There are many reasons why your Husky won’t eat dry food. Here are some of the most common ones.

The food is low-quality

One thing you have to know about Husky breeds before we go further is that they’re good at holding off eating.

Historically, Huskies are descended from a breed of sled dogs found in the Chukchi Peninsula. These dogs were bred specifically to become working dogs and to aid the Chukchi people as they hunted, traded, and did other similar activities.

Since the entire area was often covered in snow, there wasn’t always a lot of food available. Due to this, these sled dogs developed a type of metabolism that could keep their energy up for a long time even without food intake.

In other words, Huskies are good at skipping meals, especially if they don’t like the food. This includes poor-quality kibbles. If your Husky thinks that the dry food you’ve provided isn’t good enough, they won’t think twice about skipping it and waiting for something better to come their way.

To combat this problem, simply replace his regular dry food with a higher-quality variety. Brands that have fresh ingredients listed first are better than those that have corn, rice, and other grains.

They’re bored

Just like people, Huskies can get bored of their food as well. If all they’ve been eating for a while is dry food, it’s not unusual for them to get tired of it eventually.

Luckily, the solution for this is pretty easy. You can add some wet food, gravy, or toppings to your dog’s regular dry food to improve its taste and texture. You can also add human food like cooked chicken breast and pig liver to switch things up.

If you still have some milk formula for dogs, you may also want to add warm milk to their bowl of kibbles. The kibbles will soften in the milk, making it more palatable and much easier to eat.

They’re stressed or anxious

Despite their wolf-like appearance, Huskies are actually quite sensitive dogs. They get stressed over things like moving houses, a new pet, or noisy people. They can also get stressed over minor changes, like simply moving their food bowl someplace else. 

In addition to this, Huskies are also known to suffer from separation anxiety, which is a whole different topic altogether.

Of course, if your Husky is stressed or anxious, it’s very likely for them to stop eating not just dry food, but all kinds of food in general. Be very observant and watch out for other signs of stress and anxiety, like pacing, whining, panting, yawning, and licking, among many others. Luckily, this typically doesn’t last for more than a day.

They have dental issues

Dental issues are difficult for everyone, humans and Huskies alike. These issues can range from tooth decay, bad gums, and other related issues.

Since dry food is much firmer than wet food, any Husky with dental issues may find it much more difficult to eat the former than the latter.

Remember, your Husky won’t be able to tell you straight out if they have a bad toothache, so, once again, you have to use your observation skills. Symptoms include refusal to eat hard foods or treats, slow chewing, excessive drooling, and resistance whenever you touch their face or mouth area.

If your Husky is dealing with dental issues, the best way to help them with this is to simply go to the vet to get the proper treatment.

That said, prevention is always better than cure, so to avoid such issues in the future, make sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly and to give them special treats that can help with their dental health.

They’re feeling ill

If you Husky has underlying health issues, it’s only natural for them to lose their appetite. This doesn’t just include dry food, but also all kinds of food in general.

One of the health issues that can cause a lack of appetite is Zinc deficiency. This is very common in Husky breeds.

Again, observation should be your strong suit here. If your dog still doesn’t eat after 2 days, there could be something else that’s up. Schedule an appointment with the vet for a thorough check-up.

How to get your Husky to eat dry food

Now you know why your Husky won’t eat dry food. To help improve their appetite, you can do the following:

• Provide high-quality dog food. As mentioned above, Huskies can easily pass up on dog food that they deem poor quality.
• Mix up their food every now and then. You can even add human food to make their food tastier for them.
• Create a strict schedule. Doing so will regulate your dog’s appetite.
• Ensure they’re getting proper exercise. Huskies need to burn off their energy to feel completely hungry.
• Keep their dental health in tip-top shape. A bad toothache can make eating dry food much more difficult than it should be.
• Have them checked by your local vet regularly. Making sure they’re always healthy is part of your responsibility as a furparent.

Final thoughts

As you can see, there are many reasons why your Husky won’t eat dry food. In this article, we learned the following:

• Huskies can afford to skip meals due to their excellent metabolism.
• Low-quality food, boredom, stress and anxiety, dental issues, and underlying health problems are some of the reasons why a Husky won’t eat dry food.
• To get a Husky to eat, you can switch their dry food, add toppings or wet food, provide a more comfortable space, and get them checked out at the vet.

Did this solve your problem? If you’d like to learn more about Huskies, don’t forget to check out our blog at Husky Habits!

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In this article, we’ll find out if huskies like the cold weather and everything else you need to know about this topic.

Do Huskies like the cold weather?

Generally speaking, Huskies like the cold weather. As mentioned above, they are direct descendants of sled dogs, which lived outdoors in barns or in insulated dog houses. They can easily withstand temperatures as cold as -60 degrees F (-51 degrees C.)

Modern-day Huskies have already evolved to adapt to modern conditions, but they still retain many of their ancestors’ traits, including the preference for cold weather.

That said, despite being bred to thrive in freezing temperatures, it’s still important to give your Husky equal amounts of time indoors and outdoors.

Can Husky puppies get cold?

Just like human babies, Husky puppies haven’t exactly reached their full development and therefore they cannot tolerate cold weather as much as Husky adults do.

The coat of a Husky puppy cannot provide the level of protection needed to withstand cold temperatures. That is why extra care and protection should be given to puppies during winter, at least until their coats develop enough to provide them the protection they need.

This means that even if you have a separate dog house for your Huskies, it might still be best to keep the puppies indoors with you at night to protect them from extreme temperatures.

How Cold can Huskies tolerate?

Huskies can adapt to live just about anywhere, be it in cold weather or hot weather. As mentioned above, Huskies can tolerate negative temperatures, just like their ancestors.

However, safety precautions should still be taken especially when you’re planning to leave them outside for a prolonged period of time. This is especially true if the weather is rainy or snowy.

How do Huskies survive the cold?

So, what exactly makes Huskies stand the cold better than other dog breeds?

Their coats and fat act as insulation

While it’s not alright to have an overweight Husky, they should still have a healthy amount of fat. Along with their double-coated fur that tends to shed during winter, a healthy layer of fat on their bodies gives them extra protection by allowing better heat retention.

Their coat serves two purposes. The long, outer layer prevents snow from seeping into the undercoat due to its water-resistant characteristic. On the other hand, the shorter undercoat forms a dense layer of insulation to keep their body warmer.

Their ears are protected with hair

Inside every Husky’s sensitive ears are fine hairs that can help protect them from the cold. Since these hairs are pretty thick, they act as natural earmuffs that can help retain heat and prevent frostbite.

Their tails are fluffy enough to keep them warm

Huskies love sleeping all curled up with their tail covering their nose. This actually serves a purpose, since their fluffy tails can help keep them warmer in the winter months. Their tails also help them keep their nose moist while still allowing them to breathe warm air.

Their paws heat up when they run

Your dog’s paw pads do more than just protect them from the hard ground. As they walk and run around, the blood circulates from their pads through their legs, which helps warm them up. In short, the more your Husky is active, the more they feel warmer. And since Huskies love being active, this means they hardly feel the cold when they’re outside.

Can Huskies Be Kept Outside In The Cold?

Huskies are very active dogs who love to run and play outside. If you want to let your Husky sleep outside, make sure that they have a comfortable dog house that’s properly insulated. It should also be large enough to accommodate them and give them ample space to move and play.

Also, bedding is very important, as it helps make your Husky more comfortable. Avoid using blankets or fabrics as they may eventually freeze when dogs track snow into the doghouse. Hay or straw are your best bets as they’re absorbent and warm. Their water bowl should be the heated variety as well to prevent their water from turning into a big chunk of ice during the winter night.

That said, keep in mind that they do have their limits, as well. If you see that they’re not doing too well outside, regardless of the temperature, it’s a better option to bring them inside the house. This should be the case in warmer temperatures, as Huskies can’t handle the heat as well as they handle the cold.

How To Know When Your Husky Is Too Cold

While it’s true that Huskies like cold weather, it’s important to look out for signs that may suggest that they’re getting too cold:

• Holding a paw up off the ground
• Shivering or shaking excessively
• Refusing to continue walking
• Gradually becoming slower with their movements
• Looking anxious or uncomfortable
• Displaying a hunched back with a tucked tail
• Whining or crying

Seek a warmer place as soon as you notice any of the aforementioned signs. Letting your Husky stay cold for a long time may lead to hypothermia and frostbite–two serious conditions that can still happen to huskies, despite their extreme resilience.

Final Thoughts on Huskies and Cold Weather

As you can see, Huskies not only handle cold weather, they also like it, at least to some degree. That said, there are some precautions to take before leaving your Husky in the cold.

In this article, we learned that:

• Huskies are specifically bred to withstand cold temperatures, but they still have a limit.
• Extra precautions should be taken when leaving your Husky outside in the cold, including providing them with a well-built and insulated dog house.
• Some signs to look out for are excessive shivering, gradual slowing, and refusal to walk.

Are you interested in learning more about Huskies? Don’t forget to check out our blog at Husky Habits!

The post ​​Do Alaskan Huskies Like The Cold Winter Weather? appeared first on Husky Habits.

In this article, we will discuss the answer to the question “Do Huskies have separation anxiety?” and provide some tips to help minimize this problem.

Do Huskies have separation anxiety?

Most dogs suffer from separation anxiety when left alone or when going through even the slightest change in their daily routine. Huskies are no exception to this.

Generally, Huskies are friendly and outgoing dogs who naturally gravitate towards other dogs and humans. While at times they might be too aggressive towards smaller breeds, they would still prefer to spend time with other dogs than by themselves. 

When left alone, they can leave quite a mess in their wake. From plants to furniture to literally anything that can be picked up – name it, and there’s a chance that a Husky will want to chew it.

If this scenario sounds familiar, you may be dealing with a Husky who has separation anxiety.

Signs that your Huskies have separation anxiety

Separation Anxiety is a term used to refer to actions exhibited by dogs who, when left alone, show maladaptive behaviors like the ones listed below. 

As a pet parent, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with these behaviors and body language. Knowing them will help you understand your Husky better and learn what triggers their separation anxiety. It will also help you determine the best ways to reduce it.

Some of the common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs include:

• Pacing, whining, or following their owners around the house when they notice that you’re preparing to leave
• Excessive barking or howling
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Panting or drooling excessively
• Accidents from an otherwise well-trained Husky
• Destructive behavior such as chewing, biting, clawing, and digging anywhere in the house
• In extreme cases, Huskies may attempt to escape from the house by breaking through windows or chewing through doors. Damaged doors and windows are not rare either when you’ve got a particularly anxious Husky

Seeing just one or two of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean your Husky has separation anxiety. For instance, poor or inadequate training can be the cause for some of these symptoms. A puppy that has not been properly potty trained may have some bathroom accidents in his first few months. Also, there are plenty of reasons for a dog’s refusal to eat, some of which should be checked out by a veterinarian.

However, if many of these signs are exhibited by your Husky on a regular basis, particularly whenever they’re left alone, they might be suffering from separation anxiety.

6 ways to minimize separation anxiety in Huskies

1. Change your pre-leaving habits

Your pre-leaving habits say everything your Husky needs to know before you leave. You may not notice it, but there are things that you do before leaving that your dog definitely sees. These actions alert them that you’re about to go, building up their anxiety in the process.

For instance, habits such as grabbing keys off a key hook, taking your hat from the stand, slipping into your sandals, and even saying, “See you later, baby!” are signs that your dog is about to spend the next few hours by themself. Again, this makes them become anxious to the point that they may even try to stop you from leaving completely.

Try to switch up your habits every now and then to throw your Husky off. Also, train them to stop getting so worried by leaving and going back after a few minutes. This lets them know that you’re still going to return. You can start by minute, then five, then 10, and so on.

2. Stay calm when leaving and arriving

Huskies are very good at sensing what you’re feeling. If you’re always stressed and in a hurry before you leave your house, your dog will pick it up and feel stressed and rushed themself. This can worsen their separation anxiety. 

When arriving, a calm acknowledgment should also be enough. Acting too excited when you get home will make your dog look forward to it too much, which can also make their anxiety worse.

3. Provide a comfortable spot

Huskies consider tight, enclosed spaces as a form of comfort and safety. You should provide them a comfortable spot where they can freely go whenever they need some alone time. It could be as simple as an open cage or enclosure that they can enter and exit anytime. Make the space feel homier by putting their favorite toys and blankets inside.

4. Encourage sensory familiarity

It’s common for Huskies to feel unsafe without their furparent-slash-pack-leader around. Avoid making them lonely by giving them an item with your scent, like a worn t-shirt or a used pillowcase.

5. Make a dog pen outside

You may want to distract your Husky using their outside environment. This is an effective way to keep them from becoming anxious when you leave. If you have a big enough yard, you can make a dog pen outside where they can run and play while you’re not around.

6. Exercise your dog before leaving

Tired dogs are less likely to panic and become anxious in your absence. If you know you’re about to leave, provide an hour’s worth of exercise for your Husky to tire him out. Make sure to allow him to settle down for at least 20 minutes before actually leaving.

Helping your Huskies with separation anxiety

Huskies can have separation anxiety, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be avoided or minimized.

In this article, we learned that:

• Huskies get separation anxiety
• Some signs of separation anxiety include excessive barking, refusal to eat and drink, and destructive behaviors
• You can try changing your pre-leaving habits, exercising your dog, and other tips to reduce separation anxiety in Huskies

Did you like this article? Make sure to check out our other articles at Husky Habits!

The post Do Huskies Get Separation Anxiety? 6 Ways To Reduce It appeared first on Husky Habits.

Husky breeds make great pets, but we can’t recommend them to first-time owners. They can be very challenging dogs to take care of and it’s easy for first-time owners to feel overwhelmed at all the new responsibilities.

In today’s article, we’ll give you 5 reasons why Huskies are not good for first-time owners.

Are Huskies good for first-time owners?

It’s probably pretty obvious, but here at Husky Habits, we love all kinds of Husky breeds. To all of us here, they’re lovable, energetic, and cuddly balls of fluff that we love with all our hearts.

However, we have to be 100% honest with you: we don’t recommend Huskies for first-time owners, especially if it’s your first time owning any kind of pet in your life.

Before you grab your pitchforks, here are five reasons why.

5 reasons why Huskies are not good for first-time owners

1. Naturally dominant

The first reason why Huskies are not good for first-time owners is their natural dominance.

Unless you’re used to taking care of other dominant pets, it’s not unusual for first-time owners to feel overwhelmed.

Remember, from time immemorial, Huskies have always been pack dogs. In every pack, there is always one leader whose commands everyone has to follow. To maintain their status as a pack leader, a Husky must always be confident and dominant.

In a regular household, you are part of the pack, which means your Husky will always attempt to overpower you. Unless you can curb your Husky’s dominance right from the get-go, you might have a hard time establishing yourself as the leader of the pack.

For many owners, especially first-timers, it can be very troublesome to have a dog that is not under their control.

2. High energy levels

Huskies descended from an ancient breed of sled dogs in the Arctic region. They’re used to traveling long distances every single day, which means their energy levels adapted to those kinds of scenarios.

Today, most Huskies no longer need to pull a sled every day. However, they still need to release all that pent-up energy on a daily basis.

In fact, it’s recommended to let a Husky exercise for at least 2-3 hours every day to keep them healthy and happy. This includes activities like running, jumping, and playing.

If you think you can dedicate this much time to your Husky, then go ahead, but if not, we really can’t recommend it. Without sufficient exercise, Huskies can become destructive. A bored and frustrated Husky wouldn’t think twice about digging into your carpets or biting off your chairs’ legs.

For many first-time owners, it’s simply too overwhelming to go from 0 hours of doggy playtime to 2-3 hours of required playtime. This is why we don’t think Huskies are good for first-time owners.

3. Difficult to Train

The best dogs for first-time owners are those that don’t need much training or aren’t too hard to train. Huskies don’t fit this description at all.

Due to their dominant and energetic personalities, Huskies are very difficult to train. They’re naturally stubborn and are not eager to follow commands even if you give them treats, unlike other breeds.

Again, you have to establish yourself as the leader of the pack at all times if you want a Husky to even consider listening to you. This is something that might become frustrating for first-time owners who have no experience training other less difficult breeds.

4. Particular Diet

Huskies, for their size, are surprisingly very efficient eaters. They don’t need much to sustain them daily, but they do need a higher quality of food than other breeds.

Ideally, their food should consist of three meals a day that contain all the essentials like protein, healthy fat, Zinc, and Omega-3, among others. You can feed them dog food like kibbles if you want, but giving them well-cooked human food like pork, chicken, or fish is also recommended.

Remember, if you can’t provide the special dietary needs that Huskies need, they may fall ill or worse. So if you’re unsure whether or not you can do this, it might be better to go for another breed.

5. Shedding

Huskies have very thick coats to help them survive in the frigid climates of the Arctic. These coats are so beautiful that they have become some of this breed’s most defining features.

That said, Husky breeds, especially Alaskan Malamutes, shed all year-round, especially around Spring and Winter. Sometimes, the shedding can get so extreme that you’ll see their fur and hair all over your furniture and your clothes.

In order to prevent too much shedding, it’s important to brush their hair regularly, at least a few times per week. For first-time owners who are not used to this kind of responsibility, it might be too hard to handle.

Getting a Husky as a First-Time Owner

In this article, we learned:

• Huskies have very dominant personalities
• They’re extremely energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise
• They have a particular diet that they need to adhere to
• Training is difficult since they’re naturally stubborn

Are you interested in getting a Husky? Take a look at all our other articles here at Husky Habits!

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