Welcome back to Talking Tails!
As many of you know, our dad just went through nine long months of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. It was a long haul for everyone involved…including us!
After the holiday, our dad was able to take a trip with his dad (our grandpa) and brother (our uncle). He was so glad to get out of the house and back into life! He commented that he saw several dogs in the various airports he traveled through. That got us thinking about airline travel. We have never flown on an airplane, so it intrigued us. Here are a few things we discovered about flight safety for ourselves and our buddies.
The first thing we learned is that the Humane Society of the United States recommends that dogs should only travel by airplane if absolutely necessary. Their recommendation is to either transport your dog by car or leave your dog behind with a pet sitter or in a boarding kennel. They offer a special warning for our brachycephalic buddies, such as bulldogs, pugs, and pekingese, because their short nasal passages make them very vulnerable to oxygen deprivation.
If you absolutely must fly with your dog, check with your airline well in advance of your desired departure date. We realized there are lots of things to consider – cost for flying your dog, limitations on the number of animals allowed on the plane, dog size restrictions, specifications on the carrier size, and pet health and immunization requirements. Whew, there is a lot to think about!!
We can easily get stressed, so put your dog in the airline carrier for trips around town in the weeks leading up to the trip. In this way, your dog has time to acclimate to the carrier and feel comfortable being in it on the plane.
Another idea is to have you and your dog take separate vacations! There are quite a few upscale kennels that will pamper your dog while you are away. We really don’t mind wading pools, flat-screen TVs, mid-day treats, walks, and extra cuddle time! Many kennels are equipped with pet cams, so you can log onto the internet and check on your dog. We know you will miss us and that will give you peace of mind!
Check out the picture of us ready for travel!
Talk to you soon!
Buster and Joey
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