Urgent Advice on travelling long distances!!!

[punkie]

Originally Posted by katelin

I know United Airlines allows pets in the cabin - a limit of 2 pets per plane I think. they charge around $100 each way (domestic flights). On a quiet flight in first class the stewardess even let a woman take her yorkie out and sit in the seat next to her for the trip back from Japan. It all depends, I'm sure if the flight had been full or was short that wouldn't have happened.

Yes, I think all airlines have a limit on how many pets are allowed on each plane ride. I had to make a reservation for Milo about 10 days in advance.

[YorkieLvr]

We have always taken our yorkies with us while traveling although never for that duration. However, ours have flown on cross country flights lasting 5 hours in flight and they do very well. Here is what I do. First thing please be sure that you get a roomy bag/crate that will fit easily under the seat in the cabin. We have one with wheels, it looks just like a upright people bag except with mesh ventilation (they love it and it's great for us too, we leave the top open while in the airport and they stand up rolling through the airport loving all the attention!) once on board you just lie it on it's side and slide it under the seat in front of you. Double check that it will fit under the airline seat. On flight day try to make sure Milo has a good meal and poops before you leave for the airport. This is important. It sounds silly but trust me it's better for all. I always place a wee wee pad in the carrier with their favorite blanket, just in case they can't hold it in and they have an accident. That has saved us many times. You can always bring his sweater too, but chances are he will not need it in flight. We have found that it is much warmer under the seats, sometimes I worry it's too warm. Be sure to have in your carry-on bag some kibble, treats, a small plastic bowl and wee wee pads, lots of wee wee pads. Going through security take Milo out of his bag and carry him through. Before you get on the plane be sure to bring Milo into the ladies room and try to get the handicapped stall and put a wee wee pad down and let him pee. Give a treat! and let him know what a good boy he is! Once on the plane he may fuss or cry a bit because it is a new experience, but simply unzip the bag enough where you can place your hand in there for a little petting. Most likely he will fall asleep for awhile. During the flight ask the flight attendant for a cup of ice and let Milo lick a few pieces, it will be refreshing and wet his mouth but not be enough to make him have to pee. Do this throughout the flight. I never give water on the plane, just ice chips. During the flight I usually put the doggie bag on my lap and stick my hand inside to give lots of petting and attention, but not so much that their heads or body can come out. After 9-11 it has gotten worse and some flight attendants are doggie lovers and wonderful, and some are downright nasty. I usually get the latter! lol! As soon as you eat you may want to then feed Milo too...(as someone else mentioned we also buy or bring a chicken sandwich for them) you can ask the flight attendant (very discreetly) if you may take the dog out for feeding him (I just let ours out of their bag at my feet and give them the food, and if I can't take them fully out of the bag, I just open the end and place the bowl down and give lots of encouragement. The moment you land... RUN and I mean RUN to the ladies room and as before, nab the handicapped stall and place a wee wee down. Ours go on demand when we are in the stall and it's so easy to just place the soiled pad right in the garbage on my way out. If at all possible take him outside the airport for a little stretch of the legs. Again, some airports are better than others with pet policy. I have been to airports that allow mine to walk on their leash from terminal to terminal (love that) and others that only allow pets to be out of their bags outside of the building (usually where the smokers go). I would try letting him out of the bag as soon as you get into the terminal and if it's a problem someone will let you know right away, if not it will give Milo a welcoming walk, stretch and fresh air. Be sure to let him drink his water while in the airport and eat if he didn't have much on the plane. Like us we want to be sure they are hydrated. Then before boarding again be sure to hit up the bathroom with wee wee pad ready! They can never do enough pee pee . He may even have to poop. Always reward him and the next leg of the flight will be even smoother. And just repeat all the above. I have never sedated my yorkies either while traveling just because I'm afraid to sedate them (I'm a chicken like that) and because they are so tiny. Our Vet is also very conservative with meds and refuses to give them especially for just nerves, but he recommended a homeopathic stress reliever and it has been wonderful. It's called "Bach's Rescue Remedy", it's a homeopathic relaxer that we swear by. Just place 4-5 drops on his tongue if he seems really stressed and it will clam him down without drugging him. It's a product that is very safe. Since I have one that gets a bit hypoglycemic if she refuses food for long periods I keep an apple with me too, as it's a good treat for us both and it keeps her sugar up. And lastly we never leave home without a tube of NutiCal for those times that travel causes upset stomach or nervousness of new surroundings that makes them not want to eat. I make sure to place enough on my finger and they will usually lick it off and it's enough to get their tastebuds going and ready for a meal. Well...I hope some of these tips help? Remember to stay calm yourself as Milo will sense your stress and be sure to give him lots of encouragement and rewards for being a good boy! Hope you both have a great trip! And be sure to let us know how it all goes!

[sandshara]

Originally Posted by punkie

My vet wanted to give him something like that. I'm not sure if it was Cerenia, but it was something to prevent motion sickness that wouldn't sedate him. I said no, but maybe I'll give them a call and see about that. Someone recommended Rescue Remedy. Do a lot of people have experience with that?

Thanks for the suggestions on food. I imagine he will be plenty nervous and when he gets like that he doesn't even see his favourite treats even if I dangle them in his face. So, I'm sure he'll be reluctant to eat.

I was going to make him wear a sweater on the flight, but maybe I will bring a blanket as well. I know from myself. I get pretty cold sometimes on airplanes.
Thanks for all the great advice!

Just want to give you my experience about flying with Bebe and medication. I do sedate Bebe. The vet suggests it and I only give him a quarter of the tablet and he never really goes sound to sleep just groggy. What it does is slow down his urge to pee and keeps him calm. He gets very thirsty when we get to our destination and drinks a ton of water, just give to them when in the airport. It usually ends up being an entire day of boarding, flying, landing and getting to our destination. When flying with Airtran several times back and forth to Florida from Baltimore they DO NOT ALLOW YOU TO TAKE THE DOG OUT OF THE CARRIER. We actually got into a fight with a flight attendent bc I was rearranging Bebes carrier and took him out for one second and the jerk attendant flipped out on me and started yelling at me. Now on another trip the flight attendant was wonderful and let me take him out and put on my lap. It just depends!!! I always take a small blanket in his carrier and try to get the seat in the very back with hubby next to me and i put him on my lap with the blanket over him and he is fine, but beware of the flight attendants bc they usually do enforce not taking him out of the carrier at anytime on the plane because the airline is afraid that someone on the flight may be allergic to the animal and they could get in trouble. So just be aware. That is the main reason I sedate him, bc he does not like being stuck in the carrier under the seat in front of me and would cry the entire time if I didn't sedate him. My stepmom is a nurse and assured me it was okay, but just to give him a quarter of the pill bc I too was so worried. Hope this helps.

[sandshara]

I also take the same type carrier. It is on wheels and has a mesh front and you just lay it down and it rolls right under the seat. I hand paint them as well if your interested(see link below). I only have one in stock, but you can also get them online. : Gallery