The summer is on its way, and, as husky owners, we are all worried about how to keep them cool and happy. Huskies are an active breed that loves to run a lot, and we need to make sure they don’t exhaust themselves by running around in the blazing hot sun.
The husky is a northern dog breed developed to work in teams that pull sleds, herding reindeer, and watchdog. They are very active and known for their strength and endurance. The dog comes in various colors, but all have a wolf-like appearance with a thick double coat and furry feet.
Huskies originated in the Siberian region’s cooler climates and were bred to run all day in sub-zero temperatures. Hence, it’s no wonder they can overheat so easily in hotter climates.
Husky dogs are known for their thick fur coats, making them one of the most popular cold-weather dog breeds. However, this coat also causes problems in the summer, cutting off the airflow and making your husky pant.
Keeping your husky cool during the hot summer can be a bit of a challenge; the good news is that while a Husky can’t stay in the shade all day, there are several things you can do to help your pet stay fresh.
So, if you plan to become a new dog owner and buy or adopt a husky, here are seven tips on how to keep your dog cool and comfortable during the upcoming hot summer days.
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Make sure your husky gets plenty of water
Huskies tend to get dehydrated very quickly, especially in the summer, and drinking enough water during the day can help to keep your dog cool.
While huskies are good at regulating their own body temperature, they can’t do it in extreme weather—your husky needs regular access to fresh water in order to keep cool and stay healthy.
Many owners assume that winter is the most challenging time of year for huskies, but summer is actually the worst when the sun is scorching; your dog needs to have a constant water supply to prevent overheating. If your puppy does not have access to clean water, it might seek it out on its own, leading to possible dangers when they jump into your pool or lake.
While most dogs need to drink some water once or twice a day, husky dogs may need to drink water more often. Because they are a very active breed of dog, and the more active a dog is, the more water it will need. In the summer, especially, huskies need to stay cool and hydrated, so make sure they always have access to fresh, clean water.
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Avoid the midday sun
The summer is here, and so are the dogs. The season of walks is upon us, which means long days of fun for you, and a long day for your pup. When the temperatures climb to those unbearable summer highs, however, you might be tempted to ignore your pet’s pestering and go for a walk in the midday sun. Don’t. In addition to the heat that will translate to increased panting and sweating (and increased chances of heat stroke), the sun’s UV radiation is absolutely no good for your dog. Unless you want to see your precious pooch sporting a wicked sunburn, or worse, it’s best to keep him inside.
Remember that your husky needs to stay out in the sun, but that doesn’t mean he has to stand out in the open or let himself get overheated.
If you are not planning on doing any yard work in the afternoon, which would be like your dog running for the car to go to the gas station, do not leave him out in the hot sun for any longer than an hour or so. On a windy day, even 10 minutes is too much time for a dog in the open.
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Use cooling mats or wet towels
Huskies are like other dogs in that they love to play in the warm summer months, and one way to help them cool down is to provide some sort of a hydration aid. One popular option these days is a cooling mat, which attaches to the dog’s bed and helps keep her cool throughout the day; or, you might consider using wet towels, which also cool the dog as she lays on them.
Many dogs don’t get enough moisture and think lying on the sun-drenched asphalt is a great idea. To cool off and prevent heatstroke:
- Try running a dog or two around the block with cooling mats or towels, then bring them back inside for a quick drink of water. You may also want to add a bucket of ice to the dogs’ kennel or car.
- When walking your dog, use heat pads. Avoid using dog harnesses or choke chains, but you can ensure that your furry friend stays cool by strapping a few blankets to the bottom of the dog’s feet.
- Buy sweaters After the dog has had a drink, you can help keep him warm by adding a sweater.
- Use wool or a similar natural fiber.
- Consider adding a furry collar or tie to prevent him from getting too hot.
4. Take him for walks in the evening or early morning
The Siberian husky, like all dogs, is a creature of habit. Most of them love to have a routine, and the last thing you want to do is disrupt that routine. That’s why one of the best ways to help your dog beat the heat this summer is to make sure he has a set schedule. A schedule helps your husky cope with the heat in two main ways: it gives him a sense of routine that he can count on when everything else is changing in his environment, and it gives him a sense of peace and predictability when he’s surrounded by chaos. (Remember, dogs are susceptible to changes in their world.)
Huskies are known for being super energetic, but they are also at risk of heat exhaustion during the hot summer months. To help prevent this, you can take him for walks in the evening or early morning when the weather is cooler. Alternatively, you can also make a small backyard obstacle course for him to run in during the day. There is no need to take him to the dog park, which can be crowded at the best of times.
5. Use air conditioning
We all know how important it is to keep our pets safe and comfortable, particularly in the dog days of summer. One of the best strategies for keeping your pet cool and comfortable is to use air conditioning. While this is no substitute for walking your dog during the day—and we strongly encourage you to do so—it can be a life-saver during those sweltering, stifling, and uncomfortable summer days.
It can be pretty hard to keep Husky cool in the summer. They are designed to be out in the cold and snow, and it is not natural for them to have to be inside. It is essential to do everything you can to make sure your husky stays cool when it is hot outside.
The most important thing you can do is keep your house cool (not cold) during the summer. Keep the temperature of your house at or below 78 degrees. If you do that, your husky will be able to cool off and stay cool.
You need to know that some Huskies are more comfortable in hot weather than others and that the air conditioner in your home can be a way for you to keep your dog happy indoors. However, if you don’t know how to control the temperature or use the air conditioner properly, you can put your dog in harm’s way.
6. Never, ever shave your Husky
You may have heard that huskies should be shaved in the summer, so they don’t get too hot. But this is a myth. Huskies have thick coats to protect them from the cold, so shaving them is a bad idea. Having a shaved husky coat will not only make them uncomfortable in the heat, but their skin can get sunburned.
In contrast to humans, dogs do not sweat. Dogs cool themselves by panting from their mouths, sweating at their paws, and having blood in their ears. If you consider shaving your husky to cool it, you will just make matters worse.
The husky’s coat is composed of two parts: the topcoat and the undercoat. Both components enable him to perform two functions: protection and warmth or cooling, depending on the season.
7. Let Your Husky Enjoy Ice
One of the best things you can do to help your husky stay cool in the summer is an ice bath. Ice is great to bring down your dog’s body temperature quickly.
If you’ve ever met a husky, you might have noticed that they have an odd fascination with ice. In fact, it seems to be a common trick of husky owners to fill their dogs’ water bowls with ice cubes to keep them hydrated in the summer when the weather is warm. But why do huskies like ice so much?
There are many reasons huskies like ice, but the most important one is that they can keep their bodies cool when covered in ice or consume it. Another reason is that it’s entertaining and fun for them.
In general, your husky is safe to eat ice cubes, but they should not be especially hard or large since this increases the risk of his teeth breaking or airways becoming blocked.
In the right conditions, Huskies can handle extremely cold temperatures. However, they must be dry. An ice pool or an ice bath can also work as long as it isn’t wet. Being wet and cold may end in hypothermia and could be extremely dangerous.
Final thoughts
As you can imagine, life with a husky is never dull. While most people find the breed to be playful and affectionate by nature, the breed also tends to chew on things and can be pretty stubborn at times. (Perhaps that’s why they were originally bred to pull sleds!) The breed’s favorite activity seems to be running, and the husky breed is especially suited for distance running. They love to roam, play, and act as if they are a member of the family. They are known to be protective, clever, and loyal.
As the hot summer days roll in, you’ll want to be sure to keep your husky cool. After all, it’s no fun for you or your dog if he is uncomfortable in the heat.
Even though many people think that huskies are cold-weather dogs, they actually do pretty well in warmer weather. In fact, all dogs have a hard time with heat because they can only cool down by panting, and many breeds have trouble with this.
The key to keeping your husky cool is to keep them from overheating. We hope you enjoyed this article. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments.
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