Question about high altitudes for little dogs

[exportman]

We have always had small dogs, the last 2 who, sadly for us, aged out after 17 years. Neither of these little pals at 9 and 10 pounds ever had a problem at really high elevations such as over 9,000 feet. We just got a tiny Yorkie about 5.5 pounds and we are wondering if such high elevations would create too much pressure on him. Any advice or personal experiences would be so much appreciated.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

BCSnob wrote:

Deb and Ed wrote:
As someone who would spend a week skiing at Copper Mountain (base 9k ft) - the first 5 days were torture (but bliss from a skiing standpoint!) and just about the time my body finally was getting used to the altitude, it was time to leave... I would assume a dog acclimatizes to the lack of oxygen in about the same time frame?

I too have spent time skiing in summit county (3weeks a year for couple of decades in Breckinridge) and have had to deal with those first few days. I’m planning on being back in that area with Lee this fall for our sheep dog finals in Carbondale CO. I need to make sure both Lee and I are fit before going.

Bring oxygen. LOL! The thing I remember the most was the burning muscles - I'd ski about 200 yards and have to stop for a moment to catch my breath and let the pain subside. (The sensible part of my brain was asking why I was torturing myself; and the "fun" side of my brain was shrieking "This is awesome!!!!) I can only imagine what Lee would feel without a little getting used to the altitude....

[BCSnob]

Deb and Ed wrote:
As someone who would spend a week skiing at Copper Mountain (base 9k ft) - the first 5 days were torture (but bliss from a skiing standpoint!) and just about the time my body finally was getting used to the altitude, it was time to leave... I would assume a dog acclimatizes to the lack of oxygen in about the same time frame?

I too have spent time skiing in summit county (3weeks a year for couple of decades in Breckinridge) and have had to deal with those first few days. I’m planning on being back in that area with Lee this fall for our sheep dog finals in Carbondale CO. I need to make sure both Lee and I are fit before going.

[richclover]

exportman wrote:
hi Richclover
thanks for the response. Great info. Anytime we might be at such a really high elevation we would be climbing over a high road to get to an elevation a lot lower than 10,000 feet and at that including finding an rv park or campground at a more comfortable and workable elevation with a generator.
Nice response and thanks for what you have done for rescue dogs.The most beautiful dogs we ever had were rescue buddys

Glad to help! Our Aussie Shepherd was adopted from a co. animal shelter a couple of days before he was to be put down. He gave us 12 years of unconditional love.

Buddy, a stray Border Collie mix, was adopted from a county shelter. Bitsy, a mini Aussie Shepherd, was an owner surrender. After a year they are family.

As others have said if you live at a low altitude you will feel the change up high. Our house is 7020’ above sea level, so we and the pups are better suited.

Bottom line, if you aren’t feeling good neither are your dogs.

[doxiemom11]

What I personally have problems with at elevations above 6,000 feet is my ears. Drinking, swallowing etc does not make them pop and the pressure in my ears/head is not relieved until I am back to around 4,500 ft. So, I don't go higher than 6,000 for very long - I can breathe just fine. Don't know if certain pets could have a quirk like that or not.

[exportman]

Thanks so much everybody for the replies. All good news.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

We took our dogs up to the top of Mt Evans (12k ft) one trip - as Michigan "Flatlanders", we all suffered from the lack of oxygen; and all of us were moving pretty slow. I doubt you would be able to exceed your dog's aerobic capabilities. And if you hang around high mountain passes long enough, Altitude Sickness will catch up to you and you'll WANT to get to a lower altitude. I don't know if dogs can get splitting headaches - but humans sure do. As someone who would spend a week skiing at Copper Mountain (base 9k ft) - the first 5 days were torture (but bliss from a skiing standpoint!) and just about the time my body finally was getting used to the altitude, it was time to leave... I would assume a dog acclimatizes to the lack of oxygen in about the same time frame?

[HadEnough]

Johno02 wrote:
If you can breathe, they can. If not, all of you are in trouble.

That's pretty much it. Lol

[valhalla360]

If they are healthy, shouldn't be an issue.

If they are old and have cardio pulmonary issues, probably not a good idea.

How quick you change altitude does have an impact also as the body adapts.

[Johno02]

If you can breathe, they can. If not, all of you are in trouble.

[exportman]

hi Richclover
thanks for the response. Great info. Anytime we might be at such a really high elevation we would be climbing over a high road to get to an elevation a lot lower than 10,000 feet and at that including finding an rv park or campground at a more comfortable and workable elevation with a generator.
Nice response and thanks for what you have done for rescue dogs.The most beautiful dogs we ever had were rescue buddys

[Bionic_Man]

I grew up with little dogs. Folks took them caping with us all the time, often at high altitude (above 9,000', sometimes above 10,000'). Never had an issue.

[richclover]

exportman wrote:
We have always had small dogs, the last 2 who, sadly for us, aged out after 17 years. Neither of these little pals at 9 and 10 pounds ever had a problem at really high elevations such as over 9,000 feet. We just got a tiny Yorkie about 5.5 pounds and we are wondering if such high elevations would create too much pressure on him. Any advice or personal experiences would be so much appreciated.

Wife and I live at about 7000’. We have flown rescued dogs for PilotsNPaws. The FAA mandates supplemental oxygen above 12,500’, so we kept those dogs, and ours, lower. Never a problem.

Our adopted mini Aussie girl and Border Collie mix boy are happy campers hiking in the mountains up to 10,000’.

[Old-Biscuit]

Higher the altitude the LESS pressure

Also less O2 content

But really shouldn't be an issue with your little dog