I’m planing to hike the CT in 2-3 years with my two siberian huskys… They are use to carrying their own packs and hiking for a couple weeks at a time. I was just wondering if anyone has any info on dogs getting altitude sickness or if there are signs to look for in a dog. We have never hiked for any distance at the CTs elevation…
NYDog
Are you aware that dogs (other than service animals) are not be allowed in any of the National Parks through which you will pass?
Fines can be high and you and your animals could find yourself forceably evicted and dumped on the road outside the park, miles from the CDT or any other trail. I’ve seen it happen before. :eek:
You can take the CDT alternate route to avoid Rocky Mtn NP easily enough, but not so with Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier.
Wandering Bob
OOPS!
CT - not CDT. Mea culpa. Ignore prior post. No National Parks along the CT (yet).
Wandering Bob
Thanks Bob… I know dogs aren’t allowed in most national parks… I’m more concerened with the altitude along the trail. I’m from NY and our highest peak doesnt come close to the average elevation of the CT…
NYDog
We took out husky mutt on the CT last year. He did fine. We took him up two 14teeners, he just was a little tired above 13,000 once we were back down he was fine.
hiker
Here’s a good article on human acclimatization to high altitude: http://www.elbrus.org/eng1/high_altitude1.htm
"Start out sleeping at altitudes below 10,000 feet and spend two to three nights there before going higher. For every 2,000 to 3,000 feet gained, plan to spend an extra night acclimatizing to the new altitude.
“Climb high and sleep low. It is best not to increase the sleeping altitude by more then 2,000 feet at a time. Set up camp at lower elevations and take day trips to high points. Ferry loads up to a high camp and then return to the low camp to sleep as you acclimatize.”
This same acclimatization regimen should work for dogs, too. Hydration is also extremely important. However, the high-carb diet recommended for humans may not be the best thing for your dog.
grannyhiker
Here’s a good article on human acclimatization to high altitude: http://www.elbrus.org/eng1/high_altitude1.htm
"Start out sleeping at altitudes below 10,000 feet and spend two to three nights there before going higher. For every 2,000 to 3,000 feet gained, plan to spend an extra night acclimatizing to the new altitude.
“Climb high and sleep low. It is best not to increase the sleeping altitude by more then 2,000 feet at a time. Set up camp at lower elevations and take day trips to high points. Ferry loads up to a high camp and then return to the low camp to sleep as you acclimatize.”
This same acclimatization regimen should work for dogs, too. Hydration is also extremely important. However, the high-carb diet recommended for humans may not be the best thing for your dog.
grannyhiker
Awesome! Thanks for all the info. I’m sure I’ll have more questions as the time gets closer. This was definitley my biggest concern for now… Thanks again!
NYDog