Dogs on Planes

[FLAMESRULE]

So my wife and I are looking at going to Vancouver Island for a week this summer and we want to bring our Lab. However, we're not sure about putting her on a plane. I'm ok with it, but wifey is a bit unsure. Our dog is 2 1/2 and still acts like a puppy. Not sure how she'd handle being kenneled for a couple hours in an airport and plane cargo hold.

Just wondering if anyone else has any experience flying with their dogs?? Tips, tricks, things to watch out for etc.?? I'm thinking we give her a bit of a depressant to calm her down if anything at all.

[transplant99]

Honestly...the trauma of being held in a cage and then flying in a cargo hold with no idea what is happening probably outweighs anything gained by joining you on the Island.

I would just leave her at a nice kennel for the week where she will be more than happy romping around and playing with other dogs.

Just MO of course.

[Pinner]

Talk to your Vet.

Drugs work wonders, (Benzos) I had an operation this fall, my pre op nurse asked if I would mind a student putting in my IV needle, well this student took a very long time getting it done. It was a blood fest, I didn't even care.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Pinner

Talk to your Vet.

Drugs work wonders, (Benzos) I had an operation this fall, my pre op nurse asked if I would mind a student putting in my IV needle, well this student took a very long time getting it done. It was a blood fest, I didn't even care.

LOL.


I think I agree with Tranny (lol again).

[Starfishy]

transplant gets my vote as well. If you are only interested in the dog enjoying herself, I would suggest leaving her behind.

[Cowperson]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Honestly...the trauma of being held in a cage and then flying in a cargo hold with no idea what is happening probably outweighs anything gained by joining you on the Island.

I would just leave her at a nice kennel for the week where she will be more than happy romping around and playing with other dogs.

Just MO of course.

I agree. If you were going away for the winter for three months, I could see it.

One week though? I wouldn't do it unless this was going to become a frequent occurrence and your end goal was trying to get the dog used to the process.

Through the last quarter-century and three sets of dogs and innumerable cats, we've left them all at home when we're travelling, first with my wife's mother coming to stay at our residence and, more lately, my wife's sister. They've never been kennelled.

Cowperson

[Flashpoint]

Originally Posted by FLAMESRULE

So my wife and I are looking at going to Vancouver Island for a week this summer and we want to bring our Lab. However, we're not sure about putting her on a plane. I'm ok with it, but wifey is a bit unsure. Our dog is 2 1/2 and still acts like a puppy. Not sure how she'd handle being kenneled for a couple hours in an airport and plane cargo hold.

Just wondering if anyone else has any experience flying with their dogs?? Tips, tricks, things to watch out for etc.?? I'm thinking we give her a bit of a depressant to calm her down if anything at all.

If you really want your dog with you, I'd recommend driving instead of flying. Less separation anxiety. If you are definitely going to fly, and definitely bringing the dog, I'll second the "drugs" recommendation - talk to your vet.

[Delthefunky]

I was a baggage handler for 2 years for AC. Nothing says more then the eyes of a dog on it's way up the 'belt'. You can make it to the island in one day in a car if you like.

[Pinner]

Originally Posted by 4X4

LOL.


I think I agree with Tranny (lol again).

You've got a one track mind today

[Yeah_Baby]

I've had it with these moutafu**ing dogs on this moutafu**ing plane.

[Devils'Advocate]

Someone suggested using drugs to knock out the dog. I was warned against doing that.

Read the section on tranquilizers here:
http://www.pettravel.com/news_pet_tr...line_cargo.cfm

My vet said that they also have trouble regulating their temperature while sedated, which is important given the temperature fluctuations in the hold.

[Locke]

Just dont mix the dogs with Samuel L. Jackson. I have it on good authority that he wont stand for that.

[moncton golden flames]

i have a 4.5 yr old labrador that has traveled with me to the maritimes and back about 5 times so far. the first time she flew she was really young and she pee'd in her kennel. since then, i see no affects of bringing her on a plane.

i say bring your dog and see how it handles a short trip to the island.

[socalwingfan]

We flew our dog back to Calgary once, she was pretty shaken up for about 1.5 days and then she was fine. However we have since driven back with her 4 - 5 times as the 1.5 days of her being out of sorts was enough to convince us that it's not a good idea

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Please don't drug your dog.
Seriously, I'm not trying to be a jerk, but if you've got a dog that's 2.5 years old and is still acting like a puppy (which I presume means jumps around like a ######, and doesn't listen very well), you could probably do a lot better to put more effort into properly training the dog.

I know it's a lab, who tend to stay in the puppy phase a little longer than most dogs, but that's usually because people don't put the effort into training them, because with the right consisency and effort, they are one of the most trainable breeds out there. That's why I love labs so much, they've got all sorts of personality, and you can teach them to do just about anything.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by Yeah_Baby

I've had it with these moutafu**ing dogs on this moutafu**ing plane.

Thanks for that. I clicked on the thread only to post that. Good work.

[longsuffering]

My dog flew from Baku Azerbaijan to Calgary via Frankfurt and arrived with no ill effects - and without doggie drugs.

If the dog is kennel trained, the flight shouldn't be too overwhelming.

That said, as you're talking about Vancouver Island, I'd just drive out with the dog.

[REDVAN]

I took my dog to Ontario about a year and a half ago.

That was when they allowed dogs in the cabin, provided they are small enough.

I have a yorkie cross, and at that time she was prob 6-8 months old. Vet said it'd be no problem, and it wasn't. We didn't give her any drugs. But, since she was in the cabin with us, it's a whole different story.

I would never do it again, regardless of the fact they don't allow dogs in the cabin anymore. It was a big hassle, and really, she'd prob have way more fun at a day care place for a week, or even at my parents house.

I'd drive with my dog anywhere, even though she gets really over-anxious in the car.

[Suzles]

Our dog flew from England to Calgary. We bought her air crate 18 months before the flight date. We used this box as a 'safe' place - put a cushy bed in there; she even took her night time dental stick in there. We NEVER shut her in there. That was only done when she was transferred at Heathrow airport. I believe she was in the crate for 15 hours. She was quiet and well behaved (normally very highly strung). There wasn't even a tinkle accident! And to reiterate a previous poster please do NOT give any sedatives.

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by Suzles

Our dog flew from England to Calgary. We bought her air crate 18 months before the flight date. We used this box as a 'safe' place - put a cushy bed in there; she even took her night time dental stick in there. We NEVER shut her in there. That was only done when she was transferred at Heathrow airport. I believe she was in the crate for 15 hours. She was quiet and well behaved (normally very highly strung). There wasn't even a tinkle accident! And to reiterate a previous poster please do NOT give any sedatives.

This is such a great post I had to do more than just thanks it.

To the OP, I'm in the drive there or leave the dog at a kennel camp. Auburnmist out on Dumbo Rd will kennel dogs I think. Theres would be the best place as they are on an acerage and the dogs have tonnes of room to play with their new friends. I don't know if it applies to only Golden Retrievers/dogs you purchased from them, but if not then hands down go there.