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Are planes bad for pets?

Is flying bad for dogs? Flying can be a stressful experience for dogs, and in some cases, it can lead to health problems or injuries. Dogs that are prone to anxiety or have pre-existing medical conditions may be particularly susceptible to the negative effects of flying.



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Kirsten Theisen, director of pet care issues for the Humane Society of the United States, believes air travel is simply too stressful for most animals, especially when they are placed in an aircraft's cargo hold. “Flying is frightening for animals,” says Theisen.

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Animals can also suffer the effects of atmospheric pressure, like humans, and may present: mild ear pain; decreased hearing; tinnitus.

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Some animal rights groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, recommend against traveling with your cat anywhere but the cabin if it can be avoided — and not all airlines allow cats to be transported as cargo. You could also opt to use a pet shipping company.

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There have been too many animal incidents on aircraft this summer, including the Delta Air Lines passenger who lost her dog while traveling from Santo Domingo to San Francisco last week. The airline is still searching for the pooch after it escaped from its kennel.

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The Rules and Regulations There are strong border controls in force checking animals that travel in the hold; however, they feel it would not be possible to prevent rabies from entering the country if animals were routinely allowed into the cabin.

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Most of the time, cats travel quite well without the need for medication. Some cats, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

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As long as your kitty stays in the kennel, there's nothing you can do if your cat starts meowing. Call the airline about their pet policy so you won't get a big surprise. You vet can also prescribe a mild sedative to help your cat relax a bit.

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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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Understanding Your Dog's Ear Anatomy This tube helps even out pressure between the outside environment and the inside of the ear. So, when the air pressure changes rapidly, such as during take-off or landing of an airplane, your dog's ears can also experience a 'popping' sensation.

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According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. Except in unusual circumstances, veterinarians should not dispense sedatives to transport animals.

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Tip 2: Cover Their Ears Dogs have very sensitive hearing and, just like us humans, need noise protection while in flight. Several companies provide dog earmuffs, but cotton balls will also do the trick. Just like easing your dog into a flight, repeat that process for the ear protection.

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Calming your Pet when Flying
  1. Groom Your Pet Before Flying. ...
  2. Arrive at the Airport Earlier. ...
  3. Get Your Pet a Comfortable Carrier. ...
  4. Place a Piece of Clothing in the Carrier. ...
  5. Bring Her Favorite Treat and a Water Supply. ...
  6. Provide Calming Supplements. ...
  7. Prepare a Pheromone Collar. ...
  8. Let Your Pet Wear Diapers.


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Pets are treated as a priority and should be put on last and taken off first. In the case of the long-haul flights with transfers the pets are checked at any refuel/transfer points and their water bowls are replenished.

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If your pets are not great travelers, and you want to get them there quickly, flying might be a better option. It is important to get them used to the carrier before travel day. If possible, fly with cats and small dogs in the cabin, rather than in the belly of the plane.

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The middle seats have more space under the seats. Once you board the plane, your cat's carrier will have to go under the seat in front of you. On many airlines, the middle seat has the most room for your cat's carrier.

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Dogs and humans aren't the only ones who can suffer from car sickness or motion sickness. Cats can also develop gastrointestinal distress while traveling in the car, and for some, traveling by air or boat can induce the same reaction. Vomiting is, of course, the tell-tale sign of motion sickness.

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The main 3 airlines that allow pets in the cabin are: KLM, Lufthansa and TUI. This only applies for very small pets that weigh less than 8kg and would have to be booked direct through the airline, without the assistance of a pet export company like Fetchapet.

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RyanAir does not permit any type of live animal to fly in the cabin of its aircraft unless it is a guide or assistance dog trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability (physical, sensory or psychiatric) and must be certified by an organisation that is a full member of Assistance Dogs ...

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Pets. Animals are not allowed on our flights, apart from recognised registered guide and assistance dogs.

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