Flying with the Dog

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

Well - The Universe and I have decided to take our dog, Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sniff, back home with us for Christmas. We're definitely a little nervous about it. He's usually a really good dog (if wildly stubborn) that makes very little noise, but we're contemplating sedating him for the flight.

What is your experience with dog flying (as one carrying a dog or as a passenger with a dog on flight). Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[Kahuna Burger]

Well - The Universe and I have decided to take our dog, Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sniff, back home with us for Christmas. We're definitely a little nervous about it. He's usually a really good dog (if wildly stubborn) that makes very little noise, but we're contemplating sedating him for the flight.

What is your experience with dog flying (as one carrying a dog or as a passenger with a dog on flight). Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Breed? Might matter. Is he going to be in the cabin with you or in cargo?

Have you ever sedated him for other reasons, such as thunderstorms or for grooming? While theres a "most likely" response to seditives, every dog is different and some don't do well. Also if your dog has ever had any seizure activity that will effect what seditives he can take....

If he is going on board with you, make sure he is wearing a sturdy leash or harness in the crate because you will have to take him out to carry him through the screening area. (I didn;t realize this when I flew with my kitty and had a few very nervous moments worrying she was going to freak out and run away to live in the Logan Airport.

I also recomend hard sided crates over the cloth/mesh carriers. They can be more akward to manuver, but I think they give a greater feeling a security to the animal.

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

He's a Boston Terrier and is flying on the plane with us, not in the cargo. We've never had any trouble with seizures or any other freak-outs. He's certainly not very well trained, but will have a leash (good call on that one!)

He's never been sedated for anything before, but I'm scared we're going to have trouble getting him in and out of his (hard sided) kennel.

Do I have to get sedatives from the vet? I've heard before to give the pup a small dose of night time benadryl (not spelled correctly), but that seems sort of scary...

 

[Kahuna Burger]

He's a Boston Terrier and is flying on the plane with us, not in the cargo. We've never had any trouble with seizures or any other freak-outs. He's certainly not very well trained, but will have a leash (good call on that one!)

He's never been sedated for anything before, but I'm scared we're going to have trouble getting him in and out of his (hard sided) kennel.

Do I have to get sedatives from the vet? I've heard before to give the pup a small dose of night time benadryl (not spelled correctly), but that seems sort of scary...

Definitly talk to your vet, even if you are going to use benadryl. Also, check with the airline right now if you didn't get specific aproval for his breed. Some airlines won't fly bracheocephalic (translation: flat faced) dogs because they have different reactions to environment extremes, and boston terriers are on the edge of that catagory. It may also effect whether the vet wants him sedated.

(I'd go with a well fitted harness but no leash on in the kennel - you don't want him spinning around and getting tangled up.)

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

Definitly talk to your vet, even if you are going to use benadryl. Also, check with the airline right now if you didn't get specific aproval for his breed. Some airlines won't fly bracheocephalic (translation: flat faced) dogs because they have different reactions to environment extremes, and boston terriers are on the edge of that catagory. It may also effect whether the vet wants him sedated.

(I'd go with a well fitted harness but no leash on in the kennel - you don't want him spinning around and getting tangled up.)

We got approval for breed and everything when we got the tickets, so not worried about the airline turning him away. Really just looking for ways to keep him calm/things to do to make sure he isn't annoying the people around us.

 

[Umbran]

If you're considering sedation, you do need to speak with your vet to get the proper medication and dosage. Please don't buy over-the-counter meds and guess at a doasage. Dogs and cats react differently to medications that humans do, so you cannot reliably extrapolate a dose that'll be safe for your pooch.

Your vet should also have a whole lot more information on air travel with your pets available. Please, don't be reticent about calling your vet to ask questions. A well-posed question now can save both you and your vet headache later.

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

If you're considering sedation, you do need to speak with your vet to get the proper medication and dosage. Please don't buy over-the-counter meds and guess at a doasage. Dogs and cats react differently to medications that humans do, so you cannot reliably extrapolate a dose that'll be safe for your pooch.

Your vet should also have a whole lot more information on air travel with your pets available. Please, don't be reticent about calling your vet to ask questions. A well-posed question now can save both you and your vet headache later.

Oh - I'm speaking with my vet (and she wants to avoid sedation). I'm just looking for people's experiences so that I know what to expect.

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

...our dog, Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sniff

Very cool I've got a cat named Darth Mia.

 

[Vraille Darkfang]

Oh - I'm speaking with my vet (and she wants to avoid sedation). I'm just looking for people's experiences so that I know what to expect.

With the way the airlines are nowdays....

I definitly recommend smoe sort of sedation for when the Air Cops pull him out of the line & give him a Body Cavity search to ensure he isn't smuggling explosives/drugs

I'm only sort of kidding. I know of at least one instance where a drug dealer hid his drugs up his dog's backside. The gig was up when the dog did his business in the cargo hold.

 

[Harmon]

Suggestion- don't fly your pets. Some of the tails I have heard about the TSA will make any pet owner think about driving if they have to take their pet. If you have to get a mild seditive, and a Gentle Leader. Call your airline and the TSA for what carriers and leashs are allowed.



Note on the Gentle Leader- if you have a 200 lb dog and you are trying to walk him, you will be able to do so with very little training, its great.