Traveling with my dog on a plane for the holidays. Any advice?

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lorihmatthews

A taste for the arts
O.G.
Oct 7, 2006
32,399
11,483
I'm taking my Chi/Pom mix Zoe with me from CA to Detroit at the holidays this year. It's cheaper than boarding her and hopefully it will be less traumatic for her as well.

I will be traveling with her in cabin, and she will be under my seat. She will not be in cargo. I've already talked to the airline and she is under their weight maximum so all is OK.

How can I make her first flight bearable? I can bet she's never been on a plane before. I just sent an email to the vet asking if she should be sedated.
 
I wouldn't use sedation unless absolutely necessary. Those medications can cause nausea and vomiting. Add altitude of an airplane to the mix and you have one nasty mess on your hands. So it's best to go au naturel.

I'd start crate training her now so she won't stress about being in one for an extended period of time. If she gets used to the crate it will feel like a comfy den instead of confinement. Also take plenty of treats with you and just talk to her if she becomes fearful.
 
i traveled to vietnam from Texas (halfway around the world) with my yorkie (her first time - flying or being in a crate) and she was cool. she slept most the time- didnt make a sound- no restroom unless i arrived at some place and took her off the crate. no training at all. but i think it's better to train her ahead
 
Zoe is already crate trained -- so I guess I've got a pretty good start! She sleeps in her crate every night and she even loves napping in it during the day. I call it her "house." In fact, she's napping in it now. I leave the door open during the day so she goes in and out as she pleases.
 
^^ my 1 year old bichon puppy hates traveling...he cries & whines (annoying fake crying) just riding in a taxi-cab around nyc (lol!!!) :P...so, i asked the vet for a mild sedative when flying...i took him on a round-trip flight home to TX w/me in the cabin...and the sedative helped calm his nerves (without knocking him out)...he whined a little until we got up in the air & then slept the whole 4 hour flight (both ways)...he was such a good boy & waited 'till we got home to go potty...if you don't think you need to use a sedative, then don't...it really depends on how well your dog travels...if she travels well in the car around town, hopefully she'll do fine on a plane...but if not, i'd definitely have the sedatives on hand ;)
 
I agree with the post above! Definitely take her around in the car with you, just to have her somewhat used to moving around. Maybe try taking her to a high traffic area, as well, to see how she deals with loud noises and a lot of people.
 
I agree with the post above! Definitely take her around in the car with you, just to have her somewhat used to moving around. Maybe try taking her to a high traffic area, as well, to see how she deals with loud noises and a lot of people.

That's covered, I drive her to a Chihuahua meet at a dog park once a month! She even has her own doggy car seat belt.
 
That's covered, I drive her to a Chihuahua meet at a dog park once a month! She even has her own doggy car seat belt.

^^ chances are, if she's quiet when riding in a car, then she'll be fine riding on a plane ;)...my last bichon was quiet as a mouse anytime i took him out in his doggy bag (trains, cars, buses, etc.)...but for some reason, my new puppy is a big baby about it...so, i knew he would need something for our flights...otherwise, i risked having a crying, whining puppy on my hands for 4 straight hours...which isn't good for me, him or the other 149 passengers :P
 
Just follow the airline guidelines. They have restrictions about carriers, etc. I wouldn't use sedation unless your pet doesn't travel well to begin with. We've flown with our Westie in cabin many times and he's always been fine. It's funny, the general rule is that they are not allowed of the carrier during flight, but we've had some flight attendants that have found him adorable and let him come out for a while. If you have a layover, ou may want to break security to take him/her outside for a potty break.
 
^I have a Westie too. My current pup Charlie did not do well with flying when he was flown here when we bought him. It seemed like a traumatic experience for him and he went a little bezerk. My other dog who was also a Westie NEVER flew anywhere with us because he had health issues and was very nervous all the time. But honestly, I think it depends on your dogs temperment and personality. I know for a fact my dog would not do well in that situation because he is a barker and does not like being confined to a single space for a long period of time. The only advice I can give is tire her out before the flight and make sure she gets lots of exercise so she'll sleep during the entire flight!
 
i took my pom on a plane as my carry-on as well. she was great, and as u said, is quiet in cars and in her crate. do you have a doggie carrier yet that is airline approved? if not, i highly recommend sherpa.

make sure not to give her food/drink for at least a few hours before the flight, and when i took my pup, i packed a few toys and a fleece in the carrier for her. i also brought a travel water bottle (empty) in my carry on so when i got off the plane i was able to give her a drink.

good luck :smile:
 
I wouldn't worry! If she doesn't have any behavioral or anxiety problems I think she will be just fine. I would purchase the carrier you are going to use (airlines recommend the Sherpa brand) and get her used to it. Put her in it and take her for car rides in it.

My Chi was an angel on her first flight. She was sprawled out in her carrier asleep at takeoff and landing! I think the small carrier makes them feel safe.