Welcome to the Mile High City (and Beyond)
Congratulations on your move to beautiful Colorado! Whether you’re settling into Denver at 5,280 feet or venturing higher into the mountains, you’re in for incredible outdoor adventures with your four-legged companion. But before you hit the trails, there’s something important every new Colorado pet parent needs to understand: altitude affects our pets just as it affects us.
Dogs experience physiological reactions to high altitude similar to what humans experience, and the effects can begin at elevations as low as 8,000 feet—a height many Coloradans regularly reach on weekend hikes or mountain town visits.
Understanding Altitude and Your Pet
At higher elevations, the air contains less oxygen. This decreased oxygen availability means your dog’s body has to work harder to maintain normal functions, particularly during physical activity. While Colorado’s stunning mountain scenery is calling, it’s crucial to help your pet acclimate properly to avoid altitude sickness.
Just like humans, pets can start experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness at elevations above 8,000 feet, though the exact threshold varies depending on the dog’s individual health, breed, and acclimation level.
Recognizing Altitude Sickness in Dogs
Watch for these warning signs:
Common symptoms of altitude sickness in dogs include excessive panting, increased thirst, vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, decreased appetite, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or collapse.
Additional signs include:
- Heavier panting than normal for the activity level
- Excessive drooling
- Increased pulse rate
- Pale or bluish gums
- Refusal to move or continue walking
- Restlessness or anxiety
In extreme cases, dogs can develop pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), especially if they’re overly active at high elevations before acclimating.
The Acclimation Process
The good news? Dogs can successfully acclimate to high elevations with proper preparation and gradual exposure.
Timeline for acclimation:
- Short-term trips: Dogs may start acclimating within a few days of arriving at higher altitudes
- Long-term stays: Full acclimation can take 1-3 weeks, depending on the altitude and your dog’s health
Best practices for helping your dog acclimate:
- Gradual ascent is key: If you’re driving to high altitude with your dog, stop every few thousand feet for short 5-10 minute acclimation walks. If possible, spend your first night in Colorado at a lower elevation (like Denver) before heading to higher mountain towns.
- Start slow: When first arriving at altitude, limit the amount and intensity of physical activity, allowing your dog’s body time to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. Those 14er hikes can wait a week or two!
- Hydration is critical: Dogs require at least 1.5 times more water at high altitude than at sea level. At altitude, dehydration happens faster, and dogs don’t always drink in response to dehydration, so offering water frequently is essential.
- Watch the weather: Colorado’s weather can change rapidly, especially in the mountains. Temperature extremes at altitude can compound the effects of reduced oxygen.
Special Considerations for Different Dogs
Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds: Breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pekingese should be closely monitored at altitude as they’re already prone to breathing problems that can be significantly worsened at higher elevations.
Dogs with pre-existing conditions: Dogs with heart conditions or heart murmurs should NOT go on high-altitude hikes, as the reduced oxygen puts additional strain on their cardiovascular system.
Senior and young dogs: Older dogs and puppies may need more time to acclimate and should be watched carefully for signs of distress.
Hydration: Your Dog’s Best Friend at Altitude
Let’s talk more about water because it’s that important. Colorado’s dry climate combined with altitude means dogs dehydrate much faster than they would at lower elevations.
Hydration tips:
- A good rule of thumb: dogs need at least one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily, and 1.5 times that amount at high altitude
- Always bring more water than you think you’ll need on hikes
- Add water to dry food if your dog isn’t drinking enough
- Offer water every time you stop for a drink yourself
Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and sticky gums. A simple test: gently lift the skin on the back of the neck—if it doesn’t immediately return to normal position, your dog may be dehydrated and needs veterinary care.
Colorado-Specific Altitude Zones to Know
Understanding Colorado’s elevation zones helps you plan appropriately:
- Denver and Front Range cities: 5,000-6,000 feet—Most dogs acclimate easily
- Mountain towns (Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen): 8,000-10,000 feet—Acclimation needed, especially for newcomers
- High peaks and passes: 11,000-14,000+ feet—Only for well-acclimated, healthy dogs with proper preparation
Dogs should NEVER attempt high-altitude hikes above 8,000 feet without proper acclimation, and only healthy, well-trained dogs should tackle elevations above 11,000 feet.
What to Do If Your Dog Shows Symptoms
If your dog exhibits signs of altitude sickness:
- Stop activity immediately and offer water
- Decrease elevation as soon as possible—even dropping 1,000-2,000 feet can provide relief
- Reduce activity and allow rest
- If symptoms don’t improve once at lower elevation, seek veterinary care immediately, as altitude sickness can become life-threatening
Preparing for High-Altitude Adventures
Before hiking or visiting higher elevations:
- Gradually increase your dog’s exposure by starting with shorter hikes at progressively higher elevations over several weeks
- Pack a first aid kit for both you and your dog
- Know the location of the nearest veterinary clinic, including emergency hospitals
- Bring a dog carrying harness for emergencies—if your dog becomes ill, you may need to carry them down
Signs your dog is successfully acclimating:
- Regaining usual energy and activity levels
- Normal appetite returns
- Pink gums and tongue (indicating good oxygenation)
- Enthusiasm for walks and play without becoming unusually tired or winded
Air Travel Considerations
Don’t forget that air travel can also induce altitude-related stress in dogs, as airplane cabins are typically pressurized to an equivalent of 6,000-8,000 feet. If you’re flying into Colorado with your pet, give them extra time to adjust after arrival.
The Bottom Line
Colorado offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventures with your dog, from urban trails along the Front Range to alpine hikes in the Rockies. But responsible pet ownership means understanding and respecting the challenges that altitude presents.
Key takeaways:
- Acclimate gradually—don’t rush to the high country
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate—1.5x normal water intake
- Watch for symptoms and respond quickly
- Know your dog’s limitations
- When in doubt, stay lower or turn back
With proper preparation, patience, and awareness, dogs can successfully adapt to Colorado’s high altitude and thrive in the mountain environment. Start slow, pay attention to your dog’s signals, and soon you’ll both be enjoying everything the Centennial State has to offer!
Welcome to Colorado—we’re excited to have you and your pup here!
- Ark-Valley Humane Society (2022). “Summer in the Mountains.” https://www.ark-valley.org/summer-in-the-mountains/
- Pawprint Oxygen (2025). “What is Altitude Sickness in Dogs and How to Avoid It.” https://pawprintoxygen.com/blogs/healthy-paws/what-is-altitude-sickness-in-dogs
- Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center (2024). “Can Pets Get Altitude Sickness?” https://www.lonetreevet.com/blog/can-pets-get-altitude-sickness/
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- Aspen Commons Animal Hospital (2023). “Water Requirements for Dogs at Altitude.”
- Ark-Valley Humane Society (2022). “Dehydration Signs and Testing in Dogs.”
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- Long Haul Trekkers (2023). “Dogs Can Acclimate to High Altitude Successfully.”
Emergency Veterinary Resources in Colorado:
- VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center (Denver): (303) 874-7387
- Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (Fort Collins): (970) 297-5000
- BluePearl Pet Hospital (Multiple Colorado Locations): Check website for nearest location
- Your local veterinarian’s after-hours emergency line
Additional Resources:
- Aspen Valley Health Acclimatization Guide: https://aspenvalleyhealth.org/healthy-journey/acclimatization-guide-to-high-altitude/ (human-focused but principles apply to pets)
- 14ers.com: Check trail conditions and elevation profiles before hiking with your dog
- Colorado Parks & Wildlife: Dog regulations for state parks and trails