Hey there, fellow dog lover! If you’re planning a mountain adventure with your pup—whether it’s hiking near Colorado’s Mount Elbert or exploring Breckenridge’s trails—you might be wondering: Can dogs even get altitude sickness? Spoiler: Yep, they can. And if you’ve ever felt lightheaded after driving up Pikes Peak, you know it’s no joke. At Paws & Peaks, we’ve helped tons of Colorado pet owners (and their furry pals) tackle high-altitude challenges. In this guide, you’ll learn how to spot altitude sickness in dogs, prevent it before it ruins your trip, and handle it like a pro if things go sideways. Let’s make sure your pup stays as stoked as you are for those mountain views!

What Altitude Sickness Looks Like in Dogs

Imagine your golden retriever, Max, bounding through Aspen’s trails one minute—then suddenly flopping down, panting like he just ran a marathon. That’s a red flag. Dogs can’t tell us they’re dizzy, so watch for:

• Excessive drooling or vomiting (not just the usual “I ate snow” kind)
• Acting super tired when they’re normally energetic
• Stumbling or seeming confused, like they forgot how to walk

Smaller dogs or breeds like bulldogs (with their smooshed faces) often struggle more. Last summer, a client’s pug, Bella, started wheezing halfway up Loveland Pass. They turned around immediately—smart move.

Preventing Problems Before the Trailhead

Altitude sickness sneaks up fast. Here’s how to outsmart it:

• Go slow. If you’re driving from Denver to Leadville, take breaks every 1-2 hours. Let your dog’s body adjust.
• Hydrate like it’s your job. Bring a collapsible bowl and offer water often. Pro tip: Add a splash of low-sodium broth to keep them interested.
• Watch the weather. Colorado’s mountain forecasts change fast. Sudden cold or storms can stress your pup.

Paws & Peaks’ local guides always pack extra water and a doggy first-aid kit. One client even brings their dog’s favorite blanket—familiar smells reduce stress.

“Oh No, My Dog’s Sick!”—What to Do Next

Say you’re near Vail, and your border collie, Scout, starts acting off. Don’t panic, but don’t wait it out.

• Head downhill ASAP. Even 1,000 feet can make a difference.
• Keep them warm and calm. Wrap them in a jacket (yes, they make heated ones for dogs).
• Call a vet. Colorado has clinics in most mountain towns. Save the nearest number in your phone.

Last winter, a husky named Luna got sick at 12,000 feet. Her owner carried her partway down, gave her water, and met a vet in Frisco. Luna bounced back in a day!

Myths That Could Put Your Dog in Danger

Let’s bust some bad advice we’ve heard around Boulder’s dog parks:

• “Dogs can handle altitude better than people.” Nope! They feel it just as much—they’re just tougher at hiding pain.
• “Let them eat snow for hydration.” Snow lowers body temperature. Stick to liquid water.
• “Puppies are fine if they’re active.” Young dogs are actually more at risk. Their bodies are still developing.

A Paws & Peaks employee once met a couple who thought their Great Dane “just needed a nap” at 14,000 feet. Turns out, he needed oxygen—fast.

Final Thoughts: Altitude sickness doesn’t have to wreck your Rocky Mountain adventure. Watch for weird behavior, take it slow, and always have a backup plan. Most dogs bounce back quickly if you act fast. At Paws & Peaks, we’re all about keeping Colorado pups safe while they explore—because every dog deserves to feel the joy of summiting their first 14er (even if it’s just a couch mountain at home afterward). Got questions? Our team’s full of mountain-loving dog nerds. Hit us up anytime!