If you’re wondering what temperature is too hot for Huskies, it really depends…
Generally, temperatures higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 29 degrees Celsius, are too hot for Huskies if they are left outside for long periods of time. It all depends on how long they are exposed to the heat.
For example, our Huskies, Lexa, and Mishka, love sun baking when the temperature is significantly higher than 85°F (~29°C), but they don’t stay out in the sun for long. They eventually find some shade in the backyard or come back inside where it’s nice and cool.
Huskies like the cold and are known for thriving in cold weather and even in freezing conditions. In fact, some people have to beg their Huskies to come in during snow storms because the Huskies are having too much fun outside in the cold!
As you may have already guessed, Huskies typically don’t do quite as well in the heat. Here we’ll talk about how hot is too hot, what some signs of overheating are in Huskies, and how to keep your Husky safe and happy in hot weather.
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What temperature is too hot for a Husky?
It’s difficult to determine a precise temperature that might be too hot for Siberian Huskies. But a fair estimate would be to say that Huskies would prefer to be indoors with some strong air conditioning when temperatures are higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit or about 29 degrees Celsius.
Or perhaps sitting in a doggy pool outside in the shade. Our Huskies love keeping cool in their pool but also like the option of coming inside to our air-conditioned lounge room.
Of course, it also depends upon the conditions of the day. When the sun is setting, and the breeze is blowing, the temperature might not feel quite as bad as when the sun is at its highest and there is no breeze at all in the air.
Truthfully, the best course of action is to listen to your Husky! As silly as it may sound, our Huskies know their bodies best, so we can look at how they are responding and look for signs that they might be getting too hot.
Further reading:
Can Huskies live in hot weather?
Huskies can live in hot weather as long as they have access to cooler areas when needed. e.g. air-conditioned room.
Signs your Husky is too hot
Some of the mild signs that a husky is starting to get too hot can be:
- Excessive panting, even with little activity
- Sprawling out on the concrete or grass or hiding from the sun in the shade
These are some of the first indicators of a husky being too hot, but they can very quickly turn into more serious signs of overheating and heat stroke.
Signs of overheating and heat stroke
Heat stroke is a common husky health problem, so make sure you are doing everything possible to prevent it.
Excessive panting
As mentioned, one of the first signs of being too hot is panting. Panting is a dog’s primary way of cooling itself and is perfectly normal. However, there is some panting that should be taken more seriously. If a dog is lying down and not doing anything but panting like it just ran 3 miles, that is a definite sign a dog is too hot.
Excessive drooling
Another indicator that a Siberian Husky is too hot is excessive drooling. Siberian Huskies aren’t particularly known for drooling, but some may still drool just a little bit. Drooling from overheating, though, is an entirely different matter.
Excessive drooling often goes right along with excessive panting, as they are both ways for a dog to try to cool itself off. Eventually, as the saliva and moisture begin to evaporate, there will be no more fluid to wet the mouth, and the dog will become quickly dehydrated. This is when another serious symptom can be seen, which is dry and red gums.
Other signs
Other indicators include:
- Fast and irregular heartbeat
- Rapid and noisy breathing
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Collapsing from being unable to hold itself up any longer
Knowing these signs and symptoms of overheating and heat stroke in Huskies is incredibly important, especially for owners who live in hotter climates. Heat stroke can happen fast and can have devastating consequences.
Treating heat stroke in Huskies
Treating heat stroke will likely require emergency veterinary care, depending on the severity.
Step 1: Move your Husky to a cooler area
The most important thing to do is to get the dog to a cooler area by finding a place in the shade or getting inside a car or home with air conditioning.
Step 2: Provide water (warm to cool, not cold)
Then wet your dog’s head with cool to warm temperature water. And provide your dog with water to drink. It will be important to not use cold water at all because such a drastic change in temperature can shock their system.
Setting up your dog in front of a cool fan can also help cool them down.
Step 3: Call your local vet
Even as the dog begins to recover, it will still be essential to go to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Once dogs suffering from heat stroke reach those more severe stages, they can become extremely dehydrated and likely will need additional fluids and monitoring from a veterinarian.
How to keep Huskies cool in hot weather
Avoid the hottest part of the day
The best thing by far you can do for a Husky living in hot temperatures is to avoid the midday sun. This is usually when temperatures are at their hottest, and the sun can do the most damage. Instead, aim to get outside during the early morning hours or later in the evenings when temperatures are cooler. Your Husky will definitely appreciate it!
Ensure adequate shade (if outside)
In addition to staying inside during the hottest periods of the day, you will need to provide shade for your Husky as much as possible when you are outside in the heat.
Provide plenty of cool and clean drinking water
Besides keeping away from extreme temperatures, the next most important thing will be to make sure your Husky is drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated is key to ensuring a Husky has a better chance of getting cooled off in the heat.
Use cooling mats or cooling towels
Another thing you can do to help a husky cool down is to use cooling mats or cooling towels, which help to reduce the surface temperature of your dog’s body.
Must read: Best cooling beds for huskies
Give them an ice bath
And, of course, one especially fun thing you can do to help a Husky stay cool during hot weather is to try an ice bath! Fill up a kiddie pool full of ice and let your Husky play in the ice and even just lay in it to cool off!
Use dog boots for heat protection
If your husky has to walk on hot surfaces, whether it’s hot pavement, hot sand, or some other hot surface, make sure you invest in the best dog boots for huskies to keep their paws protected.
Never shave your husky
If you are wondering, ‘Can you shave a husky? Think again. Shaving a husky does not keep them cool in summer, in fact, it would make them hotter.
Huskies have a double coat that helps keep a cool pocket of air between their skin and the undercoat. Also, huskies shed to help them prepare and keep themselves cool in summer!
Groom your husky
Grooming your husky before summer arrives is essential to help them shed excess fur. Your husky’s coat color will change as their lighter undercoat makes its way to the surface. This is ok, keep brushing them to remove all of the undercoat they definitely won’t need in summer!
Final thoughts about Huskies in hot weather
Siberian Huskies are designed for winter weather, but they can still do just fine in warmer temperatures so long as we keep them out of extreme heat, avoid the hottest parts of the day, and keep them plenty hydrated.
It is important to remember that heat stroke can happen fast. Keep an eye on the weather and plan some indoor activities for those hot days when the air conditioner is an absolute must!
What temperature is too hot for your Husky?
Share our thoughts in the comments below.
Further reading: How cold can huskies tolerate?
FAQ
What temperature is too hot for huskies?
Huskies are adapted to live in cold weather and have a thick double coat that keeps them warm in temperatures as low as -75°F (-60°C). As a result, they can overheat easily in hot weather. Anything above 85°F (~29°C) can be too hot for a husky and put them at risk of heatstroke.
How can I keep my husky cool in summer?
There are several ways to keep your husky cool in the summer months. One way is to provide them with access to shade so they can escape the direct heat of the sun. It’s also important to ensure they have access to fresh, cold water at all times to prevent dehydration. Additionally, you can use cooling mats or provide them with an ice bath to help lower their body temperature.
Can I shave my husky to keep them cool in summer?
It’s best not to shave your husky to keep them cool in the summer. In fact, do not shave your husky, ever. The only person who might shave them is your vet if it’s for medical reasons. Their thick double coat actually helps to regulate their body temperature and protect them from the sun. Shaving their coat can leave them vulnerable to sunburn and other skin issues. Instead, focus on providing them with ways to stay cool, such as access to shade and cold water.
How can I prevent dehydration in my husky?
To prevent dehydration in your husky, make sure they always have access to fresh water. During hot weather, you may need to monitor their water intake more closely and refill their bowl more frequently. You can also add ice cubes to their water to help keep it cool. If you notice signs of dehydration, such as excessive panting, loss of appetite, or dry gums, consult your vet immediately.
Can I take my husky for a walk during hot weather?
It’s best to avoid taking your husky for walks during the hottest part of the day when the temperature outside is high. Instead, take them for walks early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. This will help prevent them from overheating and protect their paws from hot pavement.
How can I provide air circulation for my husky in hot weather?
To provide air circulation for your husky in hot weather, ensure that they have access to a well-ventilated area or room with good airflow. You can use fans or open windows to improve air circulation. Avoid confining your husky to small, enclosed spaces as it can trap heat and result in overheating.
Can I give my husky ice cubes or frozen treats to cool them down?
Yes, you can give your husky ice cubes or frozen treats to help cool them down. They can lick or chew on the ice cubes, which can help lower their body temperature. Just make sure not to give them too much at once to avoid causing discomfort or brain freeze.
What signs should I look out for to know if my husky is overheating?
Some signs that your husky may be overheating include excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, lethargy, rapid heartbeat, glazed eyes, and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take immediate steps to cool your husky down and seek veterinary attention.
How can I protect my husky’s paws during hot weather?
Hot pavement or sand can cause burns on your husky’s paws. To protect them, avoid walking your husky on hot surfaces during the hottest part of the day. Instead, walk them on grass or shady areas. If you’re unsure about the temperature, you can test it by placing the back of your hand on the pavement for a few seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your husky’s paws.
Is it safe to let my husky play outside in the summer?
While it’s important for huskies to get exercise and playtime, it’s best to limit their outdoor activities during hot weather. Instead, provide them with indoor playtime or activities in shaded areas. Make sure they have access to fresh water and keep an eye on their behavior for signs of overheating. Note that you can still let them play outside, just make sure they have the option of coming back inside or to a cooler area.
