Siberian Husky is a breed of medium-sized working dogs that originates from Siberia in Russia. Siberian Huskies are strong, fast, hardy, intelligent, friendly, and curious dogs. Their average life expectancy is 11 – 15 years.
Do Siberian Huskies Have Health Issues?
They are considered to be one of the most favorable breeds in terms of resilience and health, but like all other breeds, Siberian Huskies are prone to certain health issues. Below you can find a list of health issues that affect this breed most commonly.
The health issues that have been reported in Siberian Huskies over the years are the following:
- Orthopedic issues: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems: juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, canine glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), uveodermatologic syndrome
- Ear infection
- Dental disease
- Skin problems: hypopigmentation/”snow nose”, follicular dysplasia, demodectic mange
- Gastric issues: gastric disease, gastric erosions or ulcerations
- Bronchitis
- Bronchopulmonary ailments (“ski asthma”)
- Hereditary diseases: epilepsy, congenital laryngeal paralysis, congenital cardiac disease
- Blood clotting diseases: von Willebrand’s disease
- Zinc deficiency
- Hypothyroidism
- Cancer
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Overheating
Please keep in mind that the health issues on this list are not ranked according to any special criteria so it does not necessarily mean that the health issues from the top of the list occur more often in Siberian Huskies than those from the bottom.
These diseases have been reported in this breed over the years, but this does not mean that they will certainly occur in your pet. However, it is good to be aware of potential problems so they can be spotted and treated in time if they arise.
If you are thinking about purchasing a Siberian Husky puppy, do so from a responsible breeder who provides the certificates that confirm that puppies are free of hereditary diseases and that they have received all the necessary veterinary care.