Can Samoyeds Live In Hot Weather?

Summer is a concerning time for pet owners everywhere, but for Samoyed owners in particular. Your dog might be great at handling cold weather, but what about hot weather? A Samoyed can live in hot weather, however, extra care must be taken in the summertime in a warm climate. 

Samoyeds are gorgeous dogs, so, there are many people that want to keep one as a pet, but don’t happen to live in cold places.  

The luxurious coat of the Samoyed is thick and consists of two layers. There is a dense undercoat and a layer of fur above this called the top coat. However, just because your Sammy can adapt to a hotter temperature doesn’t mean that you have nothing to worry about. 

Because Samoyeds are built for cooler weather, their owners have to look out for signs of dehydration, overheating, and overexertion. But, so long as you keep an eye on your white fluffy Sammy to make sure they don’t overheat when it gets too hot, you don’t need snow or ice to have a Samoyed!

What makes a Samoyed a bit more unique than most other double-coated breeds is that they have bright, white fur. This means the rays from the sun reflect off the top coat and don’t penetrate the skin!

samoyed in hot weather

Related Reading: A Quick Guide On Dog Care & Health

What Temperatures Can a Samoyed Live in? 

The ideal climate for a Samoyed would be the climate in which they were originally bred; the cold winters of the northern regions. While all climates may not be suitable for Samoyeds, they have learned to adapt themselves to any kind of weather.

As long as your Samoyed has plenty of air circulation, access to shade, and cold fresh drinking water, it will likely be fine up to 32°Celsius. Anything above this will start to become too hot and will likely cause illness or heat stroke. However, If your Samoyed is staying inside with the AC turned on, then there is no problem with warm weather.

An area where your Samoyed is in constant sunlight with no shade is not a great place to raise these dogs. Even if they are being raised in a hot climate, they need enough shade to be able to cool themselves off.

Signs to Look Out For in Your Samoyed 

Samoyeds can live in tropical climates and live a happy, healthy, and full life. However, pet owners still need to make sure that they do not overheat or dehydrate.

If your Samoyed inadvertently spends a little too long in the sun, it’s good to be aware of the specific signs and symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke. 

The most common signs of dehydration and heatstroke in Samoyeds are:

  • Lethargy and reduced energy levels
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble standing up
  • Weakness and increased heart rate
  • Loss of skin elasticity
  • Trouble walking straight
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Very sticky saliva
  • Excessive panting
  • Excessive thirst and drooling
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Bright red gums

If you notice any of these symptoms coinciding with your Samoyed spending too long in the sun, then it’s important to act quickly. Take your dog to a cooler location, preferably in AC, and ensure that it drinks an ample quantity of water.

In addition, it’s a good idea to speak to your vet for guidance over the phone. 

How to Take Care of a Samoyed in Hot Weather

As a caring dog parent, you are responsible for taking care of your Samoyed and keeping it safe and happy. Here are a few best ways to keep your Samoyed cool:

Avoid the midday sun

During the hottest part of the day, typically between 12 pm – 4 pm, make sure your Samoyed stays indoors and out of the sun, if they do have to be outside. Avoid taking your dog for a walk during this (hottest) period of the day.

Watch your Sammy’s paws

The pads on your Samoyed’s paws are susceptible to heat. They can burn if the pavement is too hot. When you’re outside, try to be conscious of where your Samoyed is walking. Keep your pet on grass or in the shade as much as possible.

Exercise your Samoyed at the right time of the day

The only way to safely exercise your Samoyed in hot climates is by taking it out early in the morning and later in the evening. When taking your Samoyed out on walks, it’s important to bring ample fresh water for your furry pal.

Keep your Samoyed hydrated

Staying properly hydrated is important for your Samoyed to regulate its body temperature. Your Samoyed should have an extra-large water bowl in hot climates, particularly if you leave your dog alone for extended periods.

This will keep them hydrated and stop their internal temperature from rising too quickly. A great way to keep water cool in hot weather is to fill their water bowl with ice cubes! This is still necessary when your dog will be inside all day in the air conditioning.

Give them enough space 

Giving your Samoyed enough space to lie down and stretch in hot weather is important. Don’t put them in crates or small areas where they don’t have enough space to move. They will overheat very quickly.

On the super-hot days, it may just be better to keep your Samoyed indoors with the AC blasting.

If you think your Samoyed has overheated, use wet towels to cool them down. Ideally, an overheated or dehydrated Samoyed should be looked at by your vet as soon as possible.

Should I Shave My Samoyed During Summer?

Samoyeds’ thick double-layered coat actually helps them regulate their body temperature. Their white coat protects against harsh UV rays and direct heat. The white hairs reflect light preventing it from reaching their skin.

If you shave your double-coated Samoyed, you are removing its natural protective layers and this can be damaging for your dog. Cutting or shaving your Samoyed’s coat will completely ruin its ability to control its body temperature. Sammy’s skin would be exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Moreover, the texture of a double-coated dog will change once you shave it down.

Maintaining Sammy’s coat won’t be tough if you give them a healthy diet and groom regularly. Daily brushing your Samoyed will remove dead hair and prevent mats and tangles. 

Breeds That Thrive in Hot Weather

A dog’s physical appearance and build can tell you a lot about how well it can handle the heat. Dogs that can easily tolerate hot climates have short hair, no hair, or a single coat.

  • Chihuahua
  • Chinese Crested
  • Afghan Hound
  • Airedale Terrier
  • Great Dane
  • German Shorthaired Pointer
  • Greyhound
  • Australian Cattle Dog
  • Beagle
  • American Water Spaniel
  • Xoloitzcuintli

Even though some breeds are more warm-weather tolerant than others, all dogs require basic safety precautions, as outlined above, on hot days to avoid heatstroke.

Final Thoughts

Samoyeds can absolutely live in hot weather. Although they are known for thriving in cooler conditions, Samoyeds are an incredibly adaptable breed. With a little care and a helping (cooling) hand, your Sammy will have no problem living in hot weather.

If you can give your Samoyed proper care, by implementing the tips above, it will be just fine in hot climates. So if you’re planning to raise a Samoyed and you live somewhere hot, make sure that there’s a lot of shade for them to take a rest in. 

Your Samoyeds deserve only the best!

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.