The 13 Most Important Tips for Flying With a Dog, According to Veterinarians
Dog in carrier before getting on an airplane
Flying with your furry companion can be an anxiety-inducing experience for both you and your dog.
"Changes in pressure, noise, turbulence, cramped spaces and the long duration of flights can make it very stressful for dogs," says Dr. Tony Huynh, senior veterinarian at Dr. Treat in San Francisco. "Similarly, if traveling in cargo, pets may have increased time on the tarmac during loading, which can expose them to colder or hotter conditions."
To help make your next air travel adventure as smooth as possible, we consulted with veterinary experts on how to ease stress and keep pups calm from takeoff to touchdown.
How Stressful Is Flying for Dogs?
According to the veterinarians we talked to, the long and short of it is: it varies.
“It depends on the dog and how they will be traveling—with you in the passenger section or in cargo,” shares Dr. Jennifer Bruns, DVM, MPVM, a PetSmart Veterinarian. “Just like humans, the altitude and pressure changes can cause ear popping and loud noises which affect our dog’s sensitive ears to a greater degree.”
Dr. Burns says there’s a simple test to gauge how your pup will fare in the air. “If your dog doesn’t handle a car ride well, that is a good indication of how they’ll do on a plane,” she explains.
She recommends that if you’re concerned about your pet’s travel anxiety, you should make an appointment with your vet to discuss options that can help put your dog at ease.
How Do I Keep My Dog Calm on a Plane?
"Pets should be acclimatized to staying in a small space or carrier before travel," advises Dr. Huynh. "Light sedation with medication such as trazodone or Gabapentin may be useful for pets traveling with owners in the cabin. These medications should be trialed at home before travel to determine if any adjustments need to be made, as some pets may behave more unpredictably."
So how can you reduce anxiety for dogs on planes? Read on for tips from the professionals.
13 Best Tips for Flying With a Dog
1. Get your dog used to the carrier box
"Do everything possible to make being in the carrier a positive experience. Introduce it little by little and always through games and treats," advises Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca, the in-house veterinarian at Hepper.com.
2. Consider precautions for short-nosed breeds
"Brachycephalic dogs are more prone to breathing difficulties due to their anatomy, which makes them more vulnerable to changes in temperature and air quality," explains Dr. Vidal-Abarca.
3. Muzzle train your dog
"Even if your dog is the softest, most gentle creature around, there could be specific situations where they may be required to wear a muzzle," says Dr. Karyn Kanowski, the in-house veterinarian at Dogster.com. "Getting your dog used to wearing one, and associating it with something pleasant like a treat, will make it much easier than if you need to spring it on them suddenly."
4. Know your airline’s pet policies
"Before you book your flight, learn various airlines’ pet travel rules, and compare their policies to determine which pet air travel rules will work best for you and your pet’s needs," Dr. Huynh suggests. "Once you have chosen a carrier, ensure you know their pet travel rules and plan to secure your pet’s required travel documents."
5. Talk to your veterinarian before you travel
"Schedule their pretravel veterinary exam to ensure they are healthy enough to travel," advises Dr. Vidal-Abarca. "Consider your pet’s best interests when planning for a trip by consulting with your veterinarian, who will consider your pet’s age, health history and temperament, and can provide you with helpful resources and travel documents."
6. Check health requirements and paperwork
"Depending on where you travel, your dog may need a microchip, passport, vaccinations, deworming treatment, and a health certificate," notes Dr. Vidal-Abarca.
7. If possible, book a non-stop flight
"This will help reduce the stress of handling," notes Dr. Huynh.
8. Prepare your pet for travel
"Ensuring your pet is microchipped increases the chances that you and your pet will be reunited if separated from you in an unfamiliar location," explains Dr. Huynh.
9. Pack pet essentials
Dr. Huynh advises owners to "Pack pet essentials, including: food, treats, bowls, toys, bedding, waste bags, prescription medications, and heartworm, flea and tick preventive medications."
10. Plan potty breaks
"Know where the airport’s pet relief area is and ensure your pet has time to relieve themself and exercise before boarding the plane," suggests Dr. Huynh.
11. Pack smelly shirts
"If your dog is going to be traveling in the cargo area of a plane, you can help them feel more at home by including one of your old t-shirts in their crate; the smellier the better," suggests Dr. Kanowski.
12. Familiarize yourself with the place you’re traveling
Many diseases, particularly those spread by ticks or fleas, are limited by geography, so you may want to take specific precautions or have additional vaccinations, shares Dr. Kanowski.
“For example, Lyme disease, transmitted by ticks, or Leishmaniasis which is transmitted by sand flies. There are a number of flea and tick prevention products that also help protect your dog from biting flies, so talk to your vet.”
13. Be considerate of fellow travelers
"We all love dogs here, and it can be easy to forget that not everyone does. Some people don’t like them, some think they are dirty, and others are terrified of them," notes Dr. Kanowski.
By following these vet-approved suggestions, you and your pup can have a low-stress, exciting flight! Let the adventures begin!
Sources:
Dr. Tony Huynh, senior veterinarian at Dr. Treat in San Francisco
Dr. Jennifer Bruns, DVM, MPVM, a PetSmart Veterinarian
Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca, the in-house veterinarian at Hepper.com
Dr. Karyn Kanowski, the in-house veterinarian at Dogster.com
