Plan before flying with dog
I'm planning to travel to California this winter and would like to bring my 11-year-old Lab, Oreo. I can arrange to have him in an airline crate in the cargo area, on a nonstop flight (about six hours). What advice might you have? Should the dog travel with food or water? what if he must go to the bathroom during the flight? Are there others ways that I should Consider sending him out west since I will be out there for several months? I could leave him in a boarding facility, but I think that would be unfair to him.
The scenario you are asking about is much different than overseas travel with a dog or pet, which can be far more labor intensive and sometimes difficult depending on the country one is flying to. I often advise clients to think for before they commit to traveling with the dog and that holds true for both domestic and foreign travel. Check with the airline as to what requirements they have. If you call three times in one day you might get three different responses regarding what they need or require. You will need to be sure that you have the right size create and that the shipping kennel meets certain standards that can change from one air carrier to another. If you are going to fly the dog out to west coast, be sure to reserve a space in advance since many airlines have limits as to how many pets can travel on a given flight. You will also need a health certificate as well, typically issued by your local veterinarian within 10 days of travel. I would avoid a tranquilizer since Oreo is older, but you could give 25-50 mg of OTC diphenhydramine to make him a little drowsy and take the edge off. Withhold food and water few hours (two to four) before flight time to the flight? Are there reduce chance of vomiting and walk him outside of the airport before you sign him in for the flight to reduce the need to void. With a six-hour flight, traveling on an empty stomach shouldn’t be an issue.
You can choose not to fly but drive your dog across the country and possibly enjoy a nice trip. Conversely, there are numerous pet transport companies that take care of everything that might concern you. Some would fly the dog while others might take him by truck. If you are not going for too long, a reputable spacious boarding facility might work for both you and your dog. If you are going to consider it, let him do some day boarding and one or two overnights to see how he does. He might see it as a vacation or camp! Searching out all the options will give you choices you might not have otherwise considered. Good luck and good for planning ahead. planning ahead.
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He can be reached at 781-899-9994.