Flying with new puppy from NYC to SEA

Old Aug 1st, 2013, 09:15 PM
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Flying with new puppy from NYC to SEA

My boyfriend and I will be taking our new Chiweenie from NYC to SEA on August 18th. Our little guy is only a little over three months old and weighs about 3.5 pounds maybe. He does not like his crate very much that we have now but it warming up to it. We bought the Sherpa Pet carrier for our upcoming trip, it should be delivered within the next two days. I am nervous that through the whole flight he is going to cry and bark. Sometimes he gets so upset he gets sick. He loves to be in my lap and follows me everywhere in the apartment. He does not like to be alone and loves to be held and touched. I read on another post that people were saying to give the dogs medicine to calm them down, but our baby is so small and so young i'm nervous to give him anything. Does anyone know any tips or tricks on keeping the puppy happy and comfortable during this long of a flight?

thank you very much!
Pizzapupsmom is offline  
Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 02:03 AM
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Talk to your vet and get him some puppy medicine.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 03:19 AM
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Definitely go to your vet to be sure that this trip is safe for such a young/tiny puppy. He should be able to tell you what to do to make it as easy as possible.

Such a tiny puppy will almost surely have to pee or poop during the flight (although the vet will probably tell you not to feed him that day) - so you will probably need to line the Sherpa with several layers of wee wee pads arrive.and you will need to be ready to clean up the puppy after you arrive.)
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 03:20 AM
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by the way, i assume you are moving to Sea permanently. If this is only a short trip taking the puppy is a truly dreadful idea.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 03:58 AM
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I assume you have OKed everything with the airline--any needed shots, etc.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 05:19 AM
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Your number one concern should be making sure your dog does not bother anyone on the plane. Why are you taking it with you anyway?
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 05:21 AM
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First: Go to your airline's website and check out their policy for bringing pets with you so you make sure you are in compliance. You'll find lots of useful information here.

Second: Almost every airline requires that "carry-on" pets be kept in their kennel/pet carrier during the entire time they are in the cabin. The kennel/pet carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you so make sure your's meets the size restriction. Make sure you are not seated in a bulkhead seat as there will be no place to store your pet carrier during the flight.

Third: Before you go talk with your vet. He is the person who can best advise you about using tranquilizers or other medicines to calm your pet.

Good Luck.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 05:22 AM
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I'm really not an advocate of tranquilzers for dogs on flights. Some dogs have the opposite reaction and become hyperactive (this sometimes happens with puppies). Getting him accustomed to being in a crate will help tremendously, and do let him sleep (if he will) in the Sherpa bag, especially during the day. That way he'll be more comfortable. You have a couple of weeks, so you still have some time. But if he barks and cries alot anyway, he's likely to do so on the plane, especially during take-off and landing.

My dog does particularly well on flights. She just lies down and sleeps, and we've had much longer travel days than you will. Puppies not so much.

Make sure you get to the airport in enough time to give him a chance to go outside the terminal.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 09:02 AM
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I assume you already have the airline's permission to bring the dog on your flight (typically they only allow one pet per flight) and have paid the appropriate fee for the passage. If not - you need to do so immediately.

Also, you should make sure your pup has a chip implanted so he can be found if he somehow escapes.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 09:58 AM
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Is your flight non-stop? I wonder if it would be better to book a flight with one stop, perhaps a few hours so you can take your pup outside to relieve himself, get some exercise?
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 10:30 AM
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For most dogs, you should choose nonstop flights. On longer flights, they can fall asleep while on stopovers, there's not usually time to take them out of the secure area. Besides it makes for a longer travel day for everyone. I fly with my dog all the time, and whether I'm gong to California, or the midwest, or Paris, I look for the fewest stops.

My dog is good for 8 hours of travel, but a puppy has to learn.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 12:43 PM
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Do follow the advice to get him used to the carrier you will be using for the flight. Put treats in it, feed him in it, then start to take little walks around the neighborhood with him on it. All experiences with the crate should be gentle and positive. Do not force him into it thinking he will get used to it.

Talk to your vet about tranquilizers. There are different drugs and they work in various ways. Talk to the vet sooner than later and get enough to try them out beforehand with your dog in the crate. Dosages can be adjusted based on your dog's reaction. Also make sure you get the vet to tell you how the drugs work and how long they last and take effect. One drug will take 30 min to take effect but it will last longer.

Even though you didn't ask, I do have some concern that your dog seems to have a high level of anxiety. You may want to discuss that with your vet.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 01:20 PM
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Here is a site with what looks like helpful information for flying with dogs:
http://www.dogjaunt.com/

Lee Ann
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Old Aug 2nd, 2013, 03:41 PM
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Agree Doug, but was thinking cuz this is a puppy...
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