How long of a flight is too long for a dog?

Don't fly an anxious dog on a 10+ hour flight However, whether or not it's “cruel” ultimately depends on your dog. Like in the case of humans, some dogs simply handle long flights better than others.



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Dogs can survive a 12-hour flight, but it's important to take steps to ensure their safety and comfort during the journey. Before the flight, it's important to prepare your dog properly by providing them with plenty of food, water, and opportunities to exercise.

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Checked pets According to USDA restrictions, animals should be offered water every 12 hours, so for travel with a checked pet to LAX or DFW, you must book a flight 12 hours or less.

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Most airlines require that pets travel with a small zip-lock bag of their food attached to the top of the crate - but they are not provided food to eat during the flight. Again, this is to avoid an upset stomach or going to the bathroom inside the kennel.

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Pee pads in the carrier or in the bathroom are pretty much your only solution for a dog who needs to go while on a flight.

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According to estimates released by the Department of Transportation, less than 1 in 10,000 animals were injured, lost, or killed from flying. That said, the general safety of flying your pet as cargo doesn't discount the gravity of the fact that animals are sometimes harmed by flying in the cargo hold.

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On the day of travel, take your dog for a long walk or run so he or she can expend as much energy as possible. Remember to feed your pet dog or cat no more than six hours before the flight. Flying on a full stomach is not recommended; feed your pet a little less than usual on the day of the flight.

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In general, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that permit it. Typically, this would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds.

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The safest way for your pet to travel is in a carrier that has been strapped to the seat with a seatbelt or other anchor. Make sure the carrier is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down. You can also use a pet seatbelt, but these have not been proven to protect animals during a car crash.

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And while it may sound like a good idea to travel with your dog, there are some definite disadvantages for our canine friends. A group of Canadian researchers suggested, in a study, that road and air travel are stressful for dogs, especially those who have not traveled before.

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You may want to consider a all natural pet calmer. You also want to have a supply of water with a travel bowl that does not spill. A mature dog can travel for six or 8 hours but a puppy needs a “rest stop” every 2 to 3 hours. As tempting as it may be, do not take them out of the car without a lead attached.

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Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

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Trazodone (brand name Desyrel®), gabapentin (brand name Neurontin®), and alprazolam (brand names; Xanax®, Niravam®) are examples of medications that are sometimes prescribed by veterinarians to reduce the anxiety that some dogs experience when traveling.

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The kennel is required to have a water dish attached, but the water may splash in flight, or your dog may be too stressed to drink. Be conscious of leaving food in the crate as well. “Don't leave anything they could eat and choke on since nobody is there to help them.”

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12 Tips (and Carry-On Essentials) for Surviving a Long-Haul Flight
  1. Buy your ticket as early as possible. ...
  2. Wear your most comfortable outfit. ...
  3. Invest in a good travel pillow, earplugs, and sleep mask. ...
  4. Pack your own headphones. ...
  5. Take the smallest personal item you can. ...
  6. Bring your own snacks, or buy some before boarding.


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Older dogs are quite able to handle flying if they are healthy. The only really safe place for your pet is in the cabin with you, but if your dog is too big to fit under the seat in his carrier, you are usually out of luck.

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As your puppy gets older gradually increase the total amount of time you leave them alone. Adult dogs are generally okay on their own for 4-6 hours a day. But, many dogs are good at adapting to being alone for 8-9 hours while you are at work if they are provided with enough space to comfortably move around.

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