Siberian Huskies, bred for cold climates, face significant welfare challenges in tropical environments. To investigate how owners perceive and manage this, Veríssimo et al. (2023) conducted an online survey with 624 Brazilian Husky owners.
The study found that most owners viewed Huskies as low-heat-tolerant animals. Many reported seeing heat defense behaviors, such as panting and seeking shade, and responded by walking their dogs during early mornings, late afternoons, or at night when temperatures were lower. Solar radiation was cited as the main factor guiding walk times.
However, not all owners could adapt. Those who walked their dogs at midday explained that time availability dictated their choice, highlighting a welfare risk when schedules conflict with dogs’ needs. While owner awareness generally translated into positive adjustments, the study stressed that managing the thermal environment is essential to safeguard the health of heat-sensitive breeds like Huskies.
Source: Veríssimo, T. N. S., Saraiva, E. P., Sant’anna, A. C., Loureiro, B. A., Nascimento, P. V., Anjos Lima, L. A., Maia, M. I. L., Morais, L. K. C., Santos, S. G. C. G., Lima, E. H. S., & Fonsêca, V. (2023). Heat Tolerance of Siberian Husky Dogs Living in Brazil: A Case Study on the Perceptions and Attitudes of Their Owners. Animals, 13. Published August 31, 2023.
