Huskies, whether Siberian or Alaskan, are gorgeous, magnificent, and regal-looking dogs that originated from the Arctic region. While it sounds like there’s no place for a Husky here in sunny Singapore, hold your horses – they are known to be remarkably adaptable animals that can thrive in warmer climates like ours so long as they have the right care!

But beyond keeping them cool at all times, a Husky owner also needs to be able to provide them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, space to roam about, and specific dietary requirements. To ensure that your Husky is living the best life it can have, here are some Husky care tips: 

1. Give them plenty of exercise

Source: @fluffyfatsimba

Originally bred to run long distances and sprint in extremely cold weather, Huskies are the happiest when given a lot of exercise and training. On average, these high-energy dogs can cover 5 – 8km worth of exercise approximately 4 times a week, and this exercise can be in the form of running, swimming, or playing with other dogs. 

However, just because they require lots of exercise does not mean that you should tire them out regardless of the weather and their condition. Build up the amount of exercise that you expose your dog to because Singapore’s weather is especially hot, which can lead to faster dehydration and overheating!

Huskies are also incredibly intelligent breeds, so besides pure physical exercise, you will also need to provide them with enriching mental stimulation. This means entertainment in the form of training, feeding toys, agility courses, and anything else that requires them to get their brain juices flowing. 

2. Keep them cool at all times

Source: @fluffyfatsimba

To build onto the previous point, it is best to keep your Husky indoors on days that are extra hot, with the air-conditioner switched on. Even on days that are less hot, we recommend walking your Husky during early mornings and late nights when the air and ground are much cooler. If you must bring him/her out during the day, make sure to find shelter for your dog to rest or walk under as much as possible!

Source: @fluffyfatsimba

Alternatively, consider heading to the beach and dog-friendly pools often, or purchase an inflatable pool to fill with cool or luke-warm water for some splashing good times! This way, your pooch can get its fill of exercise and mental stimulation, yet be able to escape from the sweltering heat.

Additionally, always make sure that your Husky has access to fresh water all day long. Large, active dogs like Huskies tend to need a lot of water to stay healthy, and frozen fruits or ice cubes make for good snacks that help to hydrate and cool them down. 

If you think that your Husky might be overheated – lookout for signs like excessive panting, excessive salivation, bright red tongue and gums (or pale gums), thick saliva, weakness, and vomiting – use luke-warm, wet towels to cool them down immediately and rush them to the vet as soon as possible. 

3. Groom them regularly

As Huskies originally lived in the cold harsh climate of the Arctic region, naturally, they’ve evolved to have a double coat that consists of a thick undercoat and a guard hair layer. However, never shave your Husky unless instructed by a vet for medical reasons! While thick, the Husky’s fur helps to regulate their body temperature, which means it not only keeps them warm, but also keeps them cool when needed.

Instead, what you should do is to brush the coat regularly to remove excess hair that’s just sitting on the coat and not attached to their skin – those can cause your pooch to overheat quickly.

Apart from regular brushing, always remember to check your dog’s paw pads after exercise as well to make sure that they are not hurt by the ground! Hot surfaces can burn paw pads while rough surfaces can cut them, and you can protect them beforehand by moisturising them daily with paw wax or paw pad creams, or putting on booties when outside.

4. Know your Husky’s dietary requirements

In general, Huskies require a balanced diet just like any other dog breeds. However, they are a working dog breed, which affects their eating habits – they are not greedy when it comes to food and will only eat when they are hungry, even if the food is placed in front of them!

Of course, this ultimately depends on your dog’s individual personality, but for the “average Husky”, this means that your dog will not require a heavy diet despite its large size. Instead, feed your Husky a recommended amount of quality food thrice a day when it is a puppy (its main growth phase is between 2 – 9 months) and twice a day when it is an adult.

Lamb, chicken, and fish are some of the best sources of protein for your Husky, vegetables are essential for minerals and vitamins, and Omega 3 oil is beneficial for their skin, coat, and brain and eye development in puppies. The carbohydrate content in their diet should be kept low, and Huskies tend to be lactose-intolerant, so steer clear from milk if possible. 

Also, because Huskies are intelligent and generally not food-driven, they may get bored if they have to eat the same food consecutively for a period of time. To prevent them from rejecting their food, try to rotate various flavours from the same brand to excite their taste buds from time to time!

Enrich your Husky’s life with Zealandia

Source: @clubpetsmag

To give your Husky the most nutrients possible in every meal, Zealandia is a range of ethically-sourced New Zealand dog food that is 100% natural and contains no grain, additives, vaccines, or growth hormones.

Source: @huskyohana

Designed to be functional and to aid an animal’s general well-being, all of Zealandia’s food is made in their boutique canning plant in Gisborne, New Zealand, where they are also the leading advocate for farm animal compassion and feeding natural food that enhances animals’ health.

Made with 93% meat and organs, wild and free-range boneless proteins, as well as green-lipped mussel extracts and more for hip and joint support, there is a total of 10 flavours for Husky owners to choose from in their wet Natural Dog Food range.

These include classic and delicious ones like the Free-Range NZ Lamb, which features grass-fed lamb that’s been grazing on lush, green, New Zealand pastures, and Sustainable NZ Salmon, which is made from sustainably-farmed salmon that provides high levels of potassium, selenium, B12, and Omega 3 acids.

Exclusive New Zealand flavours are also available, such as Wild NZ Brushtail, made from hypoallergenic Brushtail Possum meat that boasts the highest source of Omega 3 from any land-dwelling animal, Wild Kangaroo, made from exceptional meat that is low in fat and high in CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) which promotes cardiovascular health and a lean physique, and Sustainable NZ Hoki, a superior source for Omega 3 fatty acids.

Zealandia Veal Ribbies 

Source: @reinbiotech

Zealandia’s Veal Ribbies are also a must-have, which are 100% natural New Zealand veal spare ribs that help to remove plaque and tartar build-up on your Husky’s teeth due to its dental-floss-like action when chewed! 

To get your hands on Zealandia’s Natural Dog Food and Veal Ribbies, @reinbiotech supplies them to a variety of retail stores all around Singapore – simply contact them here to find out which store’s nearest to you! 

*Note: Zealandia also has 100% natural NZ cat food made with zero grain, additives, vaccines, or growth hormones for those with feline friends.

This article was written for Rein Biotech Services Pte Ltd.