Wondering how cold can Huskies tolerate?
Huskies can tolerate temperatures as cold as minus 75°F (minus 60°C) and wind chill as cold as -100°F (minus 73°C).
Siberian Huskies are well-known for how much they love the cold! They were quite literally bred for it, and they have been known to thrive in some of the harshest and most bitter cold environments in the world.
Huskies are often used as sled dogs in the famous Iditarod race over 1000 miles long through Alaska that takes weeks to finish, where wind chill gets down as low as -100°F (minus 73°C)! 😳
But how do they do it, and does it ever get too cold for them?
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Why do Huskies thrive in the cold?
One of the first reasons worth mentioning is the Siberian Husky’s double coat. The Husky’s coat consists of two layers, both of which work to keep them warm and protected from the elements.
The layer closest to their body is the undercoat which is made up of tightly packed, soft, downy fur. The top coat, sometimes referred to as a guard coat, is thick and nearly water-repellent, which helps keep ice and snow off their bodies.
Together, both coats work to trap heat in between the skin and the fur and keep the dog warm. Huskies will shed as the seasons change from fall to winter to help them prepare for the upcoming colder temperatures.
Huskies also benefit greatly from the size of their ears! Huskies’ ears are rather small, all things considered, and much of their ears are covered with fur. Both factors help considerably so that the dogs don’t lose as much heat through their ears. And with less surface area, the chances of the dog getting frostbite on their ears decreases significantly.
Do Huskies Get Cold?
Huskies are a hardy breed; they were born and bred to live in cold temperatures. But have you ever wondered, do huskies get cold?
The short answer is yes. Even though huskies can handle cold temperatures, they still need protection when exposed to extremely low temperatures for extended periods of time.
Further reading: Do huskies like the cold?
Can Huskies Sleep Outside in Winter?
If you’re a husky owner, you’ve probably been asked whether it’s okay for your furry friend to sleep outside in winter, in the cold. Because, at the end of the day, huskies are built to withstand cold weather with their double-coated furs.
However, that doesn’t mean that they should be left outside all night without any protection. That being said, if you still decide to let your husky sleep outside, you have to ensure they have a kennel, insulated bedding, or any form of shelter for warmth and protection if they need it.
Also, you should always check their body language and behavior to ensure they aren’t shivering or whining in distress.
Which Weather Suits Huskies Best?
As you know by now, huskies are incredibly resilient to low temperatures, but have you ever asked yourself what weather they prefer? You probably guessed it right! Huskies mainly prefer colder climates, so warm climates won’t be ideal.
Due to their thick, double-coated fur, designed to keep them warm in cold weather and protect them against overheating in warm weather, they usually can’t tolerate temperatures above 85 degrees F (29 C) for long.
Generally, huskies thrive best in cold temperatures that aren’t lower than -75 F degrees (-60 C). This sweet spot allows them to regulate their body temperature without getting too hot or cold.
That being said, factors such as age, activity level, and health can affect a husky’s ideal temperature range.
6 signs a Husky is too cold
While the northern Siberian people perfected Huskies so they could perform in the bitter cold, they certainly didn’t leave them outside all the time! Huskies do, in fact, get cold, just like us. They just happen to be able to tolerate much colder temperatures.
However, on the coldest days and nights especially, the huskies would often be invited into the families’ tents at night so they could help keep everyone warm!
So, what are some signs that a Husky is getting too cold?
- Wanting to come back inside
- Shivering
- Hunching with a tucked tail
- Sensitive paws
- Lethargy
- Reluctance to move
1. Wanting to come back inside
One of the first and most clear signs that a Husky is getting cold is when it heads for the door and asks to come back inside! Of course, Huskies can be a bit stubborn and may not want to come in despite the cold, so this isn’t always reliable for every dog.
2. Shivering
Another sign a husky is too cold is shivering. Shivering is a response made by the body when faced with cold. The body inherently recognizes the need to raise its core temperature and reacts by making a person or an animal involuntarily contract and relax its muscles in rapid succession. This is a very common sign of being too cold.
3. Hunched back and tucked tail
Another sign that a husky is getting too cold is if he hunches his back over and tucks his tail. This is a sign of discomfort and likely an involuntary attempt to conserve body heat by trying to protect the body.
4. Sensitive paws
Another sign a husky is too cold is if it starts to hold up its paw or paws. While Huskies are more durable than most, Husky paws are still quite sensitive to cold and can be susceptible to frostbite. Picking up its paw means that the cold is too intense and is hurting its paw.
In some cases, with really prolonged exposure, the cold on their feet and paws become so intense that the dog will sort of involuntarily flop over onto its side to give its paws some relief.
5. Lethargy
Another sign, of course, is lethargy or just slowing down in general. With more activity, the better the blood is pumping, and heat is generated more efficiently. When slowing down or becoming lethargic, a husky is likely getting too cold and will only get colder from there because it won’t be generating as much energy.
6. Reluctance to move
Other signs of a cold husky are reluctance to keep walking or keep moving, changes in behavior like becoming anxious or looking uncomfortable, and whining or barking.
Winter safety tips for your Husky
Check the ‘feels like’ temperature
Besides keeping the temperature in mind, another important thing to consider is what the “feels like” temperature is. While the thermometer could say that it is 25 degrees Fahrenheit outside, it could feel like it’s more like -5 degrees Fahrenheit to our and our dogs’ bodies.
Factors like wind chill, humidity, and even whether or not the sun is out can affect how the temperature feels. Because of this, Husky owners, and any dog owner for that matter, should always check the “feels like” temperature as well as the actual temperature reading.
Limit your Husky’s time outside
Going off of that, the next tip is to limit the dog’s time outdoors during extremely cold temperatures. In small doses, Huskies can handle just about any weather, including laying in the sun and sleeping in the snow. It’s the prolonged exposure that can become most dangerous.
Get your Husky some winter boots
Another winter safety tip is to invest in the best dog boots for huskies for the snow and cold! Even dogs that still pull actual sleds and race in the snow across frozen tundra wear their snow boots!
Use a pet-safe de-icer
Also, be sure to use a pet-safe de-icer anywhere you may de-ice on your property that your dog can go. A lot of them, unfortunately, have tons of nasty chemicals. If the dogs lick their paws after stepping in this stuff, as many do, they are ingesting some pretty nasty stuff.
Further reading: Why do huskies eat snow?
Apply a protective layer to their feet
In addition to using pet-friendly de-icers or ice melts many dogs benefit from having a palm balm or protective layer applied to their feet both before and after games.
Final thoughts
Siberian Huskies can handle temperatures as low as minus 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can essentially handle any cold temperature so long as it is in small doses.
Watch your dog for cues that indicate they might be too cold, like whimpering, lifting the paw, growing lethargic and not wanting to move, or growing increasingly slow and more tired.
So, while the northern Siberian Chukchi people perfected their Huskies so they could perform in the bitter cold, they certainly didn’t leave them outside all the time!
The Huskies would often be invited into the families’ tents at night so they could help keep everyone warm! Thanks to their ancestry, many of our Siberian Huskies today love the cold and equally love to cuddle!
Did you like this article? You’ll love this article about Siberian Husky statistics.
Does your Husky love to sit outside in the cold?
Share your stories in the comments below.
Further reading:
- Can huskies live in hot weather?
- What temperature is too hot for Huskies?
- How to keep a Husky cool in summer
- Can you shave a Husky?
- Do huskies change color?
FAQ
How cold can huskies tolerate?
Huskies are known for their ability to tolerate cold temperatures. They have a thick double coat that keeps them warm and protects them from the cold. Huskies can tolerate temperatures as cold as minus 75°F (minus 60°C) and wind chill as cold as -100°F (minus 73°C).
What signs indicate that a husky is too cold?
It is important to monitor your husky for signs of being too cold. Some signs to look out for include shivering, seeking warmth, or holding up their paws. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to bring your husky indoors or provide them with extra warmth.
Can huskies stay outside in the winter?
Huskies are well-adapted to cold weather and can generally stay outside in the winter. However, it’s important to provide them with proper shelter, such as a well-insulated dog kennel, and access to fresh water that won’t freeze. Regularly check on your husky to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
How do huskies stay warm in cold weather?
Huskies have a thick double coat that helps keep them warm in cold weather. Their outer coat acts as a barrier against the elements, while their dense undercoat provides insulation. Additionally, huskies have a higher metabolism, which helps generate body heat to keep them warm.
Can husky puppies tolerate cold temperatures?
Husky puppies do not have the same cold temperatures as adult huskies. Because they have growing bodies and less body fat, they are more susceptible to the cold. It’s important to provide them with extra warmth and monitor them closely in cold weather conditions.
How can I tell if my husky is feeling too cold?
You can tell if your husky is feeling too cold by observing their behavior and body language. Signs that your husky may be feeling too cold include excessive shivering, seeking warmth, and reluctance to go outside. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to provide your husky with extra warmth.
How do I keep my husky safe during cold nights?
To keep your husky safe during cold nights, make sure they have access to a well-insulated dog house or a heated shelter. Provide them with warm bedding, such as blankets or straw, and ensure that their water doesn’t freeze. It’s also important to regularly check on them and bring them indoors if the temperature drops too low.
How do huskies survive the cold?
Huskies are able to survive the cold mostly due to their thick double coat, and their natural adaptation to cold climates. They were bred to withstand low temperatures and have evolved to thrive in cold weather conditions.
Do huskies prefer to stay outside in cold weather?
Huskies are known for their endurance and love of cold weather. They have a strong tolerance for low temperatures and are often more comfortable in cooler climates than in warm ones. However, it’s important to provide them with appropriate shelter and monitor their well-being in extreme cold conditions.
How can I tell if my husky puppy is becoming too cold?
You can tell if your husky puppy is becoming too cold by observing their behavior and physical signs. If they start shivering, seeking warmth, or curling up in an attempt to conserve heat, they may be too cold. It’s important to provide them with extra warmth and closely monitor their well-being.
