They have a thick fur coats. This coat thickness can cause many potential husky owners to pause before making that final commitment. They wonder if the dog will overheat easily because their fur is a double coat and very thick.
Cold weather is not going to be a problem, but when the weather gets warmer, huskies have trouble with higher temperatures. As long as the temperature stays below 85 degrees F and 29 degrees C, then your husky should be fine.
You have to watch those hotter temperatures as the husky is one dog breed that is vulnerable to heat stroke. The colder the weather, the better for your husky. Maybe not for you, but your dog will be fine.
What Does a Husky Look Like? Click here to find out.
Do Huskies Overheat in Hot Weather?
Yes, they can, and it is possible for them to overheat at 0 degrees F> That would be because their fur is so thick at that time, and they are getting a lot of exercises. But if they are getting the proper air circulation, shade, and fresh cold water, they can handle up to 32 degrees C or 96 degrees F.
But the average is 85 degrees F or 29 degrees C for most husky variations. These dogs are bred more for winter weather so if they get shot out, make sure you turn on the air conditioner inside and keep your pet cool.
When your husky is getting a bit hot, you may see them get a bit sick, dehydrated, or contract heat stroke. As the temperature goes up, you should be keeping an eye on your pet, making sure they do not go outside till it is cooler.
How Do I Keep My Husky Cool in Hot Weather?
There are lots of good ways to keep your pet nice and cool during those hotter summer months. Here are a few suggestions to help you:
1. Take Them Swimming– The backyard pool, a wading pool or even a dip in the ocean is a great way to help your husky remain cool. Just watch out for tides etc., when taking them to the ocean.
A lake may be better as those are fed from fresh and cool mountain streams for the most part.
2. Give Them Plenty Of Shade– This can be done by taking them for a walk in a tree-filled park or just by having some nice shade trees in your yard. Or you can put a nice sunhat on them to block the sun from heating up your dog’s head.
Other options would be to keep them inside with a fan or air conditioning on.
What Kind of Dog is a Husky? Click here to learn more.
3. Keep Them Inside– But do not let them lay on rugs, carpets, or furniture that restricts their ability to get rid of their body heat. Make sure you give them plenty of cold water so they can cool themselves down when they feel they are getting too hot.
Close the blinds on the window that has the sun shining on it, and a tile floor is best for keeping your husky cool when they are inside.
4. Misc. Activities– Take your dog for a walk early in the morning or later in the evening after the sun has gone down. Don’t forget to watch their paws when you are walking in the sun. The paws are sensitive to high temperatures, so make sure to walk in as many shady areas as you can
Brush their fur. Remove as much loose fur as possible. The more hair you remove, the better their air circulation. Don’t shave your dog, as that will make them more vulnerable to heat stroke.
How Do I Know If My Husky Is Overheating?
Your dog will exhibit different signs when they are experiencing too much heat. It comes in the form of dehydration and heat stroke. The signs for both are:
1. Heat stroke
- Extreme thirst
- Glazed eyes
- Higher heartbeats
- Weakness and collapsing
- Increase pulse
- Bloody feces
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Excessive drooling
- Bright tongues
- Stumbling
- Unconsciousness
2. Dehydration
- reduced energy level
- decreased or loss of appetite
- Panting
- lethargy
- sunken eyes
- loss of skin elasticity
- dry nose/ gums
Some of these signs are symptoms for other diseases, so be careful that you do not think it is one disease when it is really dehydration. Talk to your vet about how to tell the difference.
Some Final Words
Cold is okay for huskies as they can endure temperatures down to -75 degrees F or -60 degrees C. It is the heat you have to worry about. Unless you are living in some tropical areas of the country, most husky owners should not have to worry too much about the heat.
But even when it gets hot in your area, be prepared to keep your pet cool by doing some of the activities listed above.
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