Retire in Paradise

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by Geraldine Dimarco

You may have heard statistics about dogs in transport dog crates being injured or lost, and even dying on board airplanes. These statistics crop up from time to time, usually in the context of a fresh injury, loss or death. Airlines do generally attempt to do their utmost to ensure that dogs traveling by airplane arrive at their destination safely. In fact, dog breeders and other dog enthusiasts often use airplanes as dog transport for their dogs, without incident. And compared to the proportion of dogs in transport dog crates and pet travel carriers being successfully transported, the proportion of mishaps is pretty small.

Simply because thousands and thousands of pets are safely transferred from one destination to another via the airlines, does not mean that dog owners do not need to take responsible precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their family pet. After all, it only takes one incident to change your life forever when your dog becomes seriously injured or dies because of a lack of preparation on your part.

The first thing to consider is whether your dog needs to travel at all. The second thing is whether your dog needs to travel by airplane, or whether dog transport via train or car is a possibility.

Before proceeding with dog transport of any type, it’s a wise decision to see your veterinarian for a general checkup for your dog to ensure that he is in fact in good health, and well enough to travel safely. He could be suffering from a medical condition that could put him at risk during travel that has never been pointed out to you, or that has only recently arisen.

The best time of day for your dog to travel is when the outside temperature is at a medium level. So if you’re traveling in a warm climate, early morning or the evening are the best times. Conversely, if you’re traveling in especially cold weather, the middle of the day is best. This will help ensure that your dog does not overheat, or catch a chill.

Puppies, in particular, are likely to suffer from stress or anxiety if put into transport dog crates in the cargo area of the plane. Unless your puppy is already very large, it is really important to ensure that if flying is your only option, that you will be permitted to bring him with you in the passenger compartment.

Not all dogs can easily cope with the experience of being locked up in transport dog crates and placed in the cargo hold during an airplane ride. Every dog owner knows what his or her dog’s personality is like. Trust your gut instincts on whether or not you think your dog can handle the flight.

If you anticipate that there is any possibility that your dog will suffer from separation anxiety whilst in the cargo part of the airplane, investigate the possibility of treating him with a course of natural anti-anxiety treatments. Discuss this option with your vet. If your dog is prone to anxiety, your vet may even suggest that your dog be sedated. This is a last resort measure, but you should be guided by your vet’s advice, particularly if your vet knows your dog well and is making this recommendation.

About the Author:

Luxury pet carriers are all the rage these days. But if you’re doing any serious travel with your dog, or dog transport, you may want to skip stylish pet carriers for less flexible transport dog crates.

Tags: airlines, crates, dog, health, Travel & Leisure