[LoveMyBoy]

Hello to all! I did a search about running with my boy and found some very useful info, thanks!...Still a little too soon! However, we are itching to do some mountain climbing this early spring and would LOVE to take Gus with us and get him really acclimated with the outdoor lifestyle (we want winter to be over!!).

We plan on hiking/climbing Mt Adams in a couple of months so Gus will be about 9 - 10 months. It wont be too strenuous on us humans. Its a steady 3.4 mile ascent from the trail head of 5,600 ft to the summit of 12,300 ft.  We will set up camp and make it a two day hike. But after about 8,000 ft, some people can experience altitude sickness which can lead to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE)...(happens in serious cases.)  We have been to about 10,000 ft and you can notice a difference for sure, but I am wondering if anyone knows about dogs and altitude? I am assuming they can experience this as well...

If anyone has any insight on how to approach this, I would really appreciate it. Has anyone taken their baby up that high? I just want to make sure we don't push him too early...I am extremely paranoid of any kind of cardiovascular issues in boxers since I have heard such horror stories.

We just want to get out and enjoy the beautiful Cascade mountain range with out boy!

 

[Donya]

hmmm i really dont know but im sure someone else will. I would think tho, as with all things, you would start slow and work up to a bigger mountain (if it is ok..i dont know about if dogs should climb mountains)...maybe take him hiking on less strenuous trails slowly and then progress to bigger hills/mountains etc as he gets older and see how he does? Ask the vet in your area too because since he is in that geographical terrain im sure he/she will know if dogs can suffer from this too. What i would be really worried about at that age, if the work is strenuous, is him tearing something like ACL.

 

[samsonsmom]

We never took ours hiking at altitude, but I think you would want to be VERY cautious and maybe start off with some short hikes to see how it goes..With those broad chests & short noses, breathing could be difficult and it wouldn't be good if you got up high and Gus was in distress...I think like any other form of exercise that we do, start slow and work your way up and see how it goes..Plenty of hydration and good breaks as well

 

[LoveMyBoy]

Thanks! Yes plenty of mini-hikes to test his endurance. My main concern is the overall effect of the altitude. There is not much research on it.

Thanks again

 

[maplesfolks]

me and my husband go to grand canyon every year the camp site is at 8,000' and we see dogs there all the time (but for some reason they are not allowed on the trails) never the less, don't know if that helps  8O

 

[Mastray]

We never took ours hiking at altitude, but I think you would want to be VERY cautious and maybe start off with some short hikes to see how it goes..With those broad chests & short noses, breathing could be difficult and it wouldn't be good if you got up high and Gus was in distress...I think like any other form of exercise that we do, start slow and work your way up and see how it goes..Plenty of hydration and good breaks as well

I'm gonna go with that!

 

[Barbs2Ks]

I agree with Willow's comment about starting slow and Donya's idea about talking to vets in the area where you want to hike to see if they have any information to add.