Huskies are very well adaptable to the warm environment
In this article, We’ll talk about can huskies live in Florida? The beautiful Huskies are amongst the most popular dog breeds in the world. Huskies definitely have preferable climatic conditions. They were originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia in extremely cold conditions. The physical characteristics of Huskies are very well meant for cold environments. However, Huskies are definitely more adaptable than you think. And they can certainly live in Florida.
Can Huskies Live In Florida-A Detailed Guide
Florida can get very warm during the summer season. Even the winters are not very cold. The weather is quite hot and humid. But a Husky can definitely live in Florida if they are properly cared for and when certain conditions are met. You ought to make life comfortable for your Husky.
Huskies can adapt to warm climatic conditions
Unlike your expectations, Huskies are very adaptable. When proper conditions are met, they can live comfortably in regions that experience up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature. However, it is important for the owners to maintain sufficient cooling mechanisms and provide ample comforting means.
The husky double coat is adaptable
The thick double-coat of Huskies is meant to brave the extremely cold weather conditions of the Arctic regions. However, their undercoat has mechanisms to keep them comfortable even when the weather drastically changes. Their double coat consists of an undercoat and a topcoat.
The undercoat is very soft and fluffy and is shed twice a year. The topcoat consists of longer hair that is water repellent and resistant to the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Huskies shed their coat twice a year
Huskies shed their double coats two times a year. This happens in conjunction with the temperature changes in the environment. The shedding occurs around the spring and the fall. Large amounts of hair from the undercoat are lost during the shedding period. These are then replaced by the seasonal coat that will serve the requirements of the particular environmental conditions.
During the spring, Huskies shed a large amount of fluff from their undercoat and develop a thin summer coat. This coat is very thin as compared to the coat in winter and it makes it easier for Huskies to thrive in the warm summer season.
During the fall, the summer coat is replaced by the thick winter coat that’ll provide adequate insulation for the cold season. The topcoat is shed moderately throughout the year.
Never shave your Husky’s coat
The especially warm weather of Florida might give this careless idea to your dog’s groomer, but it is not wise to shave your Husky’s coat. A Husky’s coat must only be shaved under certain circumstances. Either when it is indicated for a medical procedure or when the lack of care has made their hair matted.
The double coat is an essential part of your Husky’s physiology and helps in the regulation of their body’s temperature. The absence of this coat makes them more prone to the dangers of the hot environment. When Huskies lack their double coat, they aren’t able to regulate their body temperature and are bound to suffer from the perils of overheating.
Shaving your Husky will not relieve them of the immense heat. In fact, it will only make the weather worse for them. Moreover, the skin of Huskies lacks protective mechanisms against harmful elements. The topcoat is their only defense against the harmful UV rays of the sun. In the absence of their coat, your Husky could suffer from many skin ailments owing to harmful sun exposure.
Also, shaving the coat could result in permanent disfigurement of your Husky. The undercoat grows very fast as compared to the topcoat. Once your Husky is shaved, their undercoat could overgrow the topcoat and spoil the integrity of their double coat. Their hair might never return to normal.
You can take certain steps to ensure the comfort of your Husky in Florida
Brush them regularly
It is important that you brush your Husky regularly. Brushing your Husky provides them ample comfort in warm weather conditions. It helps in circulating air between their hair and provides a sense of cooling. You must make you’re Husky learn to enjoy brushing.
Don’t expose them to midday heat
It is suggested that you don’t expose your Husky to direct sunlight. Never take them out during the daytime, especially during midday. It is best for them to stay indoors when the outdoor temperatures are too hot. The high temperature of the pavements could injure their sensitive paws. Your Husky may get overheated very soon and feel suffocated.
Provide proper cooling mechanisms
It is very important to ensure that your Husky stays cool when the weather is warm. An air conditioner is suggested to keep your interiors cool. Your Husky would be happy in well-regulated cool temperatures. In the absence of air conditioners, they must have properly positioned fans for the best circulation of air.
Protect them from sunlight
Your Husky needs to be protected from exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the summer season. You must install darkening blinds in your home to ensure that they stay safe from harmful UV rays.
Keep your Husky hydrated
It is very important to keep your Husky adequately hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for ideal temperature regulation. Your Husky must always have access to cold drinking water. The storage container for their water should be large in size so that they don’t run out of water very soon.
This is especially important for the times you have to leave your Husky alone at home. In such a case, your Husky must have several containers of cold water. This is essential so that they don’t go out of water. However, it would be best if they are under somebody’s supervision
Provide them sufficient space
Your Husky must have the provision of ample space to relax and stretch. Your Husky wouldn’t feel comfortable in a constricted environment. Their specious spots must also be adequately cool.
Provide them cool spots
Husky owners are suggested to have tiled floors as they allow better dissipation of heat and would allow your Husky to cool down faster. Wooden floors are also recommended for the same reason. Otherwise, you can use a cooling bed for your Husky. They would love this special cooling spot on, especially on warm days.
Exercise them at the right time
It is important that you exercise your Husky at the right time. Early mornings and late evenings are relatively cool and very suitable for the intense exercise that Huskies desire. Huskies need mandatory two hours of physical exercise daily. You can render them an hour early in the morning and another hour late in the evening. Remember to carry water for your Husky in case they get hot.
Take them paddling in apool
Your Husky would definitely enjoy paddling in a pool. Huskies are generally afraid of swimming so paddling in a shallow pool must give them immense joy and help them cool down. It is best to place the cool in shade. Make sure that the walls of the pool are sufficiently strong to endure the strong nails of your Husky.
Pay attention to the signs of dehydration and overheating
It is important to pay adequate attention to your Husky’s needs when they are living in weather as hot as Florida. It is possible for them to get dehydrated or to develop the symptoms of overheating if they get exposed to much heat.
Note the signs of dehydration
Your Husky is very much susceptible to dehydration in the warm Florida environment. It is important to pay attention when they show the typical signs of dehydration and to take the steps to bring them to normal.
A dehydrated Husky might present with a lack of appetite, dry nose, dry gums, dry eyes, and lack of energy. A common way to determine dehydration is through the pinching test. If you pinch your Husky’s skin, it should return to its normal configuration immediately. If your Husky’s skin takes time to return to normal, they may be dehydrated.
Note the signs of overheating
It is important that you pay attention to the signs of overheating in your Husky. They might have an increased heart rate, a higher temperature than normal, faster breath rate, and excessive drooling. If your Husky is overheated, take them to a shady area and provide them with cold water. See your veterinarian immediately.
Conclusion
Huskies can absolutely live in the subtropical climate conditions of Florida. You only have to provide them the necessary care and make sure that they aren’t exposed to excessive heat. With proper air conditioning and adequate hydration, your Husky will stay immensely comfortable.
In case of any problem, get them checked by a veterinarian. Huskies are very adaptable and can get adjusted to the weather of Florida. But you must take all the necessary precautions to keep them as comfortable as possible.