Transport Dog Crates And Stylish Pet Carriers

You may have heard statistics about dogs in transport dog crates being injured or lost, and even dying on board airplanes. These statistics crop up from time to time, usually in the context of a fresh injury, loss or death. Airlines do generally attempt to do their utmost to ensure that dogs traveling by airplane arrive at their destination safely. In fact, dog breeders and other dog enthusiasts often use airplanes as dog transport for their dogs, without incident. And compared to the proportion of dogs in transport dog crates and pet travel carriers being successfully tansported, the proportion of mishaps is pretty small.

Even though thousands of pets are safely transported via rail or air every year, this is not a signal to pet owners that they can become complacent if they need to travel with their pet, or send their pet via dog transport methods alone. Think how you would feel if disaster struck while your dog was traveling, and you had not properly prepared for the dog transportation.

The number one suggestion to all pet owners is to completely avoid sending your dog traveling in an airplane unless it is absolutely necessary. Many veterinarians and humane organizations are constantly reporting about dog injuries from air travel due to dogs which desperately attempt to claw its way out of the crate in order to escape. Some of them actually do escape and become injured in the cargo bay. Travel pet carriers have a much better track record, simple because they are by nature smaller, and pets in travel pet carriers usually travel in the passenger compartment under your seat.

The most important precautionary measure to take for the safety of your dog, if you do decide that the only dog transport available is to fly your dog, is to take him to the vet for a complete checkup to avoid complicating a pre-existing medical condition.

The best time of day for your dog to travel is when the outside temperature is at a medium level. So if you're traveling in a warm climate, early morning or the evening are the best times. Conversely, if you're traveling in especially cold weather, the middle of the day is best. This will help ensure that your dog does not overheat, or catch a chill.

Puppies and small dogs can usually travel in the passenger compartment with you if you are also traveling on the same flight. This is desirable, since it minimizes the potential for stressing your dog, and significantly reduces the potential for your dog to suffer from separation anxiety. Puppies, in particular, can suffer long term adverse effects from experiencing separation anxiety in such a situation. You will need small transport dog crates or pet carriers for small pets for travel in the passenger compartment. You could even splash out and invest in stylish pet carriers you'll be able to use for other types of travel.

All dogs, no matter what their age, can be affected by separation anxiety. And unfortunately larger dogs have no option but to be placed in the cargo section of the airplane in transport dog crates for this purpose. Travel pet carriers that go underneath seats are not an option for larger dogs.

In such a case, consider carefully whether there is any other option. If there isn't, speak to your vet about either natural travel and/or anxiety remedies for dogs, or even a sedative if your vet thinks it necessary. Take these steps, and you will minimize the possibility that your dog will ever be one of the statistics.