Travel Troubles with Fido?

Now Fido can fly the friendly skies with their his airline. Pet Airways has begun flights just for pets, as of July 14, from 5 major cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Denver, and Washington DC. It's a start. If you have a larger dog--one that cannot fly in the cabin--this is an option, at least for those who are reasonably close to these metropolitan areas. Hopefully, with economic improvement, the market will grow.

Meanwhile, if your dog must travel in the belly of the plane, get medical advice, consider temperature issues in your airline and flight pattern, and try these tips:

• First and foremost, prevent anxiety with vigorous exercise 2-3 times a day for 2-3 days before his travel. A tired pup will be better able to relax and cruise quietly.


• Assure that prior to his journey, your pet has been well-hydrated for several days.


• Consider a cooling (or warming, in Winter) mat for his travel crate (only, of course, if you are certain your dog will not chew it)


• Consider a battery operated hook-on fan (available at Wal-Mart and camping stores), if the airline will allow it. Attach it securely to the outside of the wire door of the crate.


• Gauge your dog's travel nerves based on previous journeys and talk with your vet about prevention of anxiety.


• Check with your vet on food for the day of his flight. Most recommend either no food, or only a small meal early in the day. Just prior to leaving home, take another brisk walk to give your dog ample opportunity to relieve his bowels and tire him out for the trip.


• Finally, don't give your dog anything other than his regular food the day before travel. No sense churning up his bowels with a surprise attack of diarrhea, while en route.

If you need a place to stay, check this out. We used this guide when traveling for a week with Oliver. He was quite a champ!