Can an Alaskan Malamute live in Orlando, Fl?

Question

My family is planing on moving to Orlando, Fl from Kansas City, Mo and the question on my mind is will my dog be alright in Orlando.

Answer 1

They are not warm climate dogs. It should be ok as an indoor dog that gets lots of exercise while in Florida though.

Answer 2

Yes, but not for long :)

j/k, but really, it's best to get a dog better suited to your environment than to fall in love with looks.  Malamutes are great, but he could easily fall prey to heat exhaustion and things heat related.  Not only are they very large, but their double coat is asking for trouble.  A dog can only pant to cool himself, remember; so if you really want one, be sure to supply ample air conditioning, cool water and even a place for him to dig to find cool dirt.

I live in Michigan, and my mother-in-law's Newfie has a hard enough time with summers here!

Answer 3

Yes.  You will have to do some special things for it.  Like have a kiddie pool to cool in, let the dog spend time in the house under the air conditioner or at least in a cool spot somewhere.  

Comb and brush him real often to take out the downy under coat fur as it comes loose.  Do not shave the dog!  You can have a groomer cut the hair short if you want but shaving will cause sunburns and more discomfort than it helps.  

My big husky would lay in the mud next to the pond under a tree, but he would not swim in the water.  You'd think he'd come home filthy but the guard hairs shed the mud really well.  If you have any concrete in the shade, it is good to lay on, wet it with cool water before it gets hot.  Also, just as pigs and buffalo like to wallow in a mud hole, you can create a 'dog-wallow' by finding a really shady spot and wetting it down and letting the dog dig in the dirt then lay there.  It doesn't have to be muddy-just damp so evaporation cools it.

Exercise early in the morning or late when it is cooler.  Expect him to be much lazier than he acts when it is cool.

Keep a close eye on your dog in hot weather, you'll know if he is suffering.

Good luck. Live well and do good.

Answer 4

Yes.  There is no reason the dog would not be ok in FL.  Make sure he always has shade and plenty of water.  Malamutes have thick coats and without these things could over heat.  If he looks uncomfortable, you might consider getting him a haircut.  Get him buzzed or something to alleviate some of the insulation.  Other than those things, he'll be a very happy puppy that you chose to bring him with.  It's always a sad situation when people move but don't bring their beloved pets.

Answer 5

my sister has malamutes in Arizona.  Just have shade or air conditioning for them.  Keep them well groomed.

Answer 6

Yes. Many people here in south florida have northern dogs. What I do (and many people I know) with our long haired dogs, is just get them groomed at like Petsmart or Petco. They get shaved buzz-cuts, almost like human guys get, and it makes their fur softer, shorter, when they shed all over your house you don't see any of it (not even on your clothes), they feel more comfortable and they actually even look better. Good luck to you and your mute!

Answer 7

Any dog can live anyway they are adjustable. It may take him awhile but he will adjust to the weather. Keep lots of water for him outside  

Answer 8

She should be fine. Just make sure you give her plenty of water while her body is making the adjustments. I'd be sure to watch for any signs of heat exhaustion both on your way there, and the first couple of months you live there.

Dogs are really like humans in that respect, if they're given enough time, they'll adjust to just about any temperature.

Although i'm sure a chihuahua in antarctica wouldn't work so well. =/

Answer 9

they can but rent isnt cheap !!!! actually they can live in a hot climate if you provide a wet area like a little wadding pool or something they can cool off in

Answer 10

It can.  His hair also insulates him from heat.  Try to squirt him down during the summer.  He will be a happy camper if you do.

Enjoy Orlando!

Answer 11

almost the same weather as Kansas not much difference

Answer 12

That is not the ideal state for a Mal to be honest. It is not just the heat but the humidity that is a problem for Mals. Mals still require 2 1/2h of daily exercise but that is simply not possible do do even during the night (still high humidity).  I have been spending time in Florida annually for 21 yrs now (and even though of emigrating) but with my Mals I would simply not do it. It is not a place for them to be comfortable in.

Answer 13

They could but it could be uncomfortable for them.

but there are ways to help. Dogs don't have any sweat glads which is why keeping a dog stuck in a car on a hot day can be deadly. You may need to keep your dogs hair trimmed shorter to help get rid of their thick coat which insulates them. Also making sure they have plenty of water and shade.

If its an indoor dog...that would work better b/c inside the house can usually be cooler especially if you have an A/C.

Some people will hose their dogs off on really hot days or give them a kiddy pool to go in... Both are great ideas but if your dogs ears get all wet make sure you dry them off with a towel. Water can get stuck deep inside a dogs ear causing ear infection and attracting mites and yeast b/c it is damp and moist. Dogs with floppy ears have are more likely to get this.

Answer 14

I don't see why not...Just get him groomed more often