Flying With Snub-Nosed Pets: Safety Tips
- Global Paws
- Aug 27
- 6 min read
Travelling or holidaying with your beloved animal is an absolute joy for pet owners. But when it comes to flying with snub-nosed pets, it is very important to be prepared and pay extra attention.
Brachycephalic pets like bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats are so unique, and their special anatomy presents certain challenges during air travel, that just makes them more interesting!
However, their respiratory problems in pressurised cabin environments, making flying with snub-nosed pets a journey that requires understanding, meticulous planning, and professional support.
Through this article, Global Paws is here to make sure a safe and comfortable journey for your pooches every step of the process.
Understanding Snub-Nosed Pets and Their Special Needs
These snub-nosed breeds include popular dogs and cats such as:
French Bulldogs
Boston Terriers
Boxers
Shih Tzu
Pekingese
Persians
Himalayans
Exotic Shorthairs
Flying with snub-nosed pets comes with its own set of challenges due to their distinct facial structure with short muzzles and narrowed airways making them more sensitive to stress and environmental changes. Without proper preparation, the journey can be risky for them.
Why Do They Need Special Care?
Well, it comes down to their unique respiratory anatomy, it makes them more prone to breathing issues.
Situations like stress, overheating, or even being at higher altitudes can make things worse. And when it comes to flying with snub-nosed pets, the changes in pressure and temperature, combined with the stress of flying, can significantly increase the risk.
Common Challenges
The main issues often faced are sensitivity to heat and the risk of breathing difficulties. Their short airways make body cooling through respiration less efficient, increasing the risk of heatstroke or brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) during flights.
Preparing Your Snub-Nosed Pet for Air Travel
1. Veterinary Visit
Before you even think about booking tickets flying with snub-nosed pets, schedule a thorough health check-up with your vet. Ensure your furry companion is in prime condition and declared fit for air travel.
Do not skip this: Your vet can provide specific advice and guarantee all up-to-date vaccinations are complete.
2. Choose the Right Travel Crate
When it comes to flying with snub-nosed pets, choosing the right travel crate can make all the difference. You will want to ensure the crate is roomy enough for your furry companion without feeling cramped.
Good airflow is also essential, snub-nosed breeds already struggle with breathing, so excellent ventilation is not just a bonus, it is a must. And do not forget about safety! The crate should be made of sturdy materials with a secure, escape-proof door to keep your pet safe throughout the journey.
We offer IATA-compliant travel crates for your pet stress-free travel experience. Check out here!
3. Familiarisation
It is a good idea to start getting your pooches used to their travel crate a few weeks before flying. Trying placing their favourite blanket inside helps them feel more secure and familiar with the space. The goal is to make the crate feel like a safe little den, not something scary.
If you are not sure how to begin, Global Paws can help with our Pet Travel Crate Training service. It is designed to gently ease your pet into crate comfort.
4. Hydration
Always make sure your pooch has access to water throughout the journey. A bowl that attaches securely inside the crate is ideal to prevent spills and keep things tidy. To make it even easier, you can use Global Paws Water Dispenser Bottle for Travel Crate, it is designed to stay in place and keep your furbaby hydrated.
Pro tip!
Temperature matters a lot when you are flying with snub-nosed pets. They are extra sensitive to heat and cold, so it is crucial to ask your airline about how they regulate the temperature in the cargo area (if that is where your pet will be placed).
Make sure they have proper procedures in place to keep things safe and comfortable throughout the flight.
What to Expect at the Airport
1. Arrive Early
Get to the airport earlier than usual. This gives you plenty of time to sort out check-in, go through all the required paperwork, and most importantly, let your furry friend settle down and rest a bit before the flight.
2. Security Procedures
At security, you might be asked to take your snub-nosed friend out of their carrier. Make sure they are safely leashed so there is no chance of them running off. Note this, the carrier will go through the scanner separately, while you hold onto your furry companion.
3. Comfort During Waiting
While waiting to board, try to find a quiet corner away from the hustle and bustle. Bringing along their favourite blanket or toy can really help soothe their nerves. Also, it is best to skip heavy meals before the flight which can help prevent any tummy troubles mid-air.
In-Flight Safety and Comfort for Snub-Nosed Pets
1. Choosing the Right Airline
Choose an airline known for handling pets with care, especially snub-nosed breeds. Not all airlines are created equal when it comes to pet policies, and some may even restrict certain breeds due to health concerns.
If possible, opt for an airline that allows pets in the cabin (as long as your furry friend fits the size requirements). It is the safest and most comfortable option for them.
2. Cabin vs. Cargo
As we mentioned earlier, flying with snub-nosed pets can be tricky and cabin travel is generally considered safer as you can monitor them directly, and the environment is more controlled. However, if your pup size requires them to travel in the cargo hold, ensure the airline's cargo area has controlled temperature and pressure.
Note: Some airlines may refuse snub-nosed breeds in cargo due to the risk of heatstroke.
3. Monitoring During the Flight
Keep a close eye on your furbaby’s health and comfort throughout the journey. It might be tempting to use sedatives to keep them calm, but unless your vet gives the green light, it is best to avoid them, especially for snub-nosed pets. Sedatives can affect their breathing and may do more harm than good during air travel.
What to Do After Landing: Post-Flight Care
1. Post-Arrival Check
Immediately after landing, carefully check your pooches for any signs of discomfort, dehydration, or stress. Sometimes, they may experience jet lag or other effects from changes in air pressure.
2. Rehydration and Rest
Once you have landed, help your furry friend settle in by offering fresh water right away to keep them hydrated. Let them rest in a calm, quiet spot where they can recover from the stress of the flight, it makes a big difference after a long journey.
3. Transition to a New Environment
Help your furbaby adapt to the new environment. Give your snub-nosed pets time to explore their new area. Stick to their feeding and sleeping routines as much as possible, and provide plenty of affection to reduce stress.
Additional Tips
For maximum ease and peace of mind, utilise the services of a specialist pet travel company like Global Paws. We can assist with the entire process, from determining eligibility, handling documents, and flight bookings.
Flying with snub-nosed pets takes some careful planning and a thorough understanding of their unique needs. It is a great idea to seek professional help to ensure your furry friend has the safest and most comfortable journey possible. Contact us now!
About Global Paws:
Global Paws is a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience in pet travel and relocation. We know your pets are part of your family, and we care for them like they are part of ours. As proud members of the International Pet & Animal Transport Association (IPATA) and certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR), we’re committed to making sure they travel safely and comfortably.
What sets us apart is the extra care we provide. Every pet is treated like family, and we make sure their journey is safe and stress-free, no matter where they are headed.
We believe every pet deserves a first-class experience, and we are here to make sure they are comfortable from start to finish. Our experience, backed by IPATA and IATA, gives you peace of mind knowing your pet’s journey is in safe, loving hands.
Then, are you ready to give VIP treatment for your furry friend? Visit our website to book your pet’s dream vacation today!
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