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Article Series: Dog Travel
My Dog Is Traveling With Me. What Do I Do?
Why
Are Dogs Dying When Flying On Airplanes?
According to a record keeping study that was
started in May of 2005, by the US Department of Transportation,
96 pets were either injured, lost, or had died during air travel.
Out of this number, exactly 17 pets were lost, 49 died, and
30 were injured. This information is probably a big surprise
to most of you, considering that boarding your pet in a crate
for airline travel is supposed to be safe.
Animal air travel is not always as dangerous as the above
poll numbers. In fact, dog enthusiasts and breeders routinely
fly their dogs without having any trouble at all. The airlines
make every claim possible that dogs that travel on-board will
be perfectly safe. The same claim are held by the Transportation
Association of America.
The American Kennel Club feels differently. But the organization's
leading spokesperson does add that air travel may be safe provided
that the owners take specific precautionary measures so that
their dogs are taken care of.
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.
It is much safer to bring your dog inside of your car or SUV
when traveling inside the country. You can take breaks as needed
so that your dog can stretch his legs, use the bathroom, and
remain free of stress and anxiety. Your dog will also be surrounded
by its family which helps provide comfort and security during
the long trip.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Of course there is a large number of successful trips made
by dogs on airplanes, but every now again a true horror story
emerges. One of the most important things you can do is to
have your dog thoroughly checked out by the veterinarian for
any medical issues.
This check-up should be scheduled approximately 9 to 10 days
before the trip begins. Many dog owners have no idea that there
pets may have a pre-existing condition that could become a
problem during the flight.
A perfect example is older dogs. They could be at the beginning
stages of kidney disease and you would never know because early
in this condition, the dog compensates by drinking tons of
water. And if an older dog in this condition sets foot on an
airplane without water to drink, it may experience renal failure.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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