You love your husky, how could you not? They’re full of energy, life, and of course, personality. Whether they’re yowling, barking, or even protecting your property, huskies continue to be one of the most highly sought-after dog breeds around.
While huskies are a great breed, there’s a lot you need to know about them before you consider adoption. For example, it’s helpful to know what they should eat, how much care will cost, and how long they’ll live.
What’s the Average Husky Life Expectancy?
The average husky life expectancy is 12-15 years on average, which is a little bit bigger than the average medium-sized to large-sized breed average, which comes in at only 10-12 years. Huskies tend to thrive in cold climates and many factors will influence how long they live.
Factors that Influence Husky Life Expectancy
Huskies can live for a long time, but only when they’re cared for properly, and unlike other breeds, huskies have some unique needs to account for.
We take you through the various factors that influence a huskies lifespan below.
Where the Husky Came From (Breeder)
Now, this isn’t always possible, but if you’re adopting a husky or buying a husky you should inquire about their breeder. Knowing which breeder they came from, and if they’re a reliable one, will help you determine if they’re a healthy dog.
You’ll want to look for breeders that are certified by organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) for following the appropriate breeding standards. This ensures that they’re following the best practices, socializing the dog from a young age, and testing their genetics.
This doesn’t automatically guarantee that your husky will last for 15 years, but it’s worth checking to see if you have to manage any health conditions.
Diet
One of the most important factors to consider when discussing husky life expectancy is their diet. You’ll want to make sure they’re eating a healthy diet and getting the necessary amount of nutrition. According to Dog Academy, the best dog food for huskies will contain meats, fruits, vegetables, and even some whole grains.
Ultimately, the goal is to feed your husky a healthy diet that includes protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Also, consistency is key, and you’ll want to avoid feeding them foods that cause bloating or lethargy. The last thing to note about diet is that obesity can be a silent killer, so make sure their weight is healthy for their size.
Exercise
Huskies are a working dog breed, which means this dog thrives when they have something to do, whether that’s patrolling your backyard or pulling a sled. Due to their high levels of energy and non-stop drive to play and have fun, you need to make sure you’re helping them manage their energy levels with one to two hours of exercise daily. This will prevent obesity and other health conditions from developing later in life.
While exercise is good for preventing health conditions, it will also help you manage your husky’s health problems. For example, joint pain, inflammation, and even bloating can be improved with exercise.
Health Issues
Huskies tend to be healthy breeds, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to health issues. While not all health issues are fatal, they can reduce your husky’s life expectancy if you leave them untreated. For example, if your husky has hip dysplasia you need to know about it and account for it with checkups and proper physical therapy. Failing to do so can lead to lethargy, a lack of exercise, and even contribute to obesity.
Eye problems can also be complications for huskies, and they tend to develop later in life. Keep an eye on these issues and do your best to treat them based on a plan from your vet. Obesity, heart problems, and other medical problems will also become common later in life.
The moral of the story here is that you need to keep an eye on health issues and prevent them from getting worse to ensure that your husky lives a happy and healthy life.
Help Your Husky Life Their Best Life
Huskies can live a long time when you care for them properly with a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and annual trips to the vet.
Always make sure you feed them the best dog food for huskies, and most importantly, give them lots of love!
