The essentials
- The trouble with a double coat — A husky’s thick double coat protects them from harsh elements, but can also make them susceptible to overheating.
- Stay cool — Adjust exercise schedules to cooler parts of the day, provide constant access to fresh water, and use fans or cooling mats to keep your pup comfortable.
- Watch for warning signs — Be vigilant for signs of dehydration and overheating. Early detection and prompt action can prevent serious health issues.
Huskies are majestic creatures hailing from the cold, snowy regions of Siberia. Their thick double coats are perfectly suited to harsh, wintery conditions but can pose challenges when living in or visiting warmer climates. Understanding how to keep your husky comfortable in higher temperatures is crucial to their health and happiness. Here’s how you can best care for your husky during hot weather.
1. Keep your husky indoors
When temperatures soar, the safest place for your husky is indoors in a cool, air-conditioned environment. The combination of shade and climate control helps prevent overheating. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider investing in fans or cooling mats, like this highly rated option from the Green Pet, to keep your husky comfortable.
2. Host a husky pool party
Huskies often enjoy a good splash. Set up a kiddie pool, or a more durable option built with large breeds in mind, in a shaded area of your yard so your dog can cool off while having fun. Ensure the water is fresh and not too cold, as sudden temperature changes can be shocking.
3. Never shave their fur
It might seem logical to shave your husky to help them cool down, but their coat actually helps regulate their body temperature and protect their skin from sunburn. Instead, stick to regular grooming to remove loose fur and enable better airflow through their coat.
4. Pause for their paws
Hot pavements can burn your husky’s sensitive paw pads. To avoid this, walk them early in the morning or late in the evening when surfaces are cooler. You can also use protective booties designed for dogs to shield their paws from the heat.
5. Ensure they have enough water
Hydration is key, especially in warm weather. Make sure your husky always has access to fresh, cool water. Consider using a pet water fountain that circulates and filters water, like this one from PetSafe, to encourage your husky to drink more frequently.
6. Exercise when it’s cooler
Adjust your husky’s exercise routine to cooler parts of the day. Early mornings and late evenings are best for walks, runs, or playtime. Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat to prevent heatstroke and overexertion.
How double-coated breeds cool down
Double-coated breeds, like huskies, have a unique way of cooling down that leverages their specialized fur. Their double coat consists of a dense, insulating undercoat and a longer, protective topcoat. This combination helps them regulate their body temperature efficiently.
- Insulation. The undercoat acts as an insulating layer that helps keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It traps cool air close to their skin, effectively working as a natural temperature regulator.
- Ventilation. The topcoat provides ventilation by allowing air to circulate through the fur, which facilitates the evaporation of sweat and moisture from their skin. This process helps dissipate heat.
- Shedding cycle. Double-coated breeds typically shed their undercoat seasonally. In the warmer months, they lose much of this insulating layer, which reduces heat retention and makes it easier for them to stay cool.
- Panting. Like all dogs, double-coated breeds rely on panting to cool down. Panting allows moisture to evaporate from their tongue, nasal passages, and lungs, which helps lower their body temperature.
Warning signs for huskies during summer
Huskies are built for colder climates, and while they can adapt to warmer weather, it’s crucial to watch for signs of distress. Two main concerns in hot weather are dehydration and overheating/overexertion. Recognizing these signs early can prevent serious health issues.
Dehydration
If not addressed promptly, dehydration can quickly become dangerous for huskies. Knowing the symptoms helps you take swift action to keep your dog healthy and hydrated.
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Panting
- Sunken or dry eyes
- Dry nose and gums
- Loss of skin elasticity (use the “pinch test” to check)
- Tacky gums
Overheating and Overexertion
Overheating poses a significant risk to huskies during summer months. It’s important to recognize these warning signs to prevent serious health complications.
- Heavy panting or rapid breathing
- Increased body temperature
- Thirst
- Weakness or collapse
- Glazed eyes
- Increased heartbeat
- Vomiting or bloody feces
- Seizures
- Bright red tongue or gums
- Excessive drooling
- Stumbling
- Unconsciousness
Understanding your husky’s unique needs, especially in warm weather, is essential to their well-being. By being vigilant about hydration and recognizing signs of overheating, you can ensure your husky stays comfortable and healthy, even during the hottest months. Protecting them from heat isn’t just about comfort — it’s about safeguarding their health and happiness.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature is too hot for a husky?
Huskies are most comfortable in cooler environments. Temperatures above 80°F (26.7°C) can be challenging for them, especially if the humidity is high. Always monitor your husky closely for any signs of overheating and ensure they have access to shade, water, and a cool place to rest.
Can I walk my husky in 90-degree weather?
Walking your husky in 90°F (32°C) weather is not advisable. The heat can quickly lead to overheating and dehydration. Instead, schedule walks early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower. If you must go out during peak heat, keep it short and take frequent breaks in shaded areas, providing plenty of water.
What temp should I keep my house at with a husky?
To keep your husky comfortable indoors, aim to maintain a temperature between 60-75°F (15.5-23.8°C). If you live in a particularly hot climate, consider using fans, cooling mats, or air conditioning to help regulate their environment, ensuring they stay cool and comfortable.
Is it cruel to get a husky in hot climates?
Owning a husky in a hot climate requires extra care and vigilance, but it isn’t inherently cruel if you are committed to meeting their needs. Ensure they have constant access to cool water, shaded resting spots, and limit outdoor activities during peak heat. With proper care and attention, huskies can live comfortably in warmer regions.
How do you keep a 75–90 pound Siberian husky from overheating in summer?
Keeping a larger husky cool in the summer involves several strategies. Always ensure they have constant access to fresh, cool water. When possible, limit outdoor activity or exercise during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Use cooling products such as cooling mats, fans, or even kiddie pools for them to splash in. If you have to be outside, find shaded areas for resting. And maintain a regular grooming schedule that keeps their coat well-groomed to facilitate better airflow without shaving them.
