Fido's First Flight - What To Know About Planes & Pups

Winston in his carrier on our flight before I put him under the seat in front of me for take-off

Winston has flown a bunch. Mostly just between Boston and New York, but as my readers know he's also visited the Sunshine state. Winston will be accompanying me on my upcoming trip to Boston this week, so I thought a plane entry would be most appropriate.

Here's an important tip list I've created for flying with your precious pet:

1.  Many people don't think about this, but it's really important and a big part of the trip an owner may overlook... the cab/car ride to and from the airport! Although Winston is an easy flier, he is NOT an easy cab rider. He tends to get car sick and has thrown up 2-3 times in a single ride from Manhattan to JFK. For the longest time I would just come prepared with a lot of paper towels and other throw up cleaner supplies, but then I went to the vet and we discussed a medication I could give him before a car ride. I used it for the first time a few weekends ago when Winston went for a 2 hour ride in the car to Long Island and he didn't throw up once! This has made life easier and taken a lot of anxiety out of our trips!

2. Most airlines have an extra fee to fly your pup - so call ahead and make sure you've made the proper arrangements. Don't try and get on the plane without doing so, trust me they will take you off the flight - I WOULD KNOW!

3. Make sure the carrier you've purchased has the dimensions approved by the FDA so your pup comfortably fits under the seat in front of you (and again so you don't get kicked off the flight). Another good tip is to make sure the carrier has longer straps so you can throw it over your shoulder (or there are even ones available that roll). Winston's carrier has shorter straps which only allows me to carry it in my hands... this really starts to hurt after awhile and only allows me to travel through security and the airport with one free hand - I need to get a new one!

4. As many people know, some dogs do not fly well. We've all been on flights and can hear a dog's whimper, or even bark, the entire time. Don't hesitate to contact your vet and discuss the appropriate medications. Some vets (like Winston's) will prescribe a dose of Benadryl to knock them out during long flights. Depending on your dog's particular personality and breed, the medication and dose will differ (never try and diagnose your dog, always consult a vet).

5. Try and limit your dogs water or food intake during the hours leading up to your flight. Some plane rides may be quite long and they won't be able to relieve themselves! A dog with a full bladder won't be happy! During a flight, I wouldn't give your dog any water until the last hour to half hour of the flight. A good idea is to give them an ice cube to lick. It will make sure they stay hydrated and won't cause a full bladder. At the airport, they do have dog elimination areas, so if you think little fido has to go before (or after) you take off or land - take them there!

7. During take off and landing your dog must be in the appropriate carrier, tucked under the seat in front of you. But, during the flight you have the option of putting the carrier on your lap. Some owners may find that this helps ease the dogs anxiety, but others may find it unnecessary. I personally leave Winston under the seat. He is an easy flier and rarely makes a peep, so I just put his favorite toys in the carrier and let him be.  Let sleeping dogs lie... literally!

Here are a few good links to items to purchase for traveling with your dog!

- rolling carrier: http://bit.ly/nbhNIi
- shoulder carrier: http://bit.ly/qlqhgM
- dog care kit: http://bit.ly/o8wDvv
- portable bowls: http://bit.ly/qb7LvL