Flying High or on the Ground--
How Does Your Kerry Travel?

by Lonie Ward
Copyright © 2003 Kerry Blue Terrier Foundation

Actual safety of air travel for our Kerries (and all animals) has come a long way over the years, thank goodness! I'm reminded of the incident some years ago when Ch. Melbee's Chances Are ("Tommy"), had just been named as All-Breed Top Dog in the nation. He was flying home to spend the Christmas holidays with owners Bee and Mel Schlesinger. Bee patiently waited at the baggage claim for Tommy's crate to appear. She was at first alarmed when she saw that the crate door was unlatched, then frantic when she found it empty. Baggage handlers assured her that a dog was inside the crate when it was removed from the cargo/baggage area of the plane.

Pandemonium, hysterics, and wailing engulfed the airport as Bee, officials, and just concerned citizens dashed out to the concourse. Sure enough. Merrily in a carefree lope down the center of the runway was Tommy, alternately sniffing and marking his newfound territory. Both incoming and outgoing flights were ordered to hold their positions until Bee could corral the "stray." Once he heard her voice, Tommy just happily turned and came running into her arms.

Apparently, an inexperienced baggage handler had taken it upon himself to give the "poor little doggie" some water after its long flight and had improperly latched the cage. Almost disaster, but fortunately for all concerned, a happy ending.

Another point that is often asked if you do have to ship your Kerry by air, what is the necessity, feasibility, and safety of sedation? According to Dr. John Ludders of Cornell's department of anesthesiology, it depends on the individual pet. How does it usually behave when riding in a car? Is it calm? Is it nervous at first but calms down? Is it agitated and nervous for the duration of the trip? Tranquilizing is indicated for pets that are nervous during the entire trip, for they are the ones that do not travel well

Dr. Ludders suggests that it is possible to reduce the stress of travel, whether by car or plane, by acclimating the pet to the transport cage in which it will travel. Place the animal in the cage for short periods of time, and a favorite toy may also help, plus a bowl of water. It is helpful that the pet also be taken in the cage for increasingly longer car rides.

If your veterinarian and you believe it feasible to tranquilize a traveling pet, the relatively long-acting tranquilizer known as acepromazine can be obtained in tablet form from your veterinarian.

Tranquilization should not pose a risk to a healthy dog. However, aged pets or those with medical problems are at risk for complications. These include cardiopulmonary depression and reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Always consult the veterinarian who is acquainted with your individual dog to assess the possible risks to make sure an air trip is both comfortable and safe. Under no conditions should your Kerry (or any animal) ever be given over-the-counter medication or your own prescribed drugs or tranquilizers!

Last Update: 12/11/05, 23:53:42  Terms of Use and Disclaimer.