This week on Tuesday Tech Talk, I will talk about a few things everyone should keep in mind as winter approaches.  But first, I wanted to mention that sometimes Huskies blow their coats a second time.  If you are experiencing this, keep in mind it’s normal.  As the warmer weather started back in the spring, most Huskies started to “blow” or shed their inner coat.   Typically, by mid-summer, this process is complete, and they stay that way until nature tells them it’s time to grow it back.  Back in late August and early September, our area had some beautiful Autumn weather.  It was a relief for everyone, and especially the Huskies.  We’ve been noticing that many of ours had their coats thicken again.  Then, just as we thought we were coasting into autumn, the summer heat came back, even if only for a week or two.  A couple of ours, Daisie and Miya, started the shedding process all over again.  Especially Daisie, who is a veritable furfest!  As mentioned, this is a normal process.  Their bodies act upon nature, and react to the environment around them.  After shedding, they will likely quickly start to grow it back. 

A few tips for the upcoming winter:

  • Huskies LOVE cold weather.  Don’t be surprised if they don’t want to come in the house.  If you have an area where they can safely stay outside most of the time, they will love you for it.  However, be sure to have an area that shelters them from the wind/rain/snow.  Even if they don’t go there all the time, they do appreciate it when the elements are extreme.   Many that have never owned a husky think of them as any other dog and want to put sweaters on them and only let them outside for potty breaks.  Please remember that cold and snow are their natural element! 
  • If you work your husky, (running, pulling, etc.) they prefer the cold even more.  I read that in Alaska, racing Huskies have an optimal operating temperature of 22 degrees BELOW ZERO!  I wouldn’t say that’s the case around here, simply because they will adapt to their surroundings, but you get the idea!
  • One important thing to keep in mind:  They still need water!  Just like us, they need water even when it’s cold.  If they are outside in the cold, keep in mind that…um…water freezes.  One thing we do is have electric buckets to keep the water thawed.  You can buy electric bowls and buckets from Tractor Supply, and they safely and inexpensively keep the water above freezing.
  • Another tip is to keep the water that you use when boiling chicken etc, and let it cool and let them drink it.  It’s a very yummy way for them to get plenty of fluids!