Huskies are known to withstand some of the coldest environments on earth. However, as a breed that continues to grow in popularity, these pups are showing up in homes worldwide. Many owners (and potential owners) wonder if they must shave their Huskies to keep them comfortable during the hottest months of the year.
You shouldn’t shave a Husky in the summer, even if you live in a hot climate. Although Huskies are susceptible to overheating, you can take precautions to prevent the problem. You can keep your Husky healthy and happy during summer by being attentive to his needs and giving him appropriate care.
Throughout this article, I’ll discuss why Huskies can thrive year-round and provide some tips to make sure that your dog stays healthy and comfortable in the summer heat.
You Don’t Need To Shave a Husky in the Summer
One of the great things about Huskies is that they’re very adaptable and can live anywhere. However, with their thick coats, they undoubtedly get hot during summer, especially in warmer climates.
The good news is that if you take precautions and make sure that your husky stays cool, you should be able to keep him happy during the summer. There is no need to shave your dog.
Many dogs need special care in the summer, so your Husky is not alone. Research has shown that dogs with flat snouts (known as a brachycephalic skull) and those weighing over 110 lbs. (50 kg) have the greatest risk of heatstroke.
Do Huskies Get Hot During Summer?
Huskies have a thick, dense double coat that allows them to withstand temperatures as low as -60°F (-51°C). These dogs may live in outdoor kennels or insulated dog houses and spend most of their time outdoors, even in the arctic. However, they are susceptible to heat exhaustion, if left outside for too long.
Huskies get hot in the summer because of their thick, dense double coat. If left outside in intense heat and constant, warmer climates, Huskies can eventually overheat.
Heat exhaustion or heatstroke may occur if your Husky’s internal body temperature gets too high and they aren’t able to cool themselves down efficiently. Heatstrokes are severe and can be fatal, so prevention is key. It’s also important to know the signs of heatstroke or heat exhaustion so that you can respond as quickly as possible.
Huskies are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses in the summer because both the heat and humidity are high, and the heat index may be even higher than the thermometer reading. Typically, dogs will keep going even if they are overheating, unlike humans, who usually recognize they need a break.
Dogs that love to play outdoors may get themselves into a dangerous situation in the summer if their owners aren’t attentive enough.
It’s especially important to keep this fact in mind for your Husky because the breed is athletic and needs a significant amount of exercise each day. It may be necessary to change your Husky’s routine during the summer to keep him from overdoing it during the hottest part of the day.
Huskies may also be at risk for dehydration in the summer, so it’s vital to ensure that your dog gets sufficient fluids throughout the day.
Signs of Heat-Related Illness in Huskies
One of the most important things you should do for your Husky in the summer is to watch for signs of heat-related illness. Dehydration and overheating are serious conditions that can be fatal if not recognized and treated right away. Luckily, many early warning signs will help you realize if your Husky is becoming overheated.
Signs your Husky may be overheating include:
- Excessive panting
- Disorientation
- Fast, noisy breathing or labored breathing
- Collapse
- Convulsions
- Bright red or blue gums
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Signs your Husky may be dehydrated:
- Poor skin elasticity
- Sunken eyes
- Dry mouth, gums, and nose
- Slow capillary refill time
How To Keep Your Husky Safe in the Summer
During the hottest time of the year, you should keep your Husky safe by helping him stay cool. Luckily, you can follow several easy tips to prevent any potential problems during the summer months, which your four-legged friend will definitely appreciate:
- Providing plenty of fresh, clean water will help your Husky stay hydrated and regulate body temperature efficiently. If your Husky spends time outside or just finished exercising, make sure that he has plenty of water. Take a portable dog dish and some bottled water on longer walks. I take this MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle with me whenever I take our dogs for a walk or hike.
- If you normally walk in the afternoon, it might be a good idea to switch to walking early in the morning or later in the evening, after the temperatures have dropped. Keeping your Husky indoors during the hottest parts of the day will help prevent overheating during the summer. I live in Florida and during the summer months I don’t walk my dogs between 8AM and 8PM.
- When your Husky is outside, make sure that he has a place to cool off. Whether it’s a shelter, a shade tree, or a kiddie pool, your dog should be able to get some relief from the heat. However, if you live in an area where temperatures are especially high, you should never leave your Husky outside during the afternoon. Keep your Husky in an air-conditioned room to be safe. Yes, Amazon has a pretty cool selection of dog pools you have to check out.
- You can also consider a cooling mat or cooling vest for your Husky as an extra layer of comfort during the summer.
Will Shaving My Husky in the Summer Keep Him Cool?
Shaving your Husky in the summer won’t keep him cool. A Husky’s thick double coat helps insulate him from both the cold and heat and allows him to regulate his body temperature. Shaving your Husky also exposes his skin to the sun, increasing the possibility of sunburn.
You should only shave your Husky if your veterinarian recommends it for a medical reason or if there is something stuck in the coat that cannot be removed.
This RUFFWEAR Cooling Vest (available on Amazon.com) protects your pup from the sun and helps keep him cool when you’re taking walks or playing outside. I like it because it’s light and helps promote evaporation. I think it will be useful for keeping your Husky cool (like artificial sweating!). The vest is also compatible with a leash and harness.
Final Thoughts
Huskies are built to thrive in the arctic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have one of these beautiful dogs wherever you live, even during summer. Like any dog, Huskies need special care during the hottest months to keep them healthy and prevent any potential health problems. With a bit of extra care, you’ll keep their tails wagging all summer long.