Pets…what do they mean to us? More than 35{960fb5fc50ac9d7fb33610f63d4ff28616963726de840850b59df7b7cf0ec289} of households in the U.S. own a dog. About the same amount own a cat. Pets are important for our well being. They are known to lower your blood pressure and just by being there they make us feel better in general. Some pets are service animals or just companions. Either way, pets are part of the family for most of the people who make the conscious choice of bringing a pet into their households. They give unconditional love. They are also very important to our military or anyone who suffers from PTSD.
Let’s face it, without pets life would be pretty boring, wouldn’t it?
It seems like the number of single people is increasing and many are delaying having a family. I can only speak for myself. I am single but have a family, and still, when I come home and my fur babies greet me at the door, my mood completely changes. There are so many responsibilities when you own a pet. There is the feeding, bathing, walking and of course the vet.
However, when you have a snow dog all the above is times four lol. Don’t get me wrong they are by far the best breed there is in my opinion and I can say I love almost all kinds of animals, especially dogs. But the northern breeds especially the Husky has a special place in my heart. I used to have German Shepards and thought they were the breed for me, but when a rescue fell into our lap…let’s just say it was magical.
Snowdogs include breeds such as Siberian Husky, Malamute, Norwegian Elkhound, Samoyed, Terranova, Greenland dog, Akita Inu, Saint Bernard and a few more. I only have experience with the Siberian Husky. This breed is an incredibly intelligent breed. Although if you have never had the privilege of having one in your family you might think otherwise! Huskies are known for their stubbornness. They learn very quickly especially if you find their Achilles heel, but if you are not alpha enough they will pay you no mind at all. The Siberian Husky is a very loving breed. They need attention from their owner and also need to be loved, touched and exercised. A happy husky is a tired husky.
A husky needs to be challenged with new sites, smells and activities to tire out his intelligent brain. They get bored very easily and if they are not exercised enough then they will start taking their frustrations out on the valuables you have in the home, such as furniture, remotes, shoes, etc. Remember the breed is bred to pull sleighs and for a working dog that is bred to pull a heavy sled for miles being in the home without exercise is a mistake.
They shed four times more than most other breeds. The joke is that they shed only two times a year and each one will last up to six months! A Siberian Husky has a double coat and you’ll never shave them. Their undercoat is there to protect them in the cold and heat. Some think it is funny and cute to shave them like a lion, but you would be putting your precious pet in danger.
A Siberian Husky is a vocal dog. If you cannot tolerate all the noise think again about adopting one. This breed does not bark usually, they do however howl and yelp when excited. They will also make sure you understand how they feel about something either through talking back which can be very entertaining and sometimes annoying.
Siberian Husky is also a very good digger. You have to be very diligent in how to fence your yard to prevent them from digging under or jumping over. Because of their high prey drive sometimes they out blinders on and HAVE to get to that squirrel on the other side of the fence.
Experienced Pet Parents Please!!!
Here are some of the stats. According to NBC4 news:
- Husky impounds grew from 1.7 percent of all dog breeds in 2013 to nearly seven percent of impounds this year
- Husky breeds also account for the highest number of returned breeds at the shelter.
- Since the show “Game of Thrones” first aired, there has been an increase in husky impounds at Riverside County’s animal shelters.
The challenge as I see it is the fact that a Siberian Husky is an incredibly beautiful dog, but takes a lot of devotion and work to have a happy healthy pet. Many are returned because the adopters did not research what is involved in caring for these pets. They are not sedentary dogs. If you are not an active person then I suggest you do not adopt a husky. They need a lot of exercise and as previously mentioned shed about four times more than any other breed. So if you do not want to vacuum your home every day then I suggest you don’t adopt one.
Specific health concerns within the breed.
Just like any other dog, huskies have their own share of challenges such as…
- Cataracts. … One of the most common health problems afflicting 10{960fb5fc50ac9d7fb33610f63d4ff28616963726de840850b59df7b7cf0ec289} of the breed
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy. … where the retina starts to deteriorate. Costly so early detection is key
- Corneal Dystrophy. … a hereditary disease that affects the cornea of Siberian Huskies. As of now no current cure available
- Uveodermatologic Syndrome. … another common eye disease although this condition also affects the skin as well as the nervous system
- Hip Dysplasia. … very common in Siberian Husky. Severe changes in the hip joints. Very expensive. Surgery the only option.
- Follicular Dysplasia. … affects Huskies between 3 and 4 months of age and can result in abnormal hair growth, hair loss, or patchy, infectious skin
- Zinc Deficiency. … they might suffer from hair loss on their feet, elbows, or eye, chin, and lip areas. Might also become raw. Zinc supplement in the right dosage sometimes will keep the problem at bay.
- Hypothyroidism… insufficiency in the hormone secreted by the thyroid.
And just like any other pet, we need to take responsibility and make sure they stay healthy. To keep your pet healthy proper nutrition, exercise, and grooming needs have to be followed diligently. Along those lines, I myself have chosen to add some holistic line of supplements to ensure the health of my pups. In conclusion research well before you adopt any kind of animal.