Articles

Hiking In The Mountains With Your Dog: Be Prepared For These Imminent Dangers

Have you ever noticed while hiking or simply walking your dog there are great dangers in the great outdoors? These dangers may cause injury or even be fatal to your dog. To avoid these dangers one must be simply knowledgeable of the route and the terrain you will be traveling on. This will also make it so you can avoid certain areas that are known to be hazardous.

Mountain Lookouts & Dangerous Cliffs

Where do most people go to see some of the most beautiful views and sceneries? Well the mountains of course. What a great experience for you and your dog to share. However, when ever there are mountains there are numerous dangers. Such as dangerous levels of heights and drop offs.

Most dogs have absolutely no fear of heights. Ignorance is truly bliss when it comes to this kind of outdoor danger because a dog will literally walk along the side of a mile high cliff without one bit of concern of falling. And once they begin to slip away and lose their footing there is very little that they can do in order to stop themselves from going over the side. Also, many areas along the edges of the cliffs may be hidden by snow covering which makes it easier for a dog to make a fatal mistake.

High Altitudes

In addition to the risks of falling over the edges of cliffs and scenery lookouts, hiking with your dog in the mountains brings with it the danger of high altitudes. Many older dogs have an extremely hard time breathing when in higher altitudes which can result in death. Health concerns due to high altitudes is also a factor for dogs that have lung problems, heart problems, or if they are a brachycephalic breed (short nose).

As the altitude reaches higher levels, there is less and less oxygen available for breathing. If your dog's body is not acclimated than he or she may get shortness of breath or even altitude sickness. And keep in mind that If you are hiking with your dog on a hot day and start from a low altitude, both of you may not be prepared for the cold temperatures when you finally reach the peak of your mountain.