For centuries, Siberian Huskies have been regarded as a canine breed native to the frozen or tundra-like regions. However, due to their increased popularity, this loyal and mischievous dog has started carving its way into the tropical regions. However, most dog parents seeking to adopt huskies have one main question: can Siberian Huskies live in warm weather?
Siberian Huskies can live in warm weather as they are able to adapt to almost any climate. However, you should be on the lookout for signs of dehydration, overheating, or overexertion. Keep them out of direct heat, take shorter walks in the shade, and brush out any excess fur to keep them cool.
Read on to get a clear overview of how Siberian Huskies can live comfortably in warm weather.
Is Warm Weather Safe for Siberian Huskies?
Siberian huskies are known to thrive in cold climates, and given their thick double coats, it’s not unreasonable to think warmer weather wouldn’t be appropriate for them.
Warm weather is safe for Siberian Huskies provided you keep them well-hydrated and limit their exercise outside on extremely hot days. Like other double-coated breeds, Huskies will shed their coat to adapt to the warmth, and will need frequent breaks in the shade when walking out in the heat.
As a responsible dog parent, your concern isn’t only centered on giving your pup food and shelter; you also need to know your canine’s unique adaptations that determine his suitability in certain regions.
How Siberian Huskies Have Adapted for Colder Climates
Siberian Huskies have unique adaptations for survival in cold regions, which may not be best suited for warm weather. However, you can learn how to manipulate them to suit warm environments.
Double Coat
Huskies have a double coat to allow maximum heat retention in cold areas. The undercoat consists of very short hairs that are often shed during summer. This underlayer prevents overheating when the temperatures increase, meaning huskies can safely survive in warmer environments.
When the temperatures drop, the undercoat acts as an insulator, retaining heat from the Huskies body to keep him warm.
On top of the undercoat is an outer layer known as the primary coat or guard hair coat that prevents snow and ice from getting to the Husky’s body.
Huskies have a moderate shedding level. While you might be tempted to shave your Husky’s thick coat, you may end up causing your pup more harm than good.
Shaving exposes your Husky’s delicate undercoat to harsh weather conditions. And if the temperature is too high, your pup may suffer a heat stroke which may be fatal.
Additionally, the outer coat prevents insects and other pathogens from attacking your pup, reducing the frequency of infections. Therefore, shaving could expose your pup to pathogens.
Ears and Tails
Huskies’ ears are also designed for the cold. The ears have built-in earmuffs and are hairy all the way into the interiors blocking all the cold entry paths.
On the other hand, the tail is long and hairy. It’s long enough to cover the Husky’s face when he lies down during cold seasons.
Basically, everything about Huskies is designed for survival in the cold. So, let’s now look at how you can safely live with a Husky in warm environments.
How To Get Siberian Huskies To Adapt to Warm Weather
Given Huskies’ thick, double coat, they’re susceptible to overheating when exposed to high temperatures.
And while you can’t outrightly train your pup to adapt to the warm temperatures, you should be on the lookout for signs of overheating or overexertion and dehydration to ensure he remains comfortable and happy.
Here’s a rundown of the warning signs you should be wary of:
Overheating, Overexertion, and Hyperthermia
Since a Husky’s skin is designed to act as an insulator, this canine is likely to overheat faster than other breeds. In case of overheating, your pooch will appear extremely hot with symptoms such as panting, excessive drooling, seizures, and high body temperatures.
Additionally, your pup will appear extremely thirsty with dry gums, eyes, and nose. These symptoms may be accompanied by an increased pulse rate, vomiting, and bloody defecation.
Dehydration
The most common signs of dehydration include panting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and reduced energy. Others include loss of skin elasticity, dry gums and nose, and dry, sunken eyes.
Here’s a handy tip on how you can test for dehydration in your furry canine companion. You can use a pinching test where you gently pinch your Husky’s skin in between your fingers. You should do it gently because dogs aren’t fond of getting pinched.
If your pup is dehydrated, the pinched skin will take longer before returning to normal. For hydrated dogs, the skin gets back to normal almost immediately.
You can also check your puppy’s gums. A healthy, well-hydrated husky has a moist mouth, while a dehydrated one has dry and tacky gums.
How To Take Care of Siberian Huskies in Warm Weather
Here are a few tips on how you can take care of a Husky in warm weather to ensure he remains comfortable, safe, and happy:
Keep the Coat
Don’t be tempted to shave your Husky’s thick coat. Although hairy and thick, a Husky’s coat acts as an insulator protecting the pup from direct heat. The thick coat also helps the pooch regulate his body temperature based on the prevailing conditions.
Therefore, shaving will expose your canine pal to the direct effects of the heat, causing overheating and heat stroke that can be fatal.
Exercise Out of the Sun
Huskies have high energy levels and require regular exercising, but you should avoid working them out when the sun’s too hot.
When the weather is warm, days can heat up quickly, making them unfavorable for your pup’s exercises. Therefore you should consider exercising your Husky very early in the morning or late in the evening after the sunset when the temperatures are a bit low.
Brush Regularly
A dog’s skin secretes oil, and regular brushing helps distribute this oil along the coat’s length. In addition, it helps remove dirt, dust, dead and stray hairs that block the skin pores, causing overheating. Check out the FURminator on Amazon – highly recommended.
With a build-up of dirt and dust, there’ll be insufficient air circulation, increasing the likelihood of your Husky overheating.
Provide Enough Water
Dogs are likely to get thirsty under warm weather. Therefore, you should provide them with enough clean drinking water. Consider having watering spots within reach of your husky both indoors and outdoors so that he doesn’t have to search too hard for water when thirsty.
Remember, hydration is as important for canines as it is for humans!
Take Care of their Paws
Huskies have soft paw pads that are sensitive to heat. As a result, they can get burnt quickly and badly under hot weather. Therefore, make sure your Husky stays away from hot surfaces like pavements and exterior tilings that retain a lot of heat to avoid nasty burns.
If possible, your Husky should walk under shade or on grass.
Keep Cool
For the sake of your Husky’s comfort and general well-being, you should strive to keep him cool throughout the day. You can achieve this by keeping your rooms cooled with an air conditioner.
In the absence of an air conditioner, you can take a few wet towels or cooling mats and place them around your Husky’s resting place.
Additionally, you can create a shallow kiddie pool for your pooch where he can dive in for a chill.
Wrapping It Up
According to American Kennel Club, Siberian Huskies are the 16th most popular dog breed in America. The good news is that you can also adopt this popular and mischievous canine even when living in warm regions. I live in Florida and my sister-in-law owns a husky. Also, the local dog park always has a few huskies running around and the breed does just fine in the heat.
Although raising Siberian Huskies in tropical areas may seem overwhelming, it’s still possible for a determined dog parent. All you need is to be a little vigilant and look out for signs of overheating and dehydration. Given Huskies’ high adaptability, it’s possible to raise them in warm weather even if it isn’t the environment they were originally bred for.