What could be better than spending the best time of the year with your four-legged companion? By car or train, this is comparatively easy. are deer head chihuahuas smart when flying with a dog, however, there are a few things to consider, because otherwise, the holiday can already come to an abrupt end at the flight counter. In addition, you should keep in mind that the flight is a major stressor for your pet. Some breeds, for example, short-breathed representatives such as bulldogs, and basically old dogs should not fly for health reasons. Read here which factors have to be considered so that you can fly carefree with your dog!
Plan your flight with your dog correctly
Each airline has its own dog transportation conditions, which usually depend on the size, weight, and sometimes the breed of the dog.
In many cases, small dogs are lucky enough to be able to fly with you in the cabin. For this, you need special dog bags in the prescribed shape and size, which are completely closed and of course air-permeable. You can read more about this below.
Medium-sized and large, but above all heavy dogs are only allowed to fly in a transport box in the hold. With most airlines, this already applies from eight kilograms of weight of the dog.
You have to be aware that flying in the hold means pure stress for all dogs. Therefore, it is of great importance that you prepare your dog properly for it and get him used to the prescribed transport box for weeks or months. Find out in good time whether your airlines allow your dog’s breed. Breeds excluded from carriage may include Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers, i.e. all breeds of dogs with flat noses or shortened snouts due to breed. These breeds have problems getting enough air in the heat or stress and are also considered susceptible to stress.
With regard to the general health and resilience of your dog, a veterinarian should be consulted. Last but not least, it is also important to find out in good time which entry requirements the respective destination country has. Find out which vaccinations and at what intervals the dog needs and whether there may be quarantine regulations. Within the EU, an animal must have an EU pet passport, be chipped, and be vaccinated against rabies.
Dog bags and transport boxes
Most airlines allow dogs up to eight kilograms including the transport bag to fly in the cabin. Exceptions to this are service dogs and guide dogs. The approved transport bag usually has the maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm.
The dog must not be taken out during the entire flight, nor may he stretch his head out. It is also forbidden to place the bags on a free neighboring seat. The bag with your dog in it must remain in the footwell in front of you.
For dogs that are heavier than eight kilograms and therefore transported in the hold, you will need a special dog transport box. You must comply with the regulations of IATA, the International Air Transport Association (german: International Air Transport Association).
These certified boxes are particularly stable and well ventilated. The dog must be able to stand upright in its transport box and be able to turn comfortably. Fresh water must be placed in the box in such a way that it is not spilled during transport. An absorbent delivery that absorbs liquid in case your dog needs to relieve himself or the drinking water spills over is also prescribed.
Properly prepare your dog for the flight
Although some airlines lend transport boxes for flying with a dog, it makes sense to get the dog used to its own box a few weeks before the flight. To do this, you set up the box or bag for the small dog in your apartment sometime before the flight and redesign it as a sleeping and resting place for your dog. Put blankets, your favorite toys, and a used T-shirt of yours in the box so that your dog feels safe in it. You can also feed him in it for a while.
When your dog gets used to the box after a few days (or weeks), start closing the door of the box. Stay close to him first and see how he reacts. If he behaves calmly, you leave the room for a few minutes and leave him in the box.
Shortly before the flight, your dog should not drink anything. Walk with him before he has to go into the transport box. Avoid too long flights with the dog and keep in mind that even during a medium-haul flight, your dog spends five or more hours alone in the box and under very stressful conditions (noise, foreign environment, low temperatures, low light) from his delivery at the counter to the reception at the destination airport.
Sedatives: pros and cons
Whether dogs should be given a sedative on the plane or not is controversially discussed. Most veterinarians advise against sedative sedatives because side effects can have circulatory problems that may lead to the death of the dog. Plant-based sedatives, on the other hand, are a possible alternative. They are slightly soothing and take the edge off fear.
If you have decided on a sedative in consultation with your veterinarian, then you should try it on your dog days before. potty train rat terrier this is the only way you will find out what your dog reacts to and whether he can tolerate the remedy.
A good alternative to the well-being of your dog is dog boarding houses and private dog sitters that take care of your dog while you fly on vacation. A holiday to destinations that you can easily reach by car – and stress-free for your dog – is also a nice alternative.