Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are native to a region in Northern Asia called Siberia. Temperatures plunge to nearly minus 100°F in winter. Despite the breed's frigid origins, their almond-shaped eyes melt hearts around the world. With sweet personalities and cuddly coats, Huskies have become popular with dog owners. Husky-aficionados from warm climates often ask "Do Huskies get hot in the summer?" Do Huskies get hot in the summer? Yes, they do. Their specialized coats protect them from some heat, but it can also cause overheating. To protect a Husky from the summer heat, take precautions to keep your dog cool. Certainly, with owners who provide the right care, Huskies can thrive in just about any climate. Some might even surprise you! If you live south of the Arctic Circle and want to adopt a Husky, don't be dismayed. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about caring for Huskies in summer. Armed with the right knowledge you can keep you Husky healthy during warmer months. Why You Should Trust Me I am a lifelong dog owner. I also have over 10 years of experience researching and writing content for veterinarians. To answer the question, "Do Huskies get hot in the summer?" I've found out what expert veterinarians have to say, and as a result, I've learned as much about Siberian Huskies as I can. In addition to scouring resources and tapping into expert advice, I also own a Siberian Husky. My extra-fluffy pooch and I live in a climate with all four seasons. We have cold winters, and also summer temperatures that can exceed 100°F. This is a far cry from the arctic temperatures Huskies are bred to withstand. The way my Husky, Bogie, bounds through the snow as if pulling a sled makes it clear he prefers the frost of winter. However, with the right precautions, my energetic Husky and I stay active all year long. We've found fun and safe ways to burn off his high-level energy despite the temperature. My Husky cross dog, Bogie So, Do Huskies Get Hot in the Summer? Like their two-legged best friends, Huskies can get hot when the temperature rises. Unlike humans, Huskies can withstand extreme cold wearing only their natural coats. Could this mean that Huskies are less tolerant of heat than humans and other dogs? But perhaps, the question we should be asking is, “Do Huskies get too hot in summer?” Are Summer Temperatures Dangerous for Huskies? On a warm or sunny day, any dog can get too hot. Some dog breeds with short snouts (like Pugs) or dogs with thick coats (like Huskies) are also prone to overheating and heatstroke. So, it is quite possible for a Husky, especially one living in a warmer climate, to get too hot in the summer. What Is Canine Hyperthermia (Heatstroke)? Also referred to as heat exhaustion, heatstroke occurs when a dog’s internal temperature rises to dangerous levels. Dogs get heatstroke when they aren’t able to cool down efficiently. High body temperatures can cause increased heart rate, reddened gums, and excessive panting or drooling. Vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, lack of coordination, fainting, seizure, and collapse can also occur. Here’s Dr. Alex Avery from Our Pets Health YouTube channel talking about the 5 common signs of heatstroke every dog owner should be aware of. https://youtu.be/0o8BEkIvgqA If not addressed immediately, heatstroke can be fatal. If you notice signs of heat exhaustion in your dog, contact your veterinarian's emergency immediately. Heatstroke can be treated by taking steps to gradually lower a dog's temperature. In severe cases, intravenous fluids, oxygen, and medications might be needed. The best treatment for heatstroke is prevention. Hypothermia can cause permanent damage to the nervous system and internal organs. Most often, dogs suffer heatstroke as a result of being left in a car or outside without adequate shade and water. Heatstroke can also occur during a regular game of fetch or while on a walk. Surprisingly, Huskies' heavy coats keep them somewhat insulated from heat. However, they are still at an elevated risk of suffering hypothermia. Husky owners should take special precautions to cool their dogs in warm weather. Huskies are an outdoor dog breed that's adapted to living indoors inside your home. They need to stay cool in Summer both indoors and outdoors. How to Prevent Hyperthermia and Keep Your Husky Safe in Summer Dogs have some sweat glands in their paws and on their noses. These do little to reduce their body temperature. Instead of sweating like humans, a dog's primary tool for cooling down is panting. The higher the temperature, however, the less panting will cool your dog. On warm days, there are several ways you can help your panting Husky stay comfortably cool. Summer Safety Tips for Huskies 1. Never leave a dog in the car. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the interior temperature of a car can rise 45°F in an hour. Whether it's a 70° day or a sweltering 95°, the inside of your car will become dangerously hot in minutes. Rolling down the windows won't help either. To prevent heatstroke and heat-related death, leave your pets at home if they have to wait in the car. 2. Provide plenty of water Hydration is the best way to regulate body temperature and prevent heat exhaustion. Huskies need plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated and cool on a hot day. Whether indoors, outdoors, at home, or on a hike, be sure your fur-coated friend has enough to drink. 3. Create a shady shelter While outside with your Husky, ensure there's plenty of shade available for him. During the hottest parts of the day, a husky should not be left outside. From about noon until 4pm, a husky should stay inside in an air-conditioned room. 4. Give them a cool place to rest You can ease the heat inside your home or outdoors by providing a cool surface for resting. A wet or frozen towel will do the trick. You can also invest in a squishy cooling mat (with protective cover) designed to disperse heat. These work well anywhere in the home but will feel coolest near an air conditioning vent. 5. Cool down with a snack A frozen snack can cool a Husky down from the inside-out. If you're short on time, you can get frozen dog treats in the freezer section of your local pet store. If you have a few free minutes, try making them yourself. We've got a couple of great recipes for ice popsicles for dogs here. You can also freeze this chew toy for hours of fun. This toy also floats for double the fun. 6. Stay Indoors on the hottest days Yes, Huskies have lots of energy and need exercise. A day or two indoors, however, is better for them than overheating outside. When it's one of those summer days playing inside is the best choice for you and your husky. If you have enough space, play a game of indoor fetch. If you don't have much room, burn off steam with a game of tug-o-war. You can also keep your dog's mind busy with dog treat puzzles and challenging games of hide-and-seek with favorite toys. We recommend this Nina Ottosson interactive dog toy to get your dog's mind stimulated and take their mind off the heat. 7. Exercise during the cooler hours of the day Siberian Huskies were bred to work. This means they have endless energy to burn. A happy Husky is a well-exercised husky. Even in Summer, it's essential to make sure your pet gets to run and play. You might have to rearrange your schedule to make sure your Husky can exercise safely. I recommend heading out for a game of fetch or a walk during the coolest parts of the day. Avoid the hot sidewalks by leaving in the mornings before the sun's up. You can also go out in the evening. Just be sure to check that the pavement has had a chance to cool. If it's uncomfortable for your hand to touch for more than a few seconds, then it's too hot for your Husky's paws. Exercising in the cooler parts of the day is especially true if the exercise is more strenuous like having your Husky as a running companion. 8. Invite your pup to splash If you have to exercise in the heat, then be sure to add water. Huskies love to swim in Summer. Find a local doggy pool. Run in the sprinkler. Take a drive to the nearest lake for a game of fresh-water fetch. Avoid swimming in the ocean. A few gulps of saltwater might only cause an upset stomach. Drinking too much will dehydrate your dog. Plus, the salt can dry out your Husky's healthy coat. If the nearest freshwater is unsuitable, consider investing in a splash pool. Your Husky will love to splash and relax in the cool water. 9. Cool by the pool Our Husky can look and be super cool with this ice bandana. It's comfortable and contains non-toxic materials. 10. No haircuts! When it comes to grooming, Huskies don't require much. Some Husky owners assume that trimming or shaving their dog's fur will help them stay cool in summer. With Huskies, however, haircuts are a big no-no. If you want to know how to properly groom your Siberian Husky, watch the video below. Huskies have a double coat. It has a top layer of guard hair and an undercoat of insulating fur. This double coat keeps them warm in the winter and, believe it or not, cool in the summer. Giving a Husky a haircut makes it more difficult for the dog to stay cool. Removing a Husky's coat exposes them to the sun's heat. Even just trimming the fur will put them at risk of getting a painful sunburn. This sun exposure will then put them at risk of developing skin cancer. Although you might feel too hot wearing a fur coat in summer, your Husky will happily continue sporting his. https://youtu.be/I51vejLJ9WM 11. Brush frequently You should never cut your Husky's double coat of fur, but you should definitely brush it. Siberian Huskies shed throughout the year, but they have two primary blows (sheds) annually. During these blows, Huskies shed their insulating undercoats in preparation for the coming season. A Husky's first blow occurs before summer. At this time, they shed their thick undercoat to make way for a lighter summer-ready layer of insulation. The second blow occurs in the Fall when the summer coat is dispelled in favor of a denser layer of winter fur. The American Kennel Club considers Huskies a natural breed. This means a well-brushed Husky has a self-cleaning coat and shouldn't require bathing more than a few times each year. Brushing your Husky's coat at least once a week will speed the shedding process before Summer. Regular brushing will also reduce the fluff sticking to everything in your home. Regular brushing removes your Husky's extra fur. With a thorough brushing, your Husky's summer coat will be ready to beat the heat. When brushing a Husky's fur, you'll need special tools to access the undercoat. Gently rake out the hair using a metal comb and a pin brush. Your Husky will enjoy being brushed and getting to spend time with you. In addition to helping your dog shed, regular brushing will also keep her coat clean and her skin healthy. 12. Think before you adopt Before you fall in love with a Husky, consider whether you will be able to keep your new pet safe during summer. Are you prepared to keep a Siberian Husky cool during the warm seasons? Think about how hot and humid your summers are and how long they last. If you're not sure how a Husky will fare in your area, contact your local Kennel Club or Husky club for more information. If you decide to adopt a Siberian Husky, it's always best to choose a reputable breeder near you. A Husky born and raised in your region will be better acclimated than one from a different climate. Related Questions Can a Siberian Husky live in India? Although India is thought of as a stiflingly hot place to live, it's a large country with a wide variety of climatic regions. India's climates vary from deserts and rainforests in the south to the northern glaciers and alpine tundra of the Himalayas. Huskies prefer the coolness of India's mountainous regions which is similar to their native Siberia. Huskies can also survive in India's hotter regions as long as they are protected from overheating. Husky pups born in hotter climates will be better acclimated to India. What Is the maximum temperature for a Husky to be outside in the summer? Huskies have a special double-layered coat that insulates them against extremely cold temperatures (as low as -75°F). This special coat can also keep them somewhat cool in warm weather. The summer temperatures they tolerate are those similar to the Siberian peninsula and Alaska. Huskies should be monitored for overheating when the temperature is above freezing. The maximum temperature that's safe for a Husky depends on the humidity, the dog's activity level, access to shade, and access to cold water. In summer, Huskies should only play outside during the coolest hours of the day. Can Huskies live in California? From sunny Southern California to Northern California, the state is home to a variety of climatic zones. These include deserts, mountains, and coastal forests. Huskies can survive in all of them but are more naturally acclimated to California's northern regions. Here, they can run through the snow in winter and keep cool in shady evergreen forests in Summer. A California Husky will need plenty of water and shade during the warmer months. Can Huskies live in Arizona? Average temperatures in Arizona's arid climate are well above those in a Husky's natural climate. In the higher elevations of the Colorado Plateau, temperatures hover about 30°F lower than the rest of Arizona. As a result, this area is the best part of Arizona for Siberian Husky owners to live in. Like other warm climates, Huskies can live anywhere in Arizona, as long as precautions are taken to prevent overheating. This includes making sure your Husky has plenty of shaded space for exercising. Can Huskies live in Louisiana? Louisiana differs significantly from a husky's natural environment. Dominated by ocean coastline and the Mississippi Delta, Louisiana has a subtropical climate. The state experiences high humidity, long and sultry summers, and mild winters that pass in the blink of an eye. Huskies can live in Louisiana, but need plenty of shade, a cool area indoors, and lots of drinking water to prevent heatstroke. More About Huskies The Siberian Husky is such a great companion if you are an outdoorsy person. Here are some more articles about this breed that may interest you: What influences blue eyes in a Husky?What are the different eye color combinations Huskies can have?Read our 6 tips on how to raise your HuskyHowling and your Husky - what you need to knowDoes your Husky need a companion dog? We analyze the best breeds.Can a Husky pull you on a bike? Sure can! Read more here.Taking your Husky ice fishing? We review the best boots to keep them warm.Want to know if Huskies are related to wolves? Read more here.Going mad with your Husky shedding? Read our guide to help you cope.Are Huskies better suited to live indoors or outdoors?Managing your Husky's weightTell the difference between a Husky and a Malamute with this detailed guideGoing backpacking? Don't forget to take your Husky