As stressful as flying can be for many people, it is even worse for pets relegated to the plane’s cargo compartment. Add summer heat into the equation, and if you’re not careful, your pet can get sick or even die.
Bulldogs are particularly vulnerable to heat, so much so that some airlines have banned them outright. According to veteranarian Dr. Matt Brunke, bulldogs are susceptible to breathing problems, that combined with stress and heat, can kill them.
There are still several things you can do to keep your pet safe.
Dr. Brunke’s Pet Transport Tips
1. Minimize the length of each leg of your journey
2. Plan your trip to try and avoid your pet being in the crate for long periods during the hottest part of the day
3. Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian prior to travel and discuss with them your pet’s specific risks and concerns
4. Speak with your airline about the possibility of being able to take your dog out of its crate during a long layover
5. Get your pet used to its travel crate weeks in advance
6. Some airlines will let you provide a water source in the crate, such as a spill proof bowl. Some small pets can be trained to drink from a large bottle, like those commonly used for a rabbits or guinea pigs
7. Only travel with your pet if absolutely necessary. They can also be happy staying home with friends or family or boarding at a nice facility
Portions of this article originally appeared in a piece we published in 2011, In Wake of Delta’s Bulldog Ban, 7 Tips for Flying With Your Pet This Summer. The message is timeless, so we plan on republishing it every summer.
