This is not my normal topic or niche to blog about, however as I scrolled through Instagram this morning I saw one thing that always makes me cringe:
A SHAVED Husky
So I am breaking from my normal motherhood/ DIY “broadcasting schedule” to provide a hopefully informative PSA about how to keep your husky cool this summer and why you should NEVER shave a husky. After all my Moana (our husky) is really my third baby so maybe it isn’t too off topic after all…
In my experience people tend to believe huskies are solely meant for the snow dog lifestyle and many people believe that shaving them is not only the kind thing to do in a warmer climate, but also necessary. I live in Texas. It is hot in Texas, extremely hot (especially during the summer). I own a husky and yet I would never shave her and not just because I’m not a fan of lion cuts.
In reality a husky’s coat is extremely important and plays an integral role in protecting them from elements both hot and cold in multiple ways.
UV Protection
The outer layer of a husky’s coat consists of guard hairs which, among other things, help deflect UV sunlight. Huskies have very little pigmentation in their skin so they have next to no protection from the sun once their coat is removed. Exposing your husky’s skin to the sun can lead to everything from severe sunburns to skin cancer.
Built in A.C.
Okay so it isn’t anywhere near as effective as the A.C. in our homes, but the breed’s double coat DOES actually cool them down as well. Their hollow undercoat hairs act as insulation and a well groomed husky coat will allow airflow to reach the skin, keeping them cool. Also remember dogs do not sweat through their skin to release heat from their skin, unlike humans, so removing their fur is nothing like removing a sweatshirt on a hot day. In fact the risk of heatstroke INCREASES for double coated breeds if they are shaved.
Shaving Can Irreparably Damage Their Coat
If you own a husky you know they shed A LOT. Every time our Moana blows her coat we always kid that she is trying to clone herself because there seems to be a never ending supply of hair. However all of those hairs she is shedding are part of her undercoat while the guard hairs remain intact. Post- shaving the guard hairs and the undercoat may never mesh as well as they did originally, putting your dog more at risk for future issues.
What You Can Do to Beat the Heat
Obviously huskies do tend to do better in a cool weather environment and if you choose to own a husky in warmer environments there are a few things you can do to keep your fur baby happy, healthy, and heat-free.
Keep Them Inside
Our husky is an indoor dog all-year round, but in the summer she is far more comfortable inside than out for the majority of the day. If you plan to buy a husky in an environment like Texas it is important to realize that they will not do well outside for a good portion of the year, so if you are looking for an outdoor dog maybe reconsider the breed.
Also remember anytime you board your pet you need to check the accommodations and make sure they are suitable. Last year we went on a vacation in the summer and I hunted until I found a boarding place with amazing AC to keep her cool and comfortable.
Walk Before and After Sundown
During our atrocious summers we only take our girl for walks after the sun comes up or after it goes down. Honestly I can barely stand the heat during peak hours, so I know it would be even harder on her.
Provide Shade
I’m pretty sure our husky would go stir crazy if she could only be inside all day. So we do let her out and in as she wishes. We have a patio we keep covered to ensure that when she does want to be outside she has some shade to lie in.
Water, Water, Water
For some reason we haven’t replaced our dog bowl with one of those gigantic ones that looks like an office water dispenser meaning we fill up her bowl probably over 20 times a day. Just like in humans being dehydrated can up the chances of heatstroke and other heat-related complications so be sure to keep them well-watered.
Despite the opinions of some, my husky has thrived in Texas as her parents did before. However I will say that it may not be the easiest breed to have here if you aren’t able to spend the time walking them or if you don’t have the ability to leave them in an air-conditioned space. In my opinion the playful nature of our Moana as well as how amazing she is with the kids far outweighs any potential “extra” work we may have to put in on these long summer days.
