If you’re thinking of welcoming a Siberian Husky into your home, one of the most important things to know about this breed is the common health problems that it will be at risk of developing.
In this guide, we’ve taken a close look at eight of the most common health problems for Huskies and included some helpful tips about which symptoms to look out for.
Huskies are generally healthy dogs but as with all other breeds they are prone to certain genetic health problems.
If you keep your dog happy and healthy and give it the best possible care then it should have few health concerns but there are still certain health conditions that Huskies are more likely to get than other dogs.
Most pet owners will have heard of hip dysplasia as it’s one of the most common health concerns for all dogs. The condition causes the dog’s hip joint to form abnormally and not fit properly into the hip socket. This causes pain and limping and can lead to arthritis.
Making sure that your Husky stays at a healthy weight is a good way of relieving the symptoms, or it can be treated with surgery.
Progressive retinal atrophy is a fairly common eye disease that causes the deterioration of the retinas in the dog’s eyes. This can lead to blindness if left untreated so early detection is vital.
This disease affects the corneas in a dog’s eyes which can cause hazy vision and opaqueness. It is a hereditary disease and there is currently no known treatment or cure for it.
One of the main symptoms to look out for is your Husky developing white dots in its eyes. If you notice this, seek veterinary advice immediately.
This is another eye condition that is common to the Husky breed and it also affects the nervous system and the skin. Many dogs with this condition will suffer from impaired vision and eye redness. In severe cases, it can ultimately lead to blindness.
This skin infection is one of the more common health problems in the breed and is caused by zinc deficiency. The symptoms include hair loss, red skin, crusting skin, and oozing skin.
Making sure that your Husky has enough zinc in its diet is important for its immune system and will prevent them from developing this particular condition.
This neurological condition can sometimes be mistaken for a brain tumour as it has similar effects. Unfortunately, it is a lot more common in the Husky breed than in others. It affects the hind legs and causes them to become weak and eventually paralysed.
This condition causes the dog’s thyroid gland to be overactive which leads to an increased amount of thyroid hormone production. Most dogs with this disease will experience fur loss and weight gain. If you notice these symptoms you will need to take your Husky for a blood test so it can be diagnosed.
This health condition usually occurs when a Siberian Husky puppy is between 3 and 4 months old. It causes hair loss and infectious, patchy skin. There is currently no cure or treatment for it but vets often recommend using certain types of antimicrobials and shampoo to reduce the symptoms.
All dog owners should look to take out pet insurance to cover the costs of medical care should your pooch require it. Vet bills can be very expensive so it’s important to be covered to lessen the financial impact on you if something unexpected happens.
To find the best insurance for your Husky make sure you compare lots of quotes from different suppliers so that you can work out which is the best and most affordable option for you.
The average lifespan of a Husky is 12 to 15 years. However, with the right love and care your furry friend could exceed this.
Although Huskies are at a greater risk of certain conditions it’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean your Husky will definitely develop any of them. However, it’s important that you’re aware of them and know which symptoms to look out for so that any issues can be diagnosed and treated early.
If you take your Husky for regular trips to the vet and give it the right amount of care, then you and your pooch should have a long and happy life together!
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