can huskies live in arizona climate?
Arizona has cool winters but a dry and sweltering summer season. It is natural to wonder whether your fluffy Husky would be comfortable in such conditions. As a matter of fact, it is absolutely possible for Huskies to live in hot weather conditions. You only need to exercise certain care.
Huskies are more adaptable than you think. So if you are up to taking proper care of your Husky, they would be perfectly comfortable in the hot Arizona summer.
Can Huskies Live In Arizona-A Detailed Guide
Unlike popular belief, Huskies can live in warmer environments owing to their tendency to adapt. You only need to make sure that they are not exposed to direct sunlight and have plenty of shade. You will have to make sure that they are comfortable inside your home and are only exercised when the weather outside is cool.
The Husky double-coat is adaptable
The thick double-coat of Huskies is meant to keep them sufficiently warm in challenging cold environments. This is because Huskies were originally bred in the extremely cold Siberian regions. But this warm double-coat of Huskies can adapt to the requirements of a particular region.
The two layers of the double-coat serve different functions
The undercoat is relatively dense and fluffy. It serves to provide ample insulation according to the outside climate. This layer is shed about two times a year to adapt to the approaching climatic conditions. On the arrival of spring, this coat is vastly shed so that your Husky has lesser insulation.
The topcoat consists of longer hair that serves a different function. These guard hair provide an additional layer of insulation while protecting the sensitive skin of Huskies from damage by UV rays and other external harmful factors.
Huskies are natives of the cold Siberian region where temperatures drop as low as -50 degrees Celsius. It is natural for their coat to be so thick.
Huskies blow their coats two times a year
Typically, Huskies shed two times a year. Furthermost, they shed in the Spring. The second shedding occurs around the fall. On the arrival of summer, the thick undercoat of Huskies is shed in clumps. This is replaced by a thinner undercoat to suit the summer. The topcoat maintains protection against the harmful UV rays during this time.
As the winter approaches, the shedding begins again and the thin undercoat is replaced by a thick undercoat for adequate insulation.
It is not wise to shave your Husky’s coat
No matter how hot the weather gets, it is not recommended that you shave your Husky coat. The double-coat serves a vital function in regulating the body temperature of Huskies. The absence of this coat could be detrimental to their health. They could suffer the effects of overheating.
Panting is a natural mechanism by which dogs regulate their body heat. This behavior should not encourage you to shave their coat. Remember that shaving your Husky could also cause permanent disfigurement.
The undercoat grows faster than the topcoat. It will grow back in no time and this might disturb the integrity of your Husky’s coat.
Huskies cannot survive direct midday heat
The fact that Huskies can live in Arizona does not change the truth that they cannot tolerate direct heat and sunlight in the middle of the day. The afternoons are the hottest part of the day. It is not recommended for Huskies to be outside around this time.
Keep your Husky indoors
It is important to keep your Husky indoors in the heat of the summer. They should not be exposed to direct sunlight. There should be a cool place where they can lie down and relax when the weather is especially hot. A bare tiled floor is preferable as it would help them in expelling heat.
Invest in blinds
Your house’s windows and doors must be covered with blinds or sun shields to protect against direct sunlight. This would keep your Husky safe from harmful UV rays.
Use an air conditioner
Preferably, your house should be air-conditioned. However, fans should also help if the area is well-shaded and otherwise cool. A constant cool temperature would keep your Husky happy.
Use strategically placed fans
In case you cannot afford an air conditioner, strategically placed fans will work just as well. They’ll help in circulating the air better and would keep your Husky cool.
Use cooling beds
Cooling beds are pretty beneficial for Huskies. Your Husky would definitely love the ability to lay down and relax at any time of the day. This bed will help them in expelling the excess body heat and staying comfortable no matter how hot the weather gets. Unlike other cooling methods, this is very convenient and does not make any mess.
Keep your Husky hydrated
It is very important to keep your Husky hydrated so that they are able to best regulate their body’s temperature. They should always have a sufficient supply of fresh cold water. When the weather is especially hot, their water bowl should be larger.
It is important to ensure the supply of water if you could leave your Husky alone for certain time periods. In no event should you risk dehydration for your Husky? Dehydration could suffocate your Husky and make them more vulnerable to suffering the consequences of hot weather.
It is recommended that you never leave your Husky alone at home. There should always be somebody who can look after them. In case they tip their water bowl, there should be somebody to make sure that they still get water. In any case, you should keep their water bowl at several locations so that there is never any shortage.
Provide them sufficient space
Whether the weather is hot or cool, your wild Husky requires ample space to stretch and relax. You should make sure that they remain comfortable especially when the weather gets hot. Huskies are medium-sized dogs but it is not recommended to keep them in small-size apartments. Your Husky must have a proper resting spot with sufficient area to remain comfortable.
Exercise your Husky when the weather is cool
Even at the peak of summer, the weather is sufficiently cool early in the morning and late evening. You must utilize this time to exercise your Husky.
Huskies are very energetic and they need up to two hours on a daily basis to exercise. The sun is low at both these times so they are ideal for your Husky to indulge in intense physical activity. Make sure that you carry ample water along in case they get overheated during exercise.
Let them cool down in a pool
If your Husky is not excessively afraid of water, it would be a good idea to invest in a paddling pool. When the weather gets hot, they can splash, exercise, have fun, and stay cool. Make sure that your paddling pool is sufficiently strong to endure the strong nails of Huskies. Your Husky is bound to enjoy the marvels of cooling down in the pool when it is hot.
Watch out for signs of discomfort
While Huskies can live in Arizona, it is important to look out for signs that show whether they are comfortable. It is essential that you ensure they do not get overheated. You must watch out for the signs of overheating early.
Look for signs of dehydration
Your dog could get dehydrated in the hot weather. This could be signaled by a loss of appetite, dry nose, dry gums, dry eyes, reduced energy, fatigue, and a certain loss in the elasticity of their skin.
If you pinch your Husky’s skin, it should return to normal quickly. If it takes a long time to return to normal, it could be a sign of dehydration. Also, dog’s noses and mouths are typically moist.
Look for signs of overheating
Pay attention to your Husky’s breathing. While panting is normal in hot weather conditions, rapid breathing and heavy panting are not. Also, look for a higher body temperature than normal. An overheated Husky would have a faster heartbeat, glazed eyes, excessive drooling, heavy panting, and even seizures.
Your Husky could be suffering from dehydration and overheating at the same time. If you notice any of these signs, take them to a shady spot and get them cold water that’ll help them cool down. It is recommended that you take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Huskies are perfectly adaptable to thrive in hot weather conditions. In fact, there are numerous happy Huskies in Arizona. However, it is important to take proper care of your Husky if they are meant to thrive in such weather conditions. You have to aid them in remaining cool.
Take the required measures. Enable their consistent access to shade. Make sure that they don’t get exposed to direct sunlight or the notorious midday heat. If you care well for your Husky, they’ll definitely be happy, even in Arizona.