Before traveling with your dog, be sure to understand the airline’s pet policies. Ensure your pet’s health by following their guidelines, and make sure you feed him or her before the flight. Besides, you should also familiarize your pet with the surroundings of an airport, which can make them feel more at ease during the flight.
Avoid bulkhead or emergency exit row seating
If you’re traveling with a small dog, try to avoid emergency exit or bulkhead seats. While these rows have extra legroom, they’re the last place you should find dignity on a plane. People in these seats are usually experienced air travelers. The seats in front of these rows do not recline.
The bulkhead row is often assigned to service animals. The pet must be in a carrier or not disturb other passengers. In addition, it cannot disturb the crew or bother other passengers. If your dog barks, whimpers, or has other special characteristics, it will not be allowed on the plane. Also, it should not occupy the aisles near emergency exits.
If you must travel with your dog, you can contact the airline’s special needs representative 24 hours before your flight. You can also contact your airline and request a special seat, but you must make arrangements 24 hours in advance. It’s important to note that carriers are not required to offer special seating for service animals. However, you must inform the airline that you’re traveling with a dog and need a special seat.
It’s best to avoid bulkhead or emergency exit row seating when flying overseas with a small dog. United Airlines has a policy regarding pets on flights. Pets must be domesticated and cannot exceed eight weeks old. The company will also charge a $125 service fee per flight for a pet carrier.
Feeding your dog before the flight
When traveling with a dog, you should feed your dog before the flight. This is a simple but important step to prepare your pet for an airplane trip. Leaving your pet hungry will add stress to its digestive system and make him nervous. It is also important to bring its health certificate with you to the airport.
Before flying with your dog, be sure to deworm him or her. This procedure is important for your puppy’s health, and it should be completed three days prior to travel. Any surgeries or illnesses must also be healed before traveling. The health requirements for puppies vary between origin and destination airports, so be sure to check the specifics.
If your dog is going to be in the cabin, it should be fed at least four hours before the flight. Make sure your dog drinks water throughout the flight. It is also a good idea to freeze water bowls to prevent spillage. If the flight is delayed, you should also ensure that your dog has access to water and food at all times.
Most airlines allow small dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners. However, if your dog is large and too heavy, it will have to be checked as cargo. This is risky for both the animal and the airline. For this reason, the Humane Society recommends taking your dog in the cabin instead of the cargo section. Large dogs can get very hot and uncomfortable in the baggage holds.
If you decide to fly with your dog, be sure to choose a nonstop flight. Nonstop flights reduce the stress on your pet, and reducing layover time can save you money. During the layover, some airlines will require that you leave a small bag of food outside the kennel.
When traveling with a dog, it is recommended to feed your dog at least two hours before the flight. Having your dog feed before the flight is a good idea as it creates a positive association for your pet with flying.
Getting your dog used to the common surroundings of an airport
Acclimating your small dog to the airport environment is crucial for the safety of your puppy and other passengers. The airport has a number of strange smells and surroundings, so it is important to familiarize your pet with them before traveling. Make sure to bring along a potty pad and small trash bags. You should also make frequent pit stops to give your dog fresh water during the flight and to relieve your dog of any excess poop. It is also a good idea to avoid feeding your dog before the flight, since this can cause a lot of stomach discomfort in the air.
Most airlines allow small dogs to travel without a problem, but some may restrict the size of the carrier. In such a case, it is best to use a carrier with a large enough opening for your dog to stand up comfortably. In addition, you should line the carrier with a soft blanket to keep your pet comfortable.
Before your flight, take your puppy for several practice runs. Make sure he has been used to being in a carrier. You can also take your small dog to a nearby coffee shop to practice in a new environment. This way, he will be less likely to get nervous during the actual flight.