Dog Community

Flying with a Pup

Posted : 6/3/2006 6:19:58 PM

I'm not sure if this goes here, so if it doesn't....I apologize and please feel free to move it!

I am going on a flight with my 4 mo old lab in a few days and I am looking for a little advice about flying. I am of course checking her since she's 33lbs. (I am terrified of this, by the way...losing luggage and all.) And I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to make the trip easier on her...I'm going to call my vet and see if there is anything I can give her to ease anxiety. I am mostly worried about her going in her crate and having to be in her urine/feces for the trip.

She doesn't go in her crate now, but she'll be in a crate for around 7-8 hours. (5 hr flight, plus boarding and pick up of luggage) If we were taking a red-eye I wouldn't worry as much since that's when she sleeps...but this flight takes off at 6 am. Her active part of the day!

I'm also worried about how being in a crate in a stressful situation for that long will affect her...will it enhance seperation anxiety, make her hate her travel crate? Etc...

So, since I'm sure there are many of you out there who have flown/traveled with your dog(s), I am asking for your advice on this one...how can I make the trip as smooth as possible for us?

smilee1079

Posted : 6/4/2006 7:48:02 PM

If you don't get responses here, use the search feature of the board because I know this has been discussed before and/or post under Gen. Q and A or Anything and Everything.

If I remember correctly, people said make sure your flight is not at the hottest part of the day, exercise your dog as much as possible before crating, take it to potty last minute u can, and put frozen ice in water bowl so that it will defrost throughout the trip so the dog has cool water if it is a hot flight. Also, I think they may have mentioned ways to secure the crate is closed, etc. I am sure this has been discussed before so the search feature may be your best bet!

Brian Berry

Posted : 6/4/2006 9:35:07 PM

leave some toys in the crate. Maybe a kong with some of her favorite treats, or her favorite chewie. A good amount of cold water is also a good idea.

Amie

Posted : 6/4/2006 11:30:28 PM

Baby gal flew in from Texas and she looked fine. Though I realize she pee alot inside the pet taxi and her food/water was a mess. But that was months ago, when I got her from the airport. Anyways I think it's best to talk to your vet, see what you can do or give your pup to help relieve the stress from traveling. Wish you and your pup a smooth trip! [

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Laura W.

Posted : 6/5/2006 3:56:24 PM

My PON flew from CA to FL at 12-13 weeks. She had fleecy bedding inside of her crate and was in her crate for about the same length of time that you say your pup will be. She didn't make a huge mess and was just fine. She was very tired for about 3 days then became a nonstop energetic monster. It didn't seem to interfere with our bonding or her settling in with the rest of my dogs.

I also have a friend that flew two border collie pups over from England when they were 12 weeks old and they had no problems at all.

Hope this helps!

Laura

Shannon Henne

Posted : 6/5/2006 11:52:58 PM

Thanks, guys. I talked to my vet and he said that most dogs are just fine. (She's fine, I'm the basketcase.) He said don't feed her too much so she won't have the discomfort of a bowel movement or get motion sickness (which she is prone too) The extra couple of hours without the food won't kill her! I feel bad about it, but that is better than her sitting in her own mess for awhile. I've contacted the airlines and I can check on her in baggage, and I have my signs printed up to put on her carrier. I have all the prep ready which makes me feel better. I'm just anxious myself, and since she has a little seperation anxiety I didn't want this to enhance it!!

Well, I hope she's not too tired, there are two dogs and my family who are dying to play with her when we get to Pittsburgh!!!