Injured dog carried down Mt Seymour by rescuers handled mission "like a champ"

The group of hikers and their dog were suffering with mild hypothermia when rescue teams arrived.

The dog had to be given a fireman's lift down the mountain after refusing to be put on a stretcher (Photo: North Shore Rescue)

An injured dog who was unable to walk had to be rescued after getting into trouble on Mt. Seymour with it's owners - and handled the mission "like a champ".

The North Shore Rescue (NSR) team were called out to help a group of hikers on Wednesday, November 11, after they became hypothermic while trying to help their injured dog on the mountain.

When the team arrived, the group were provided with warm jackets and heat vests - with the injured dog sporting it's very own heat vest in photos shared by the rescuers on Facebook.

According to the team, the dog was too injured to walk so they attempted to carry the canine down the mountain on a stretcher.

However, it didn't quite take to this method and had to be carried down the trail over a rescuer's shoulders instead.

Photos show the dog - which appears to be an older German Shepherd - looking relieved to see the rescuers, although a bit embarrassed at being given a fireman's lift to safety.

A post detailing the mission said: "While the humans were able to walk out, the K9 was unable to do so and members took turns carrying it out in their shoulders (the dog did not appear to like the stretcher we first tried, but handled the shoulders like a champ)."

The hikers - including the injured pup - were all safely extracted from the mountain, according to the NSR post.

The injured pup and it's owners were given heat vests to recover from mild hypothermia (Photo: North Shore Rescue)

According to the Centre for Disease Control, "hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced."

It can also occur at temperatures over 40°F (4.4°C) "if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water."

Symptoms in humans include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, fumbling hands and drowsiness.

Dogs can also suffer from hypothermia - with similar symptoms to humans, along with dilated pupils, shallow breathing and pale, grey or blue skin that may be painful and brittle to touch, according to Purina.

Another symptom can be pale or white gums.

Treatment for both humans and dogs includes warming their core as soon as possible with blankets and skin to skin contact.

Avoid hypothermia by steering clear of prolonged exposure to the cold for you and your pup - especially if your pooch is young, old or particularly sensitive to colder temperatures.

If you or someone you are with needs medical assistance or help on a hike, dial 911 to activate a rescue team and before hiking with your pup, ensure you pack the hiking essentials for you both.