Hiking at Elevation with Your Dog

You will find many hikes at higher elevation that can take you and your dog above the tree line for some gorgeous views. These hikes can be very accessible to you if you pay attention to how you and your dog are feeling as you ascend.

Altitude sickness happens when the body has less oxygen at higher elevations. Symptoms can be headaches, dizziness, nausea and in extreme cases, heart palpitations. Since dogs are also taking in less oxygen as they climb higher, they may also show some signs when hiking at higher elevations. If you are normally used to living at sea level you may be more prone to the effects of altitude sickness.

Here are some things to make hiking higher up the trail possible.

1) Make sure you have enough water available for you and your dog. Higher elevation increases the demand on your body to be hydrated. Drinking lots of water can decrease the chance of getting altitude sickness. You may want to go without taking much water because it is heavy to carry, but don’t skimp on the water supply. Bring lots for you and your dog especially if it is a warm day. The more energy you exert, the more water you need to drink.

2) Take it easy. Slow and steady wins the race at higher elevations. Charging up a mountain can lead to exhaustion by the time you reach the top. Then you will find yourself too tired to come down safely. Most accidents happen on descents for just this reason. Take plenty of rest breaks and have your dog do the same.

3) Take the switchbacks. These are the zigzagging parts of the trail that get you steadily higher up the slope. There is often an urge to just go straight up the side of the mountain and bypass all this back and forth stuff, but resist it. Going straight up will tire you and your dog out a lot faster and make you more prone to suffering the effects of altitude sickness.

4) Pay attention to your dog . If your dog is panting heavily, visibly slowing down and not wanting to go any further, head back down. Your dog may be feeling the effects of the elevation and continuing up may make her feel worse. All dogs react differently, so pay attention and know when your dog seems to be not just right.

5) Pay attention to your own body. If you start to get a headache, drink more water. If you start to feel dizzy or nauseous, rest and drink more water. If you do not feel any better after this, it may be time to turn around. If you get heart palpitations from going higher up the trail turn back. Everyone reacts differently to elevation gain and you will learn what your body can handle.