Cross Breeds

Is the heat of Las Vegas too much for my dogs?

My husband and I are living in Michigan and two of our dogs love the cold weather (We have a Siberian Husky and an Alaskan Klee kai) My husband was offered a job in the Las Vegas area and we are thinking of him taking it. The only problem we have is that we think it might be too hot for the dogs out there. They LOVE to be indoors most of the time anyway, but I can't help but worry about the heat there. We are originally from California but decided to move to MIchigan for a little while (some relatives live here) One of the main reasons moving to Michigan was so the dogs could have snow. I don't want to move if the dogs will be miserable. Do you have any advice on what to do? Or do any of you husky owners live in Vegas? My dogs are outside a lot. They love to play in the backyard and go for walks, to parks, etc. I just meant they would prefer to be indoors more then outside :o) Thanks for the all the great answers. We would for sure have good air conditioning. Also the idea about the cool mat is a wonderful idea! I had my Klee Kai for about 3 years in California and the Siberian Husky was not even a year old when we moved. They didn't mind the heat, but it never got that bad as I know vegas can get :o) Also, my husband works from home now and if we moved to vegas he would be doing the same thing he is now, only working in an office and making more money that way. I would not mind leaving Michigan at all. I dont' care for it much here at all. I do love that my parents are here, and I love the snow, but I do miss California so much and that's another concern I have about moving to Vegas. I wanted to get back to California. Although it would be a much faster road trip from Vegas to California then MIchigan to California!!!

Public Comments

1. Since they are mostly "indoor" dogs, they should be ok. it might take a little time for the adjustment, but shouldn't be so critical as to think the move would be dangerous for them. Just make sure they stay cool and hydrated.
2. i think it will be a little hot for them but i dont think it will affect them that much.
3. for those breeds i think it would be to hot, remember they cant stay indoors all the time.
4. my husky did fine in very hot weather. .like your dogs,he was mainly an indoor dog so when it just got very humid,he was definately indoors. make sure u have air conditioning and you can buy a mat from the pet store that stays very cold for hot outdoor temperature, so he can lay on it and keep cool.
5. They can live there. Keep their coats groomed. Because thick fur can keep in heat. I don't know how happy they will be. They will probably adjust. I wouldn't walk them for long periods, and get a good air conditioner. Only problem you might have is a blackout. Because we suffer enough in the heat-and they are used to snow/cooler weather now. If you think you would be happier in Las Vegas. Or this is a job your husband really wants, I'd try it. At the same time-they are now used to snow, so if they are cooped in the house or hot all the time it may take awhile. How were they in California?
6. Its very sweet of you to care so much about your dogs. I think it would be a big adjustment for them, but if they are in the air conditioning and your husband has a good job offer, then you really can't let the dogs be the decision making factor. I love my dogs very much, we moved three years ago, just to a different house, and one of them had to come to work with me for two weeks before I could leave her here alone. She was a nervous wreck, she is just fine now. I am sure your dogs will be too. If this isn't something YOU want to do though, let your husband know and discuss it with him, I somehow get the feeling you may not want to leave Michigan and the snow, I wouldn't!!! Does your husband need to take this job or are you guys doing ok where you are? Just curious. Good luck.
7. I live in Texas and there are two Huskies (literally) down the street from me. They wandered away from home and ended up staying at my place for a day (I didn't know the owners and the vet was closed at the time, they were returned soon and safely) that loved chilling out inside. Try having very large bowls or buckets outside full of water, and maybe even a baby pool if they really like water. I had a outdoor pom when I was young and he loved when we'd fill the little pit he'd dug with water. He would get super messy, but the mud baths cooled him off. If you are really worried about them being outdoors you could even set up a fan.
8. The 2 dogs have their coats that keeps them warm but also acts a cooler. So DO NOT shave them at all. If they are indoors and you have air conditioning great but if not then perhaps invest in one. As mentioned there are cooling mats or beds you can buy for them. And you also do what I do with my dogs. I bought them a kiddie pool big enough for the 2 to sit in. Have out in the yard and make sure its filled up and when it gets all dirty just empty and refill it. My dogs love to drink from it as well sit in it to cool off.
9. Everyone is correct in saying that the cooling mats are great ideas as is the airconditioning. Also put a kiddy pool and keep it filled with water, cooling the water occasionally either with fresh water or ice cubes. If they feel they are getting overheated they will climb in and cool off on their own. Also plan on all the heavy excersises like running or long walks for very early AM or late PM when things have cooled down a bit. They won't do any more than they can handle in the heat. And for sure do not shave them. Their coats are insulation from both the cold and the heat. Dogs like people are adaptable. At least my 8 AKK seem to be...