Can Brachycephalic Dogs Fly? Flying With Snub Nosed Dogs

If you’re off on your travels or moving abroad then taking your dog with you is essential. These days travelling with your dog is pretty straight forward with pet couriers and pet transport services readily available. When travelling with a brachycephalic dog there are a few extra considerations to think about before you travel to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Brachycephalic dogs are short-skull breeds and refer to our little flat-faced friends. These breeds require a little extra care and attention because of their health requirements. So, here’s everything you need to know when it comes to travelling with your brachy breed friend.

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Examples of brachycephalic dog breeds

Pugs
Boxers
Bulldogs
Mastiffs
Shit-Tzus
Chihuahuas

What do I need to be aware of?

Their short nose means that they don’t have as much surface area for air to travel over as it flows through their mouth. Due to this, it means there’s less opportunity for them to cool down and when travelling they are more prone to overheating.

They can also suffer from joint issues, which can sometimes cause problems when travelling as they often can’t walk as far as other dog breeds.

In addition to this, they can also find dealing with stress difficult. They can struggle to get enough oxygen when panicking. Being in the cargo hold of a plane can be a very stressful experience for a dog so it’s important to be aware of this when travelling with your pooch.

This doesn’t mean you can’t travel with your furry friend though; it just means you need to take extra precautions to ensure they are comfortable and safe during the journey.

Can brachycephalic dogs fly on planes?

A snub-nosed dog can fly on an aeroplane as long as a few extra precautions are taken. The safest way for these breeds to travel is in the cabin, which some airlines allow if your dog is under a certain size. However, some airlines don’t allow dogs in the cabin and so it’s important to check with the airline in advance what its requirements are.

Some airlines have banned snub-nosed dogs from flying because of the potential risks to their health and even airlines that do allow them to fly usually have strict restrictions that mean they will only allow them to fly during certain seasons. The reason for these restrictions is the temperature. These types of dog breeds can’t handle prolonged periods of time in extreme heat due to their respiratory issues.

What should my dog travel in?

If you’re taking your dog abroad and you’re travelling by plane, you must get an airline approved dog crate. This is a four-sided rectangular crate that is well-ventilated and can be used to transport dogs, cats and other pets.

There are two types of dog travel crates you can get. You can either choose a hard-plastic crate or a soft-sided carrier. If your pet will be travelling in the cargo hold of a plane, then it’s recommended that you choose a hard-plastic case so that your pooch is more protected. Some airlines won’t let your dog travel in the cargo hold if they are in a soft-sided carrier so it’s a good idea to check the specific requirements of the airline before you travel.

Tips for travelling with your brachy baby

Hydration should be top of the list when travelling with your brachy pup. You need to ensure that your dog always has a drink so make sure you are prepared with a travel water bowl.

Keeping cool can be hard for brachy breeds to keep themselves cool when in warm conditions, so a selection of cooling accessories is advised when travelling. You can get cooling toys and sleeping mats that can help to stop them from overheating.

Get your bulldog accustomed to the travel crate before you travel, this will lower their stress levels. If they are already familiar with the crate they are travelling in this can be a comfort to them and will help them to settle.

If possible, travel in mild weather conditions so there’s less risk of your dog overheating when in the cargo hold.