Can Huskies Live in Hot Weather? (Dangerous Temperatures)

If you’ve ever looked at a husky and thought, “how do they survive in heat like this?” you are not alone! So, what’s the answer to that question? Can huskies live in hot weather comfortably and safely? Take a look.

Huskies can live in hot weather and adapt to living in hot and tropical climates pretty quickly! Huskies are intended to adapt to many environments and continue to do so even with modern-day breeds.

They’ll do just as well as other types of dogs in hot weather, but you will still have to put some tips and suggestions to work to keep your husky safe and sound on those scorching days.

Are Huskies bad in hot weather?

Surprisingly, no! Huskies are great in hot weather and are just as happy to get out on their walks or play in the backyard, etc. They don’t seem bothered by the sun or the heat, dog experts confirm, weighing in that huskies don’t instantly show signs of distress when out in the heat.

Part of this is actually due to their beautiful and thick coats! Huskies have a thick topcoat and undercoat. Their topcoat is strong, sturdy, wiry pieces of fur that will help repel water, sunshine, and UV and support moving air back and forth to keep them cool. Their undercoat will do many things, including insulating their skin from any heat that their topcoat absorbs. It’s like a piece of clothing! 

In the winter seasons, a husky’s coat will insulate them the way that our layered jackets protect us. In the summer seasons, a husky’s coat will cool them off and keep them safe. The closest we would get to that is through sweating!

What is the ideal climate for a Husky?

Technically, huskies are a breed for colder climates. Coming from Siberia — the literal place, not just an exaggeration — they are actually designed to live comfortably in temperatures that can reach down to -75 degrees F (-60 degrees C) regularly.

Over time, they “migrated” worldwide and can now be found in the central US, Germany, Cuba and be just as comfortable in all of these climates. Strange, right? Huskies are incredible dogs.

As far as the preference of a husky, you’ll find that most like it on the cooler side—for example, a climate in Switzerland or Canada with warm summer months and plenty of colder months. Even though huskies evolved throughout the years, they still do have a preference and love of freezing temperatures and snow!

What temperature is dangerous for Huskies? 

Huskies are magical when it comes to their adaptability, but they do have their limits, of course. As far as the extremes for climate, you’re going to want to keep your husky inside and temperature-controlled if it’s colder than -74 degrees F (-60 degrees C) or hotter than 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). Huskies are okay to be out and about in weather that is colder/hotter than these numbers. But in these cases, with extra precautions (more on that later).

What temperature is too hot for a husky?

The answer to this will vary depending on all sorts of details about where you are and your husky. Some of the criteria include:

• Humidity level (aka “feels like” temperature)
• The color of your husky
• Your husky’s age and health
• How fast your husky is moving
• Walking on asphalt vs. grass/dirt

Generally, however, anything above the mentioned 90 degrees F (32 degrees C) area is going to be a bit “too hot” for your husky to continue with regular outdoor playtimes. Once it starts creeping past 95 degrees F (35 degrees C), your husky will start to struggle in the sun, or if he’s moving faster than a plod. It is the maximum temperature for a husky, both out in the sun and going for a walk.

What do Huskies do in hot weather?

So, if you are dealing with a situation where it’s the heat of the summer, and you’re dealing with 90-degree (32-degree) weather regularly, what are you supposed to do about your husky’s health and safety while still getting exercise and playtime? It’s all about getting creative.

Provide him with a kiddy pool, or a normal pool

Here’s a “secret” that any husky parent knows: huskies love, love, love water. From a puddle in the driveway to a pond, they love to get wet! When you want to exercise your husky in the hot weather properly, do it in either a sprinkler and kiddy pool or a typical pool/lake if you have access to one. Huskies will be able to stay cool easily, and they’ll also have a great workout splashing around in the water.

Make sure he has lots of shade

Just like us humans, a dog’s going to need some shelter when it gets scorching outside so that he can rest and cool off in the breeze. It could be as simple as a tree, or it could be a purpose-built dog house. Test out the shade yourself by seeing if you can notice a difference in the heat when you sit in it. If it’s good enough for you to feel cooler, it’ll be helpful for a husky to cool off properly, too.

Take him out during the morning and evenings

If you want to make sure that he gets his walks (especially if he loves them), you’ll want to time it carefully. Break them up into shorter sessions and make sure that you walk him in the cool hours of the morning and/or evening so that he’s got as good a chance as possible to stay cool yet still explore.

Plan inside playtime and exercise

If it’s so hot out that you aren’t comfortable putting yourself out there, let alone your husky, you can simply plan for indoor exercise and playtime! Plan things like obstacle courses, fetch, tug of war, and more. Whatever you can use to get him moving and exercising safely. He’ll probably be just as relieved as you to stay out of the heat!

Symptoms a husky is too hot

If you’re looking to do what you can to keep your dog cool, one of the best defenses is knowing the danger signs of a dog who is overheating. Some of the most common ones that you’ll notice include:

• Dry nose and mouth
• Excessive panting/hyperventilating
• Lethargy, stumbling, collapsing
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Disorientation

All of these signs indicate that your husky is dehydrated and in serious need of fresh, cool water and a break in an air-conditioned spot. The more severe these are, and the more of him that he has, the more at-risk he is! If you are concerned, a trip to your vet is undoubtedly a great idea, especially if he loses consciousness.

How to keep a husky cool

You’ll be glad to know that keeping your husky cool and comfortable in the heat is all about thinking about what you, as a human, would need. We’ve already talked about the concept of shade and playing in the water. But, don’t forget to remember details like access to water and paying attention to your husky as far as his interests. If he doesn’t want to go out in the heat, don’t make him!

Many husky parents will consider the idea of shaving their husky’s coat to make it cooler on them. It’s normal for them to think that way since we see it as an actual coat. However, a husky’s coat does many good things for them in the heat, as we’ve mentioned. You should never shave a husky’s fur unless otherwise directed by your vet. Their coat protects their sensitive skin from the sun, and it also helps cool them down, etc. 

How to know if a husky is cold

If you are living with your husky in a colder climate and you’re a little concerned that he might be too cold, there are a few indicators that he should come inside that you can watch for as part of your checks. 

Curled up in a ball

If you notice that your husky is curled up in a tight ball with this head buried beneath his tail, it’s a sign that he’s trying to maintain his body heat and that he’s feeling the chill. Huskies enjoying the cold can be curled up in a ball, but you’ll know the difference based on how tightly he is curled up.

Won’t come out of his doghouse

Doghouses have the purpose of literally get your dogs out of the elements. If you notice that your husky is spending a lot of time in his doghouse and won’t come out even if you call him in, you can bet that he’s doing his part of keeping the house warm so that he, too, can stay warm.

Keep tending to his paws

Even though they’re designed for the snow and being “bare” in the weather, dog paws are only so resistant to the cold. If your husky keeps picking up his feet and licking them or hiding them beneath his body, as a cat does, it’s struggling with the cold and should come in and warm up.

The dog is at the door, whining to come in

This actually applies to any kind of concern. If your dog is whining to come in, there’s a reason for it! You’ll undoubtedly want to bring him in so that he’s comfortable and safe. He is a valued member of your family, after all.

Huskies can do as well in the heat as they do in the cold, though you’ll need to take a few steps to keep them safe, healthy, and happy when the thermometer climbs. Know someone who will find this advice helpful to keeping their husky safe and sound? Please share it with them! 

Conclusion

Huskies can live as safely in hot weather as they do in their preferred cold weather. You’ll want to know the signs of heatstroke and dehydration, as well as how to keep them comfortable on the hottest days.