I will be flying to Europe in 2 months and I have to take my 2 yo bull terrier with me . It's a 9-10 hrs non stop flight . Because he is not a small dog he won't be able to be with me during the flight . What can I do to make him feel comfortable and most of all : what can I do to make sure that he is safe there ?
Recently I heard so many horror stories about dogs dying on planes that I'm really worried...
Unfortunately not taking him with me is not an option......
2007-01-15 15:53:00 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Having him put into a cargo area will surely be upsetting for him, I too have heard horror stories. You could call the airline and asked if the cargo area is pressurized and heated, that will make ALL the difference in the world. I know that Alaska Airlines has pressurized cargo areas (good for traveling pets). Many airplanes do not- if this is the case, I would go to the vet and get some kind of dog Valium or sleep aid (Dramamine too) to help your dog sleep during the flight. The vet could go by weight of your dog for dosage. If that fails, try getting a hold of a Valium from a friend and feed it to him in a small chunk of beef right before the flight. I know it can be stressful for a pet to fly cargo! At the very least give him Dramamine. If you have to go Valium rout, I would do a test Valium on him days before to make sure he doesn't vomit. Good Luck!
2007-01-15 16:07:27 · answer #1 · answered by Mt ~^^~~^^~ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If he is under 20 pounds you should be able to take him on the plane under your seat. Yes, we had this problem last year. We had to dogs. I know to many people who's pets have died or have even been lost, especially if there is a layover in a European city. Also, check with health codes because you will need paperwork with all there health history, and usually has to be translated into the language of the country you are going to. It is a nightmare, that is why I only fly direct. Anyway, we decided against the flight and actually, took the QE2 over. It was a long voyage but they have a kennel on the ship and you can visit your dog. Yes, it is long and he will be a bit sad, but he will SURVIVE... There are few planes that heat and pressurize the cargo hull, if you are going in the summer make sure you have ice for him that can thaw out. I saw two dogs die because they where left on the tarmac... SCARY SCARY. If you have the money just hire a private jet and then it is no problem because you can bring the dog on the plane with you.
2007-01-15 16:01:19 · answer #2 · answered by PrettyEskimo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get him used to the crate before you go. In a little time, he will see it as his safe place and even go there when he is not ordered!
if you are going to be seperated for a long time and his environment may be a bit scary ... give him something of comfort. I would suggest taking a towel, a shirt or anything else and make it smell like you. just sleep in it, wear it, whatever for a few days. Throw in a good rawhide, some toys and something absorbant, should he have an accident and he should be good to go!
One last thing ... you may want to ask your vet for a tranquilizer of some sort. Letting your baby take a snooze for half the trip can't hurt! Just be sure to get it from a vet so you can avoid any complications and potentially fatal side effects of using something herbal or intended for humans!
2007-01-15 16:05:07 · answer #3 · answered by Army family. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure that the airline you send it on actually has a heated area for animals. Most simply put them in the unheated luggage area. Also get as direct a flight as possible. Question the heck about care of animals before you buy a ticket. I would check on sedating the animal if it were mine to limit the amount of trauma. Are they going to want to quarantine your dog when you get there? Many countries do? Check it out.
2007-01-15 15:57:47 · answer #4 · answered by gramma 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I had to send my mom's dog to Germany to live with her so I am very farmiliar with this. What we did to get him ready was to have him sleep in his traveling kennel every night before the flight. After you put him in just say something to him that you can say right before you send him off with the airline attendants. I would say something like, "Nighty night, you'll be fine.." you know comforting words.
So then the day of the flight I had his water bottle all filled up, we put some piddle pads on the floor of the kennel then lined it with his favorite blanket. We drove to the airport and walked him for about two and a half hours before we put him in his kennel. This gave him plenty of time to get all the pottying done.(and to use up some energy). So then when you have to give him over to the airline people you put him in the kennel and say those comforting words. Try not to act worried or they will feel it and get nervous. Then you just go up and get on the plane your self.
Oh don't forget to follow the airlines policies on paper work. I had to tape a water proof bubble mailer to the kennel with all of his paperwork in it. We also had to tape on a bag of his dog food so they could feed him.
Well, he got to Germany and was just fine. Had to pee really bad! But all was good. Now he is enjoying Europe with his mommy! So, just don't worry too much about your little fella I am sure all will be fine!
2007-01-15 16:15:14 · answer #5 · answered by Katie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you dog is acclimated to the weather in the cargo area. If cold, make sure you acclimate him to the cold. Also, you will need a health certificate from your veterinarian. Most of the other answers were good advice.
I would NOT recommend sedation or tranquilizer. Most have adverse effects on heart rate, blood pressure, temperature control, etc. It is much better to be a little stressed than a little "dead". (A bit dramatic but could happen...)
2007-01-15 16:27:04 · answer #6 · answered by bluesuedeshoes 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure his cage is comfortable and not able to be kept open. Take him out to do his business at the last possible second. That way he hopefully wont have to go during the trip. Give him some bones and toys to chew on to. He will be occupied that way.
2007-01-15 15:59:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I examine something the different day that the airways won't fly an animal in shipment carry interior the wintry climate if the temps drop under a definite temperature. verify with the airways, that's conceivable you is purely not allowed to fly your canine at that low temperature. you could finally end up utilising.
2016-10-07 05:41:44 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just give him a BIG hug and tell him whats going to happen in a calm voice. when you leave him giv him his fav blaket, toy, and tell him hes going to be ok
goodluck =[)
2007-01-15 15:57:56 · answer #9 · answered by Paull Yuth 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Visit http://www.dogsvets.net you may find anwer of your query
2007-01-15 16:32:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋