Thursday, August 06, 2009
5 Easy Tips on How to Properly Transport Your Dog
By: Michael Gabriel L. Sumastre
As dogs become part of your family, there are instances wherein you would want to bring them along with you when you travel, or when you might need to relocate elsewhere. Transporting your dog is not as simple as lugging your pet around the plane, but it does not have to be overly complicated. Here are some tips on how to properly transport your dogs.
1. Choose the right sized animal container. Make sure that your dog can move comfortably inside the container, with enough room to stand and sit erect, lie down and turn around the box while standing. This means that you should measure the animal's girth (from one side of its body to the other), height (from the floor to the top of its head), leg length (from the floor to the part where its legs meets the body) and body length (from the snout to the base of the tail). Taking these measurements, buy a box that is twice the girth on one side, about as high as the height measurements, and as wide as the body length and half the leg length.
The box should have ventilation holes as well as a handle. To be sure that your animal container will be approved by the airline you are planning to take, call them in advance and ask for their specifications. It is also highly recommended to buy the container well ahead from the airlines.
You can also use your own dog carrier if you have it, but make sure to seek the airline's approval days before your travel date. Some airlines require that your pet container be made of sturdy materials, so check if your container meets their standards or not.
If you have a small dog or cat, you do not need to fret about animal containers. They can go in the cabin with you, or in the case of some airlines, they will be placed in a heated and ventilated hold where they will be comfortably away from other passengers.
2. Prepare your dog for traveling. This would mean training it to its new surroundings and putting it inside the animal container, dog carrier or kennel a few weeks before the departure. This would ensure that your pet will behave perfectly when it is being transported inside the kennel or animal container.
Contact your preferred airline way in advance to know if they would accept your dog on your preferred travel dates. This is because some airlines have restrictions on the number of animals on board. Take note also that if you are travelling with an animal, you may be required to check in earlier than usual. However, animals tend to get frenzied at the airport, so you have to strike a balance. If your dog is going to be in the cabin with you, you can check in as late as you can. The reverse is true however if your dog will be transported in the cargo hold, give it as much time to get accustomed to the new place and relax before take off.
3. Feeding. The day before your flight, reduce the amount of food you give your dog while making sure it has enough water. You would have to give your dog a light meal two hours before surrendering your pet to the carrier.
Walk the dog before going to the airport and again before checking in.
4. Check the weather. If it is summer, chances are you will not be allowed to transport snub nosed dogs, which have difficulty maintaining normal body temperature on hot days.
5. Do not sedate your dog. Not only would sedation cause it potential harm, some airlines do not allow this, while the rest discourages it!
Michael Gabriel L. Sumastre is a true animal lover. He loves to play with his dog and is thinking of getting a new cat. He is the freelance writer of AnimalStars.com, a luxury online pet store that specializes in dog and cat collars, pet ID tags, pet birthstones, pet bells, latest pet accessories, cool pet clothes, colorful pet jewelries, and pet health.
Labels: pets/dogs
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