I am sorry if this was already discussed.....couldn't find any topics in search. So, I understand that sun exposure can change or "sunburn" a husky coat....but just how much exposure is safe to prevent this? We are showing Mishka, and want to be careful with her. BUT, she loves to be outside now that the weather is great. She lives inside, but in the last week, she has spent several hours of each day outside playing with the big dogs.

Any advice to keep her coat nice and still let her enjoy outside?

Thanks!

I have heard that if you shave them, they will get sunburns.

I haven't heard that the sun will do anything to the coat.

I would imagine it could make it more dull, though. But that's a non-educated guess.

Thanks for that. Yes they can get a skin burn if shaved. Your pup is cute!

No problem! Sorry I don't have anything more concrete.

Thank you! Yours is as well

What you are referring to is more likely to happen to reds than to grays or other colors. Reds 'bleach out' much like human blonds do in the summer sun. You literally have to keep reds in a cave to keep their coat in show condition. My gray male that I show I do not 'fuss' over how long he is outside, he's outside all day. The things that will help the coat be in it's best condition are the foods you feed, there are supplements that encourage healthy coat as well, and quality bathing products (limit conditioner use though). When we are in a show circuit it is not uncommon to bathe him weekly or even mid show so it is very important high quality grooming products are used.

Yes very common in reds. Zoeys sister Cinder was identical in color to Zoey, but her sister is an outdoor dog vs. Zoey being an indoor dog.

As puppies
Zoey:

Cinder:


Now
Cinder:


Zoey:

Wow! Big differance.

What grooming products do you recomend? Really appreciate your input!

For Denali it really depends, the first bath after the winter when he's super 'dirty' I will use Ivory soap bars to whiten his whites, then rewash with Groomer's Edge Alpha White or EZ Groom Crystal White Shampoo. Either of those are sold as concentrates and I like to use the concentrate on the whites to ensure bright whites ... For his color I'll use Groomer's Edge Midnight White which will still brighten his undercoat but also enhance his colors. I'll use the same regiment for my gray female as well, she's a lot more 'solid' gray than Denali is.

For my red I use Chris Christensen's Red on Red. And mink oil spray which is a non-sticky sunscreen for the coat, not something for every day use...I still have to be mindful of how much sun exposure she's getting around show times.

That is awsome. I am not that far off the mark on what i am using. I would have never considered Ivory sosp, tho! Sometimes I use handmade cold pressed soap that is made locally. Perfect for puppies.

Lani, would you suggest these shampoos "regular" husky owner? We typically didn't bathe our dogs in the past so I don't know much about shampoos, and even though Snoopy isn't particularly fond of getting dirty, having two dogs they definitely get dirty faster haha

Absolutely I'd recommend quality products over non-quality products for any dog- pet coats are just as important as a show dog's coat when it comes to health IMO

Sierra was super light red when we first got her as she was kept outside, now she is darker, kind of like the pics jennet showed!
I know nothing about shampoos we don't bath them that much

Thanks Lani! Your advise is always so helpful. Now I just have to decide which shampoo!

Yes, thank your for you input on this site! It's invaluable.