Best Practices for Traveling with Pets

Our pets are part of our family and we want to ensure that they are comfortable and happy, and healthy at all times (after all, they help keep us healthy). Earlier this week, a passenger’s dog was stored inside an overhead bin on United Airlines Flight 1284 for more than three hours and tragically passed away, according to cnn.com. Here are some of the best practices to maintain when traveling with a pet, according to Dr. Danielle Bernal, D.V.M., veterinarian with Wellness Natural Pet Food.

Get the facts before you fly.

While every airline has its own guidelines and policies, pets that you should avoid bringing on a flight altogether are brachycephalic dogs–in other words dogs with shortened heads. Breeds such as pugs, chow chows, Chihuahuas, and English bulldogs have more respiratory issues due to their squished-in faces, and the high altitudes of an airplane can make it particularly difficult for them to breathe. If your dog tends to snore, he might have difficulty breathing and it may be dangerous for him to fly, according to Dr. Bernal.

Help your pet prepare.

The best way to prepare a pet emotionally for a trip is to ease her into the idea of it. Introduce your pet to the environment of a car and to the sound of the engine, similarly to the way you would introduce your pet to a new baby. You can start by driving your pet around the block.and then gradually work your way toward longer distances. 

“There’s a stage of excitement,” said Dr. Bernal. “Pets will respond to everything they are seeing for the first time and most dogs are happier about going on trips than you would think.” 

Put together a packing list.

 Most dogs and cats don’t need food while traveling, but they should have a steady supply of water throughout the trip. Some carriers have attachable water bowls that are easily accessible for pets but won’t tip over and make a mess. For long car rides, snacks and treats are a good way to keep your pet happy, especially if taking bathroom breaks along the route.

Properly restrain your pet.

Your pet should never be completely free to roam around if she is in a car or on an airplane. If you are going on a long car ride, pets should be confined but in an area that is safe and comfortable. If your dog is traveling in a carrier, hard crates are recommended because they  cannot become squashed and hurt the animal. When choosing a carrier, it is important to ensure that your pet can not only stand up in it but also can turn around.