06/06/2026
Many visitors and guests ask us why don’t we offer sled dog rides in the summer.
This is why.
Please be careful when excercising your dogs, and especially northern breeds in the summer.
Even on hikes, these dogs pull hard, they don’t walk slowly with a loose leash beside your feet. Make sure to carry plenty of water and offer it more often than you think your dog may need it.
Plan your route along creeks, lakes or rivers with access for your dog to go in and cool off. Many huskies who normally don’t like water, will surprise you by sudden interest to go in.
On longer walks and hikes we always carry some sort of electrolyte and/or lightly absorbed food for them to add a bit of minerals, salt and sugar into their bloodstream for support.
You can make a simple, inexpensive and effective electrolyte powder at home and put it into your dog’s water whenever needed.
If you would like to visit us during summer time, there are a lot of fun activities you can experience with our huskies: you can book a walk or wilderness hike or even a paddling adventure with them 😉🐕🐕☀️🌲
Be extremely careful when exercising your dogs in the summer!
Heatstroke in dogs is a life-threatening medical emergency. It occurs when a dog's body temperature rises above 104°F (40°C) and they cannot cool down. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, red gums, and collapse. Immediate cooling and emergency veterinary care are critical to prevent organ failure. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key Warning Signs
Watch for these indicators, as a dog's condition can deteriorate rapidly:
• Respiratory: Heavy, noisy panting and difficulty breathing.
• Physical: Body temperature of 104°F or higher, thick/sticky drool, and bright red or purple gums and tongue.
• Neurological/Behavioral: Confusion, stumbling, weakness, or collapse.
• Severe Complications: Vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), seizures, or unconsciousness. [1, 2, 3, 6, 7]
What to Do Immediately
If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, every second counts. Take these steps right away:
1. Move to a cool area: Get them out of the sun and into an air-conditioned room or vehicle.
2. Start cooling safely: Wet your dog with cool (not icy) water. Applying cold shock can cause blood vessels to constrict and actually trap heat in the core. Use a fan to circulate cool air over them.
3. Offer water: Place fresh drinking water in front of them. Do not force them to drink, as this can lead to choking or inhalation.
4. Go to the veterinarian: Heatstroke requires intensive critical care. Even if your dog seems to recover, internal damage (like kidney injury or shock) can occur later. Get them to the nearest emergency animal hospital immediately. [2, 5]
High-Risk Dogs
Some dogs are far more vulnerable to overheating than others:
• Brachycephalic breeds: Short-nosed dogs like Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs struggle to pant efficiently.
• Senior dogs and puppies: Their bodies have a harder time regulating temperature.
• Overweight dogs: Extra weight acts as insulation and makes their cardiovascular system work harder.
• Dogs with heavy or dark coats: They absorb and retain more heat. [11, 12, 13, 14, 15]
Learn more about keeping your pet safe from extreme temperatures through the RSPCA Heatstroke Guide or the PetMD Resource Center. [16]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/systemic/heatstroke-dogs
[2] https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/heatstroke-medical-emergency
[3] https://www.gsvs.org/staten-island-ny/blog/signs-heat-stroke-dogs-emergency/
[4] https://urgentvet.com/heat-stroke-in-dogs-signs-treatment-prevention/
[5] https://animalclinicmt.com/news/heat-stroke-in-dogs-what-you-need-to-know
[6] https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/heatstroke
[7] https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/learn-pet-first-aid/dog/heat-stroke
[8] https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/overheating-in-dogs
[9] https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/teaching-and-research/fact-files/heatstroke-in-dogs-and-cats
[10] https://zigly.com/blogs/all/signs-of-heatstroke-in-pets
[11] https://www.rosecityvets.com/news/heat-stroke-in-dogs-what-you-need-to-know
[12] https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=22915&catId=124655&id=8896657&ind=419&objTypeID=17
[13] https://bluepearlvet.com/hospital/irvine-ca/specialties-services/emergency-medicine/heatstroke-in-dogs/
[14] https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/heat-stroke-in-dogs/
[15] https://balmesvet.com/en/heatstroke-in-dogs/
[16] https://ergsy.com/information/how-can-i-ensure-pets-are-safe-during-heatwave