Flying with your dog? Here are five tips to travel safe and smart.
By Dr. Eva Evans
As pets become more like family members, they are joining their human comrades during travel at an increasing rate. Traveling by car or RV is simple, but flying your pet on an airplane can get tricky! Follow these 5 steps to provide Fido with a first-class experience.
1. Get Your Travel Documents Early
If you are traveling domestically, travel documents include vaccination records, medications with dosages, known allergies, your veterinarian’s phone number, a health certificate and a written plan just in case disaster strikes. An interstate health certificate from your veterinarian shows that your dog has been vaccinated appropriately and is in good enough health to travel. If you are flying to Hawaii or internationally, you will need additional forms and possible blood tests, flea treatments, etc. for your dog. Be sure to visit your veterinarian at least two to three months before your departure date to prevent any hold ups with travel. When you arrive at the airport make sure you have additional copies of paperwork in case the originals are lost.
2. Discuss with Your Veterinarian if Your Dog Needs Sedation
Flying is stressful, especially if it’s your first time! Many dogs do not need any sedation while flying, but occasionally some dogs do. If you suspect that your dog will have an uncomfortable level of anxiety, make sure to consult with a veterinarian. Often times these dogs will be prescribed a sedative that is safe for airplane travel. Be advised: the common sedative for dogs, Acepromazine, is NOT recommended for airplane travel!
3. Bring a Snack for Fido
These days, airline delays are common, and you never know when your flight might be cancelled leaving you stranded with your pet. Even if you are planning on a quick flight, make sure to bring some of your dog’s regular food just in case. Water can be purchased inside the terminal, but dog food can’t! The foods available inside an airport are likely to cause major intestinal upset and diarrhea if fed to a dog, so be prepared!
4. Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior Before, During, and After the Flight
It’s important to keep an eye on Fido throughout the whole travel process. Watch for excessive panting (indicating possible overheating, anxiety or pain), lethargy and overall behavior. If you notice any significant change in behavior, make sure that your dog sees a veterinarian as soon as possible. Sometimes, removing the dog from the stressful situation is all it takes, but if your dog continues to behave strangely, make sure he is seen to rule out any stress-induced illnesses.
5. If Your Dog is Too Big to Fit Under the Seat in Front of You
Small dogs will need to be placed in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. If your dog is too big for this, he will likely be riding under the plane in the cargo area. Do your research on the individual airline and make sure you understand exactly how your dog will be stowed. Each airline has individual regulations for flying with pets. For example, some airlines ban certain breeds from flying as checked baggage. Some airlines forbid pets from flying as checked baggage if the weather is too hot or cold, in either the departure city or arrival city, or they’ll have seasonal restrictions/bans.
If you have a dog that is prone to heat stroke such as an English bulldog or pug, or if your dog is a large long haired breed such as a Newfoundland or Pyrenees, take extra precaution in warm temperatures. These types of dogs should be carefully evaluated prior to traveling.
Follow these tips to ensure that you and your dog have a safe flight to your vacation destination!
For more information about Pets Best, visit www.petsbest.com.
By Dr. Eva Evans, a veterinarian and writer for Pets Best, a pet insurance agency for dogs and cats. The views and opinions expressed in this article are that of Dr. Eva Evans. You should always consult with your own veterinarian because they know your pet’s current and past health situation.
