Here are some frequently asked questions about the Siberian Husky: "How do Huskies handle the heat in summer?" "How well do they cope with hot weather?"
Based on my experience, factors such as having air conditioning at home, following the right procedure for walks during hot weather, providing regular access to water or a pool, proper care of their coat in the summer, genetics, and the geographical location where the Husky was born, all play a significant role in their well-being and activity during the summer.
Let me reassure you in advance. Huskies actually handle the summer heat quite well. They are not poor, miserable dogs that need to be rushed to a faraway northern region. It's just a matter of adhering to some guidelines for caring for Huskies in warmer conditions.
We all dream of living in places like the Maldives, with its warm climate and beautiful ocean. But we all live in different parts of the world, at different latitudes, and in different climates. Our bodies are well adapted to the climate of our surroundings.
The same principle applies to Siberian Husky. They are born in various places around the world, in different climates. Their bodies learn to adapt to the environmental conditions from birth. While Huskies have the genetic ability to thrive in extremely cold, northern climates, they can also adapt to other climates where they were born or have relocated. A dog's body is highly adaptable. It's just a matter of following certain guidelines.
Let me reassure you in advance. Huskies actually handle the summer heat quite well. They are not poor, miserable dogs that need to be rushed to a faraway northern region. It's just a matter of adhering to some guidelines for caring for Huskies in warmer conditions.
We all dream of living in places like the Maldives, with its warm climate and beautiful ocean. But we all live in different parts of the world, at different latitudes, and in different climates. Our bodies are well adapted to the climate of our surroundings.
The same principle applies to Siberian Husky. They are born in various places around the world, in different climates. Their bodies learn to adapt to the environmental conditions from birth. While Huskies have the genetic ability to thrive in extremely cold, northern climates, they can also adapt to other climates where they were born or have relocated. A dog's body is highly adaptable. It's just a matter of following certain guidelines.
WALKS
If we're talking about countries where +30 degrees Celsius ( apprx 86F ) is the norm, here are a few rules for walking with Huskies in the summer to protect them from overheating and paw burns.
First rule: Avoid exposing Huskies to direct sunlight if the temperature in the shade is already 20 degrees Celsius (68 F). Mostly walk in shaded areas to prevent heatstroke in dogs. It's best to walk Huskies early in the morning and late in the evening during hot summers.
Second rule: There should be no harness work if the temperature is already above 20 degrees Celsius (68 F).
Third rule: Never leave Huskies in a closed car if it's already over 20 degrees Celsius (68 F) outside.
Fourth rule: Always remember that asphalt, sand, gravel, pavement, and granite can become extremely hot in the sun and can burn Huskies' paws.
Fifth rule: Don't force Huskies against their will and common sense into direct sunlight.
Sixth rule: Whenever possible, use air conditioning.
Second rule: There should be no harness work if the temperature is already above 20 degrees Celsius (68 F).
Third rule: Never leave Huskies in a closed car if it's already over 20 degrees Celsius (68 F) outside.
Fourth rule: Always remember that asphalt, sand, gravel, pavement, and granite can become extremely hot in the sun and can burn Huskies' paws.
Fifth rule: Don't force Huskies against their will and common sense into direct sunlight.
Sixth rule: Whenever possible, use air conditioning.
In general, the idea is clear: stay in the shade, avoid leaving them in a hot car, don't overexert them physically, be cautious of heated surfaces that can burn their paws.
If a Husky has willingly laid down under the sun in the yard on the lawn, on the tiled terrace, or on the patio? then it's ok because she did it herself, which means she's comfortable and feels the need for it. Your task is to observe her and make sure she doesn't overheat. Although if she went out in the sun on her own, she will likely go back in on her own too.
Can you take a Husky to the beach? - Generally, yes, you can. If it's a beach by the sea, river, or lake, then definitely take your Husky with you and make sure to swim with her in the water. Water helps cool them down and prevents overheating. Remember about hot sand, it can burn their paws.
Can you take a Husky to the beach? - Generally, yes, you can. If it's a beach by the sea, river, or lake, then definitely take your Husky with you and make sure to swim with her in the water. Water helps cool them down and prevents overheating. Remember about hot sand, it can burn their paws.
HOW TO COOL DOWN A HUSKY
Air conditioning. If you've been considering getting an air conditioner for your home and found reasons to postpone the purchase, getting a Husky immediately solves that issue. Your dream will come true, and your Husky will appreciate it too.
How to understand if a Husky is hot?
Dogs don't sweat like humans. They don't release sweat through their skin. Instead, they regulate their body temperature through panting. If your dog has wide-open mouth, rapid breathing, a tongue hanging out heavily, and drool clumps on the tongue, it means she's hot.
To help your Husky cool down in the summer, I recommend:
To help your Husky cool down in the summer, I recommend:
- Let her lie in cool spots - on tiles, in a dug-out area, in a cool body of water, the sea, or on a cooling mat.
- Offer her cold water frequently.
- Let her enter water to cool her paw pads and belly.
- Give her frozen treats. These could be dog-friendly ice cream, frozen dog mousse, or other frozen goodies.
- Use cooling clothing if needed, but put it on before going outside. It's not recommended to put it on when the dog is already hot as it can create a greenhouse effect, doing more harm than good.
- If you're at home, turn on the air conditioning, remove all carpets, and let your dog choose the coolest spot on the floor.
- Never shave a Husky!! It's against the breed standard. And it might bring you bad karma (just kidding).
WHAT TO DO WITH HUSKY'S DENSE COAT IN SUMMER
There's no need to do anything excessive with a Husky's coat during the summer. It's beneficial to keep it moisturized, hydrated, and use protective sprays against external factors like ultraviolet rays, excessive dryness, and dust.
Keep in mind that Huskies shed their fur for the summer. During the warmer months, they shed part of their coat to ensure it's not too dense. As a result, they won't feel as hot as they might with their winter coat. The most important thing is to absolutely not shave a Husky for the summer out of the desire to do well. Shaving actually does more harm than good. This is because a Husky's fur, no matter how dense it may be, is involved in regulating heat exchange with the environment and serves a protective function.
Moreover, if you shave the fur too much so that the skin becomes visible, you are causing irreparable damage to the hair follicles on the skin because they get burnt by ultraviolet rays. This could result in fur not growing as it used to or losing its natural structure and quality that nature intended. The most critical aspect is that if the correct structure and quality of the fur are disrupted, the protective function of this fur is lost in winter's cold and snow, and in general during any precipitation!
Keep in mind that Huskies shed their fur for the summer. During the warmer months, they shed part of their coat to ensure it's not too dense. As a result, they won't feel as hot as they might with their winter coat. The most important thing is to absolutely not shave a Husky for the summer out of the desire to do well. Shaving actually does more harm than good. This is because a Husky's fur, no matter how dense it may be, is involved in regulating heat exchange with the environment and serves a protective function.
Moreover, if you shave the fur too much so that the skin becomes visible, you are causing irreparable damage to the hair follicles on the skin because they get burnt by ultraviolet rays. This could result in fur not growing as it used to or losing its natural structure and quality that nature intended. The most critical aspect is that if the correct structure and quality of the fur are disrupted, the protective function of this fur is lost in winter's cold and snow, and in general during any precipitation!
Husky in the Car During Hot Weather
Never leave a Husky, or any animal for that matter, in a closed car without air conditioning and water, especially in the sun. If the air temperature in the shade is over 20 degrees Celsius (68 F), it's a clear sign to leave your Husky at home to chill under the air conditioner and chew on their favorite chew toy. Or if you find yourself in a situation where you can't leave your Husky at home but it's not suitable to leave her in the car, simply take her with you and don't forget to bring water and a water bowl.
I'll be sure to write an article in this blog about how to tell if your Husky is overheated.