Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day:
Apple!
Meme of the day: It’s true!
Every dog parent deserves a break!
Win a two-night stay at the iconic Hotel San Cristóbal in Todos Santos
Daily prix-fixe breakfast
$500 AMEX Gift Card for travel
Flying High with Fido: Your Guide to Preparing Your Dog for a Smooth Flight
The thought of flying with your beloved dog can feel like a mix of excitement and anxiety. You're ready for the adventure, but you want to make sure your furry friend is comfortable, safe, and happy every step of the way! With careful planning and preparation, flying with your dog can be a stress-free and positive experience for both of you.
Step 1: The Pre-Flight Vitals (Paperwork & Health)
Before you even book your tickets, a few essential checks will lay the foundation for a smooth journey.
Consult Your Veterinarian: This is your first and most important call!
Health Check: Ensure your dog is healthy enough for air travel, especially if they are a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed, very old, or have existing respiratory issues.
Required Documents: Discuss the specific Health Certificate (often required within 10 days of travel), vaccination records (especially rabies), and microchip requirements for your destination.
Medication: Generally, vets do not recommend sedation for air travel as it can interfere with your dog’s ability to regulate their body temperature and breathing at altitude. Discuss safe, non-sedative anxiety aids if needed, and test any recommended medication at home before the flight.
Know the Airline Rules: Every airline has different rules regarding pet travel.
In-Cabin vs. Cargo: Will your small dog fit in a carrier under the seat (in-cabin), or will your larger dog need to travel in the temperature-controlled cargo hold?
Reservations & Fees: Book your dog's reservation early, as airlines limit the number of pets per flight. Note the carrier size requirements and pet fees.
Direct Flights: Whenever possible, book non-stop flights to minimize stress, transfers, and handling.
Step 2: Carrier Comfort is Key
Your dog's carrier needs to feel like a safe, familiar den—not a scary travel prison.
Choose the Right Carrier: Make sure it's airline-approved (check both dimensions and structural safety) and large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Soft-sided carriers are often more "forgiving" for in-cabin travel.
Start Crate Training Early: As soon as you purchase the carrier, bring it out!
Place a favorite blanket, toy, and high-value treats inside.
Feed your dog their meals in the carrier to build a positive association.
Gradually increase the time your dog spends inside, zipping it up for short periods. The goal is for them to feel secure and relaxed inside.
Step 3: Travel Day Tactics
On the day of the flight, a little planning goes a long way to keeping stress low.
Tire Them Out: Give your dog a long, vigorous walk or play session before heading to the airport. A tired dog is a calm traveler!
Light Stomach: Avoid feeding your dog a large meal close to the flight time to minimize the risk of nausea. A light meal a few hours before is usually fine. Limit water intake right before you enter the airport, but never withhold water entirely—offer sips when you can.
Potty Breaks & Supplies:
Give your dog a final, thorough potty break before check-in. Locate the airport's pet relief areas beforehand.
Line the carrier with absorbent pee pads in case of an accident, and pack extra pads, pet wipes, and plastic bags for easy cleanup.
Security Checkpoint Protocol: At the security line, you will need to remove your dog from their carrier. Secure them on a leash/harness, carry them through the metal detector, and retrieve the empty carrier from the X-ray belt before placing your dog back inside. High-value treats can be a lifesaver here!
Step 4: Keeping Calm at 30,000 Feet
Once you're settled on the plane, your preparation will truly pay off.
Familiar Comfort: If your dog is in-cabin, keep the carrier under the seat and use a small blanket or cover to create a cozy, den-like environment.
Chewing Relieves Pressure: A long-lasting chew toy or a small, engaging treat can help distract your dog and encourage chewing, which can help with ear pressure changes during take-off and landing.
Post-Flight: As soon as you land and exit the secure area, prioritize a long drink of water and a much-needed bathroom break.
By treating your dog's flight as an extension of their training and comfort zone, you're not just traveling; you're building confidence and creating a positive memory together. Happy travels!
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Viva - Ground Beef for Dogs and Ground Chicken for Dogs and Cats for potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination.
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure.
Family Photo of the Day:
Macie!
We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
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Meme of the day: @rigipastapup
