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Flying with my puppy

nalia2020 profile image
20 Replies

Hi everyone, good morning

I’m just wondering if anyone has flown with their puppy the way I am, she will be in her carrier under my feet the whole time so she won’t be able to be in my lap like she likes to be when we drive.

I am worried that she will cry the whole time on the plane. I’m worried that she will pee everywhere. I’m worried that she will cause a lot of chaos and stress everyone else out on the plane. I know that in the wide view of everything, it’s really not that big of a deal if she pees or cries but I just really hope it doesn’t. I brought her a bunch of bones and treats and she has toys to chew on. I will be keeping my hand in her carrier the whole time as well but I am still worried she will feel lonely and cry when she’s not in my lap.

I am trying not to freak out too much because I know she will feed off my energy so I’m trying to stay calm but I really just want to cry from the stress right now

And I know that taking her back on the plane probably wasn’t the best idea, but I had no other choice, otherwise I wouldn’t have done it this way

Anyways, any advice? Thank you!

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nalia2020 profile image
nalia2020
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KailaLili profile image
KailaLili

I've seen lot's of people bring their puppy on flights. Usually, things go quite well. I can totally understand your worry, though. When I travel I totally worry about all the logistics. I hope your nerves calm and things go as smoothly as they can!!

Every dog I’ve had, I sleep with their doggy blanket in order to get my scent on it. This way when I’m not in their presence this will be familiar and comforting to them. This has worked well when crate training.

You’ll have your hand there as you said so your little guy isn’t going to get lonely. The pee thing is going to happen, put extra pee pads in the carrier, just plan for a puppy bath when you get home. I personally wouldn’t use anxiety or sedating meds on a puppy, but that’s your choice of course.

Do you have anything to take for anxiety? Something over the counter that might help you if you don’t?

I’m sure most people will be awe-ing over a puppy. I really think your little guy is going to be fine, may even sleep most of if not the entire time.

Congratulations on becoming a fur-momma. Dogs are great comfort and amazing extensions to our lives. Take care. 🌺💜

Hi. I have never been in this situation, but I did want to make a suggestion re calming the nerves. My dog has a thunder vest. This is designed to fit tighter-than-usual to create a calming effect.

AnxM profile image
AnxM in reply to

Might not be a good idea as high altitude can restrict breathing.

in reply to AnxM

Very true! I should've thought of that. Thank you!I hope that you are well!

AnxM profile image
AnxM in reply to

I’m doing better this week, thanks for asking!How are you?

in reply to AnxM

I'm doing quite well myself, thank you! I hadn't seen you around in awhile, so it's nice to see you back! Thanks for checking me on my suggestion. This is why it's good to get multiple people in on the conversation. Thanks again!I'm glad you're doing better!

AnxM profile image
AnxM in reply to

Aww, thanks for noticing my absence. I was badly triggered by a therapy session before the new year. Officially diagnosed with PTSD so have been posting my questions on that board. :)

Glad to hear that you’re doing well, MinnieMouse. No worries, good to have a few heads weigh in on something. What kind of dog do you have? I think dogs are much better for our mental health than anything in the world. When I get agitated, he worries and puts his head in my lap - it’s the best thing in the world. :)

in reply to AnxM

Aww, so sorry about the PTSD diagnosis. I'm glad you have a community to go to, though! My husband I have -- or rather, we have and my parents are keeping -- a Schipperke mix. I agree with you about dogs! They are so good for us!

AnxM profile image
AnxM in reply to

I agree that it's good to have a supportive community to go to. :)I had to look up what a Schipperke is - cute!

in reply to AnxM

Yes, they are adorable! What kind do you have?

AnxM profile image
AnxM in reply to

Mine's a Westie. He's got a big dog personality in a small body. haha

in reply to AnxM

Aww!! Take care of yourself!

AnxM profile image
AnxM in reply to

You too!

AnxM profile image
AnxM

I can understand that you’re worried. I flew with my puppy when we moved countries - more than 30 hours!! 3 different flights plus layovers.

Yes i did spend all my flight time hunched over with my hand in the bag to pat him. He still barked cos he wanted out.

He did stress me out a lot by barking the whole time but in the end he was fine. I taped a pee pad inside the bag to absorb the pee but he yanked it up. Things got a bit messy but he was fine.

I am just glad he didn’t have to go in the cargo hold and that he could move to our new home thousands of miles away. So in the end it’s worth it.

AnxM profile image
AnxM

Oh i also remember putting his carrier bag on my lap and letting him poke his head out but got told off by flight attendants.

Isinatra profile image
Isinatra

Since she’s a puppy, I don’t know if she would be a candidate for a vet prescribed sedative. Try calling a vet and ask about it. It won’t cost anything for a phone call and you might get some reassurance/advice from it. I envy your new puppy! Good luck!❤️🏄‍♀️

AnxM profile image
AnxM

I think you should edit your original post and put this update at the top or people will keep responding.

But I'm so happy your puppy slept through the flight. That is the best outcome one can hope for.

nalia2020 profile image
nalia2020 in reply to AnxM

Oh thank you!

FifLove profile image
FifLove

I’ve traveled a few times with both my small dogs. My papillon was about 4 months the first time. Amazingly there was an empty seat next to me and she curled up and slept the whole trip. Thankfully the flight attendants were good on that flight. On our return, and each time after, once we took off she’d settle in and sleep the whole time. Later when I got my dachshund, that was a bit older and tougher. He actually dug a hole in the bag and I had no choice but to keep my hand there. So, it depends on the dog, and if they become accustomed to it at a young age. Bring things he is familiar with and have a comforting scent from home, chew/busy toys, lots of treats, and wee wee pads😉

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