Dogs in the mountains: what to know before taking one up in altitude

Dog sitting in the mountains isn't like doing it in the city. Elevation gain, cold and snow change everything, and they're things an owner on holiday often doesn't consider.

Paws on the snow

Compacted snow and ice cut the pads, and road salt irritates them. After a walk, rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, where ice balls form that the dog tries to bite off.

Cold isn't the same for every dog

A large dog with an undercoat handles temperatures that would be dangerous for a small or short-haired one. If it shivers, lifts its paws alternately, or tries to turn back, the walk ends there. It's not being difficult.

Summer heat is the most underestimated risk

At altitude the sun is much stronger than in the valley. On summer days, go out early or in the late afternoon, always bring water, and avoid exposed rocks, which burn the pads.

Elevation gain

A dog used to a city park isn't trained for 600 metres of climbing. Common sense applies: short climbs, frequent breaks, and never push it just because "it's a dog".

Where you can't go

• On ski lifts the rules change from resort to resort: check every time
• In the Swiss National Park, above Zernez, dogs are not allowed
• On pastures with livestock, a lead is mandatory, and near livestock guardian dogs you never approach: take a different route

Before setting off with a dog that isn't yours

Get it in writing: what it eats and how much, any treatments, how it reacts to other dogs, whether it has ever bitten, the vet's number and the owner's number. And ask if the microchip is up to date with a reachable contact: if it runs off in the valley, that's the only thing that really matters.