Huskies are very resilient in cold environments
Huskies were first raised by the nomadic Chukchi people of Siberia. This wonderful breed is built to thrive in the coldest temperatures. The Chukchi people sought help from Huskies in running sleds and hunting for food. It is understandable that Huskies cannot just tolerate cold weather, they can also be amazingly active.
You would have noticed the general pleasure Huskies experience as soon as the winters arrive. They love going out for walks when it is cold. They are very energetic and love playing outside. Don’t be surprised if your Husky demands more outdoor playtime in the biting cold. However, there must be some limit to this tolerance.
So How Cold Is Too Cold for A Husky?
Huskies can easily withstand temperatures below -60 degrees Fahrenheit. This statement doesn’t imply that Huskies don’t feel cold at all. This is the temperature they can generally tolerate. Note that all Huskies would not have the same tolerance to very low temperatures.
The resistance to cold is also influenced by several other factors. Because all Huskies are not born and raised in the Arctic circle, it is not fair to expect all of them to show the same tolerance. The Huskies that are raised in warmer climates get adapted to such living conditions. Then, they might not be able to experience as much joy as the Huskies of Alaska.
Unlike Huskies born and bred in places that usually experience temperatures below -60 degrees Fahrenheit, Huskies raised in warmer conditions wouldn’t be comfortable in that situation. The maximum and minimum temperature tolerance is affected a lot by the environment Huskies adapt to.
Not all Huskies are equally tolerant to cold environments
You cannot expect a Husky raised in California to compete with the Huskies raised in Alaska. Huskies that pull sleds are specially trained for that purpose. All the Husky dogs born and bred in the Arctic circle are also not capable of pulling sleds. There is a specialized screening procedure through which the capable dogs are selected.
All Huskies cannot tolerate extremely low temperatures, even if they are bred in the same environmental conditions. The tolerance of a Husky is affected by numerous significant factors including general health, diet, the thickness of coat, age, and the special ability of the dog to conserve heat.
Do not think that Huskies are mere machines when it comes to pulling sleds in the most extreme weather conditions. The Huskies that pull sleds are also offered additional protection so that they don’t suffer any consequence of the biting cold. Sled pulling Huskies usually wear special boots and warm coats. The coats are especially helpful when the cold weather is also accompanied by wind.
The boots are important because they protect the paws of the Husky from ice formation. Typically, it is possible for ice to form between the pads of the Huskies paw. Note that these boots are not meant to give them warmth. Also, there are checkpoints at regular intervals where the dogs can rest upon beds of hay and recover from the exhaustion of the ordeal.
So it is not like Huskies don’t feel cold at all. but as compared to you and me, they tolerate much more. In severe weather conditions around the Arctic circle, the supremely agile and superior sled pulling Huskies are also not comfortable sleeping outside. They require properly insulated houses meant for them.
These unique dog houses are small in size and contain dry hay bedding. These houses get warmed up with the dog’s body heat.
It is not a good idea to make your Husky sleep outside
Siberian Huskies are very energetic and love to play outside. No amount of winter can stop them from experiencing the sheer joy of running around. Interactive play and physical activity is very important to keep your Husky happy. Whether it is winter or summer, your Husky should be allowed to run outside. You can obviously ensure their safety.
However, you must make sure that your dog doesn’t get cold while running around in the winter. Your Husky would probably let you know when they aren’t comfortable with the weather. So if they insist on not going outside, it is not a good idea to force them. Your Husky should have a proper area to sleep in during the winter season.
It is not okay to let them remain outside when it is cold. No wonder Huskies are snow dogs, they do need some comfort. Huskies may be very tolerant to cold, but that isn’t the only external challenging factor they will be facing.
There are other things like snow, fog, wind, rain. Any such situation could affect the health of your Husky. You shouldn’t let your dog remain outside especially if they are elderly or a puppy. Note that all Huskies are not equally tolerant to cold. If your Husky has been raised in warmer conditions, they may be very susceptible to cold, much like most other dogs.
If you want your Husky to remain outside at night, it is important for them to have a dog house. Your Husky will not know that the dog house is meant for them until you let them know. You must train them to get inside the dog house. Thankfully, much training can be conveniently accomplished with the help of treats.
You can utilize dry hay and some snuggles to make their bed sufficiently warm. It is essential for the hay to be dry. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be proper insulation. The dog house must also be equipped with a heated water bowl. It is totally possible for the water in the bowl to freeze during the cold winter nights.
Huskies have special mechanisms to tolerate extreme cold
While all Huskies may not be equally tolerant to cold weather conditions, all of them are definitely equipped with special mechanisms to keep the cold at bay. Huskies are definitely more tolerant of extreme cold than most other dogs.
The double coat retains body heat
Huskies have an excellent insulation system in the form of a unique double coat. They have ample fat and abundant fur to keep them protected against harsh winter conditions. The double coat consists of two layers of fur that provide the best possible insulation.
The undercoat consists of shorter hair that forms a large amount of fluff. This layer is very dense and works very well in retaining the body heat of Huskies. The upper coat consists of longer hair that is sufficiently water-resistant. This hair protects Huskies from snow and also avails sufficient protection against harmful UV rays. These two layers render sufficient warmth to your Husky.
The fury tail adds extra warmth
The beautiful furry tail of Huskies is definitely astounding in appearance. But it serves more than the purpose of beauty. This fluffy tail serves to keep them adequately warm in the coldest environments. Huskies tend to cover their nose with their tail while sleeping. This is essential because of the soft warmth their fluffy tail provides. Doing so assures that they inhale warmed-up air.
Husky paws are warm
The circulation of blood in the paws of a Husky is very quick. This is meant to warm the blood quickly before it goes back to other systems.
Huskies have dense hair within their ears
Huskies have dense hair within their ears. These hair serve to retain heat and keep the Husky warm. Their warming action also prevents the occurrence of frostbite. Furthermore, these hair protect the more sensitive portion of the ear from injury.
It is important to realize when your Husky is too cold
Huskies are meant to survive in cold weather conditions. But it is definitely possible for them to feel cold when the conditions are truly extreme. You can note some signs to see whether your dog is okay.
See whether your dog is shivering. If they are feeling very cold, you must take steps to make them comfortable. Get them inside the house and make them warm.
Huskies tend to run fast during walks. If they are walking slow, they may be feeling cold and trying to conserve heat. Occasionally, your Husky may also lift up a paw. If they do this, you just check whether there is ice between their pads.
Your Husky might also communicate their trouble with you by barking while maintaining eye contact. Huskies are very talkative and generally figure out how to express their problems.
Conclusion
Any Husky can feel cold in a certain environment. Huskies can tolerate temperatures as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit. But this tolerance is variable and is based on many different factors. Your Husky will have a different tolerance based on the environment it was raised in. Anyhow, you must not make your Husky sleep outside during the winter months. Elderly Huskies and puppies require additional care. Make sure that your dog is getting proper nutrition and sufficient exercise to brave cold temperatures.