Are Siberian Huskies Hypoallergenic?

Many people are drawn to Siberian Huskies for their wolf-like looks and friendly nature, among other attributes.

However, the Husky dog breed isn’t great for everyone, especially those who are allergic to pets. Those of us prone to allergies will want to know if Huskies shed “are Siberian Huskies hypoallergenic?”

The unfortunate answer to dog allergy sufferers? No, Huskies are not hypoallergenic.

Let us make things clear to help you understand the Husky coat and how best to manage Husky shedding.

Also Read: Large Dog Breeds List A-Z with Pictures

What Is the Meaning of Hypoallergenic?

The term ‘hypoallergenic’ means slightly allergic. It was first used in a cosmetic campaign to describe items that cause fewer allergic reactions.

In layman’s terms, if something is deemed hypoallergenic, it’ll be less likely to lead to an allergic reaction. However, this doesn’t mean that it is allergy-proof or guarantees that there will be no allergic reactions.

Today, the term isn’t just limited to cosmetic products but is also applied to canines, among other things. People who have allergies should take special care and go with hypoallergenic things to reduce the likelihood of suffering from symptoms.

Are Huskies Hypoallergenic?

Many people ask, “Are Huskies hypoallergenic?” As we said earlier, Siberian Huskies are not hypoallergenic and do shed quite a bit.

This means that they are more likely to cause an allergic reaction, which could lead to:

• breathing problems
• rash on arms, chest, neck, and face
• inflamed eyes
• stuffy nose
• asthma attack

If you are allergic to dogs and thinking about getting a Siberian Husky, you shouldn’t go forward with this decision.

A Siberian Husky has a double coat. His outer coat is straight and coarse to withstand harsh conditions while the inner coat is thick and soft to retain body heat.

Unlike other dog breeds, Siberian Huskies don’t shed their hair all year round. They have two seasonal coats – a light summer coat and a heavier winter coat.

During winters, a Siberian Husky will have a very fluffy and thick coat. The long topcoat shields him against the cold or rain while the dense undercoat insulates his body.

As the season changes and mercury rises, Huskies don’t need a thick coat. Thus, they blow their winter coat, shedding a lot of hair in a short time.

Once this winter coat has blown, you’ll notice a lighter undercoat, which won’t be as dense as before.

Some huskies blow their coat only once per year – during spring. However, many of them also shed during the fall.

Hypoallergenic Dogs and Allergies

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) reports that as much as 10 percent of the people in the United States are allergic to dogs. These people should consider getting hypoallergenic dogs as these pups are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Dog hair can be the reason behind allergies, so those fond of large breeds who are allergic to pets usually search for big dogs that don’t shed a lot.

However, it is dander than the hair itself, which sets off allergies in humans. Dander is small pieces of dead skin that aren’t visible to the naked eye. They can enter our bodies through the nose or mouth, causing adverse reactions.

Dander is produced by all dogs, but some breed with thick coats catch and retain dander. Other canines tend to produce less dander naturally.

Hypoallergenic pups have a non-shedding coat that doesn’t produce a lot of dander. Thus, if you have pet allergies, avoid getting a pup, such as a Siberian Husky, that isn’t hypoallergenic.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

A Siberian Husky isn’t the right fit for you if you have dog allergies, but there are several other hypoallergenic dogs that you could consider. Some of them include:

• Tibetan Terrier
• Maltese
• Shih Tzu
• Griffon Bruxellois
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
• Toy Poodle
• West Highland White Terrier
• Australian Silky Terrier
• Scottish Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Havanese
• Chinese Crested Dog
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Cairn Terrier
• Labradoodle
• Border Terrier
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Basenji
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Bergamasco
• Afghan Hound
• Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
• Samoyed
• Airedale Terrier
• Poodle
• Italian Greyhound
• Coton De Tulear

Tips for Managing Husky Shedding

If you are allergic to dogs but still want a Siberian Husky, consider the tips given below to reduce your symptoms:

• Keep your furry friend out of your bedroom, living room, and other areas where you spend a lot of time
• Use vent filters and an air purifier to reduce airborne allergies
• Bathe your furry companion weekly to remove dander from his coat
• If weather permits, keep your pup outside

Here are 5 additional tips for managing Husky shedding:

1. Regularly Brush Your Husky

Although Huskies shed a lot, they require less grooming than other dog breeds that have a double coat. One of the most important things you can do to help manage shedding is to regularly brush your Husky.

Using a wide-toothed comb and a paddle brush will help loosen stray hairs. Start by brushing away from the skin to lift and loosen the hairs, and then start to brush in the direction of your Husky’s coat.

Regular brushing will help keep your pup’s coat shiny and healthy while minimizing shedding. 

2. Watch For Husky Shedding Season

Huskies shed their coat twice a year meaning that apart from the regular day-to-day shedding, there are two periods in the year where your Husky is shedding a lot of fur.

These shedding seasons coincide with changes in season. Husky shedding seasons are typically in the spring and the fall.

Knowing when these shedding seasons are can help you manage all of the extra fur. Giving your Husky a few more thorough brushes in shedding season can help you better manage through these times of the year.

3. Be Mindful Of The Double Coat

If you take a close look at your Husky’s coat you’ll notice that he is sporting two coats: a fluffy undercoat and a longer topcoat. These two coats serve different functions with the undercoat functioning to keep your Husky warm while the topcoat works to keep your Husky dry. 

Knowing that you need to take care of both coats is a good way to manage shedding. Taking time to brush both the undercoat and the topcoat can go a long way in reducing the amount of shed fur floating around your house.

4. Do Not Shave Your Husky

It might be tempting to shave your Husky to reduce shedding and allergies, but that will do more harm than good. Shaving your h Husky can risk a predisposition to heatstroke, sunburn or skin cancer. Not to mention it will not help with shedding. Do yourself and your Husky a favor and avoid shaving your pup.

5. Give Your Husky A Bath

With Huskies, you will rarely, if ever, need to take your pup to the groomer. But that does not mean you can skip giving your Husky baths. Bathing your Husky every month or so, can help to manage excessive shedding and maintain a healthy coat. 

Wrapping Up

Everyone hates having allergies. The sneezing, coughing, and sniffles all suck, and, on top of that, it is hard to let loyal companions into your lives.

There are many hypoallergenic dogs out there that won’t aggravate your allergy symptoms. But unfortunately, Siberian Huskies aren’t one of them; this means that if you bring them to your home, you will be risking your health.

This is why we advise against getting this dog breed if you have pet allergies. Instead of Siberian Husky, go with the Afghan Hound, Yorkshire Terrier, or any other hypoallergenic dog to ensure that you don’t suffer from allergic reactions.

If you have made up your mind and want a Husky over any other breed regardless of your allergies, follow the tips mentioned above to help reduce allergic symptoms.

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