Flying with a dog is a challenge for both pets and their owners. Therefore, owners of four-legged companions should carefully consider the decision to choose this means of transport for traveling with their pet. It is worth preparing well for this trip and considering the relationship between the hardships and the benefits of the trip. A dog on a plane? See what you need to know!
Every dog owner must remember that flying for a dog is associated with a lot of stress. The advantages and disadvantages of such a trip should be weighed each time and a balanced assessment should be made. Regardless of the analysis carried out, it is suggested that flying with a dog on an airplane should only take place when absolutely necessary: for example, for a long holiday or because of moving abroad. To save your four-legged friend excessive stress, try to choose a direct flight if possible. You also need to consider whether the dog is medically and characterologically fit to fly. You should also check if it is not prone to motion sickness, for example.
The rules and possibilities of transporting dogs on planes are governed by the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). On the other hand, in the EU countries and the Schengen Area, EU regulations on air transport of animals, consistent with IATA regulations, apply. These regulations indicate, among other things, that the guardian of the dog during the journey should be its owner, who was named in the animal's identification document. It may also be a person authorized by him in writing. The dog transported on the plane must be properly identified through a transponder, which is commonly called a microchip. In the case of older dogs, it is allowed to mark them with a legible tattoo made before July 3, 2011. The transponder is implanted in the dog's veterinary office that provides such a service. The microchip does not interfere with the dog's daily functioning and does not sensitize it.
In addition, the four-legged friend with whom we want to fly by plane should be vaccinated against rabies. When a young dog is 12 weeks old, it can be given its first vaccination. He obtains immunity after 21 days from the date of vaccination - and only then can he fly on an airplane. Subsequent doses of vaccination prolong the validity of the dog's vaccination.
Each dog that we want to fly with must have a passport. Such a document is issued by an authorized veterinarian. The passport contains basic data about the dog and its owner, about the validity of the necessary vaccinations of the quadruped and its health, as well as the exact location of the transponder. If you are traveling with your dog to a non-EU country, you must have an EU animal health certificate, which contains data similar to the information contained in the dog's passport.
You should be aware that the procedures used by different carriers related to the transport of dogs by air may differ. Some airlines (especially low-cost ones) do not allow pets, except for guide dogs.
Most carriers allow smaller and lighter dogs up to 8 kg in the passenger cabin. However, regulations vary from airline to airline. However, a pet traveling in this way must remain in a closed transport container or a soft pet carrier bag for the entire flight. During take-off and landing, and during turbulence, place a container in front of your seat in the footwell. This container must be waterproof and provide air exchange. You should also be aware that the air service provider may only allow a limited number of small pooches to be transported in the cabin, so this transport must be booked well in advance.
Dogs whose dimensions exceed the weight and size allowed in the passenger compartment must be transported in the luggage hold - in a transport box. Away from your guardian. This means that the transport of a dog in the hold is treated as a large-size cargo. Although the hold room is fully air-conditioned and heated, the whole procedure is a heavy burden for the dog. Unfamiliar and loud sounds of engines, strange surroundings and loneliness terrify him. In addition, usually the owner of the pet cannot be present during the loading and unloading of his dog from the plane, which is placed in the transport box. So he has no influence on how his pet is treated by the staff. Generally, a long journey in such conditions causes a lot of stress in the dog, it can also cause its increased aggression.
The dimensions of the transport container for transporting a small dog in the passenger cabin are similar to the dimensions of cabin baggage. They depend on the specific airline and should be checked on the carrier's website. However, the dimensions of the transport box with a large dog, placed in the luggage hold - vary depending on the size of the quadruped. Specific requirements are governed by IATA regulations, which state that a dog transport box must be large enough for the dog to turn around and lie down in a natural position, as well as stand upright without any problems. If the dog crate is too small, the airline may refuse to carry it.
It is important to:
Flying in an airplane puts a lot of strain on your dog's circulatory system. Before traveling, check with your veterinarian to see if your dog can be given sedatives. Give him a light meal a few hours before departure. At the same time, you need to make sure that the dog has a reserved seat and its flight has been registered in a timely manner.
The dog owner should bring a recent photo of their pet in case it gets lost. You should also make sure that the pooch has all the necessary vaccinations.
An important aspect when traveling with a dog on a plane is to take all the necessary documents. In addition to those required by the air carrier, you should find out in advance about the regulations for entering a given country with a dog.
Consider traveling by plane with very large dogs and brachycephalic dog breeds (with a short muzzle and flattened muzzle), i.e. Pugs, French Bulldogs, Pekingese and Boxers. Their short nasal passages make them susceptible to oxygen deficiency and heatstroke.
The Bichon Bolognese (Bolognese) is an extremely intelligent and very devoted four-legged friend. With his charming and cheerful disposition and very tender character, he immediately conquers every heart. His cheerful nature and love of cuddling make him the perfect family dog.
The Pointer is an energetic, intelligent dog with an independent disposition. He is eager to work and learn, and his cheerful and friendly character and great temperament win him a lot of loyal fans.
Unfortunately, skin cancer in dogs is not uncommon. Although it can affect dogs of all ages and breeds, it occurs especially in older dogs. Determining the type of changes and the stage of development of the disease plays a fundamental role in assessing the prognosis and treatment. However, the chances of curing skin cancer depend primarily on early detection of the disease. That's why it's so important to check your dog's skin regularly for any changes.
