I have an older house so we have oak floors, I have had no trouble with the dogs scratching them. I am not sure of the laminate. One thing is that it can't be re-finished too often because of it being so thin. I wouldn't think the dry air would bother hard wood floors, your wood furniture is okay right? And you keep your house livable as far as temperature. I know the heat and dry can do damage on some things, but look into it more before you decided.
I was warned that in Florida you shouldn't have wood floors because of moisture and termites....I couldn't tell you how many homes here have them and no troubles at all. Ours are over 40 years old and in excellent condition.