Is the wanderlust kicking in, but you don’t want to leave your canine buddy behind? Maybe you have to travel due to some professional or personal reasons, or you’re just craving a sweep across the blue skies. If you’re a dog parent, you might be wondering if your pup can handle air travel well.
Not all dogs are made equal when it comes to being flight-friendly. A dog’s individual health needs, breed-specific traits, and size are factors that determine whether or not it should get on board. Most airlines also have size limits and space limits for the pets you are bringing on the plane.
If you have a travelling lifestyle or a career that demands a lot of air travel, read this guide to find out which dog breed will make an amazing flight companion.
Best Dog Breeds that Handle Jet Lag Well
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas make ideal furry friends for the air travel lifestyle because of their compact size. With a height between 5-8 inches and a weight of up to 6 pounds, these tiny dogs can travel comfortably in the pet carrier.
The thought of your little furry baby staying behind can add to the travel-related stress. Taking one Chihuahua on the flight will cost you the price of one carry-on baggage, and if you have two Chihuahuas of the same size, they can be put in the same carrier.
Chihuahuas are feisty pups and generally adapt well to new environments. For a stress-free flight, though, it’s important to know your dog’s sleep and feeding schedule. If it’s a long flight, a little daytime nap will do both you and your canine companion some good in driving off jet lag.
Chihuahuas are good indoor pets and can travel well in a crate; some crate training is still important to gradually introduce them to this idea.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are just the right pets that won’t embarrass or stress you on a plane. They make amazing travel buddies as they’re just pocket-sized bundles of cuteness.
It’s not recommended to fly with a Yorkie that’s still a puppy and going through training. Younger dogs will need more bathroom breaks and might get upset because of new surroundings.
While Yorkshire Terriers are no bigger than 9 inches and 6 pounds, like with all pets, it’s important to find the right carrier dimensions for their size. The key to helping your pup adapt to the cabin is bringing the airline-approved carrier home and training them a few months beforehand.
To minimize stress your pet might experience at first time travel, fill the crate with toys while training them. Dogs have a different circadian rhythm from humans; traveling to new time zones can disrupt it. Ease your Yorkie into the flying lifestyle by taking them on domestic air trips first during the daylight hours.
3. Pomeranian
Pomeranian is another dog breed that fits perfectly in the airplane carrier and makes for a fun travel buddy. These energetic and curious dogs are always up for an adventure, but like any dog, crossing time zones and staying confined in a cabin can confuse them a little.
Most dogs are likely to sleep more when it’s dark and take only shorter naps during the day. To adjust your dog’s internal clock to your new destination, change their sleep and feeding times accordingly. According to AKC, Poms, despite being active, do well with indoor exercise as well.
Pomeranians are small dogs with a strong appetite; in case of longer flights, they might face an upset puppy stomach if they’re sedentary. What you can do about it is to ensure they get a little physical activity, like walking a few hours before getting on the plane.
While Pomeranians are popular flight dogs and adjust perfectly over time to traveling by plane, to help keep off anxiety, give them their favorite toy in the carrier. It’s also important for them to stay hydrated, so make sure they have fresh water in a clean container.
4. Havanese
Havanese are great companions for air travel due to their smaller size and sturdy physique. They’re delightful pups, you surely want to take with you while you’re away from home. Their companionship and affectionate nature can help deal with some of the homesickness.
The usual adjustment process works for Havanese too; adjust their sleep and meal times weeks before flying to a new time zone and crate train them. If all this is taken care of, they won’t get disoriented during the journey.
If your pup is showing any signs of a sensitive stomach, plane food might irritate them further. Make sure they have their pet food in a non-spoiling container, along with some water. Keep bottled water with you in case they need it.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are loving and delightful travel companions. They are ideal for lap-based travel, but due to their compact size, they fit perfectly in the dog carrier. With some travel experience, they can deal with jet lag pretty well.
These sweet pups are generally very comfortable to travel with, even on a plane. Help them transition their rest and eating time according to your travel routine, and they’ll be just fine. Make sure to monitor your tiny pet throughout the flight, as they can get out of the carrier.
Always book your pooch in advance for the flight and make sure to have it use the doggy toilet at the airport. Going back to it might become completely impossible once you’ve crossed the security.
6. Papillion
Papillons are beautiful, happy, and outgoing dogs that will happily explore the next adventure with you. Paps can have a height up to 12 inches and can weigh up to 10 pounds. They can deal with the jet lag and container travel perfectly if they’ve been trained in advance.
These lively and fun-loving pets also make great lap dogs and don’t mind staying put. They also have a lower dietary need than the bigger breeds, so taking them to potty will be less of a concern.
According to Hill’s Pet, Papillion’s need less than 20 minutes of exercise a day, so just a little workout on travel day will suffice.
7. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is a beautiful, Tibetan breed with a long, silky coat and an outgoing personality. They make great outdoor dogs and can enjoy new environments with you. As brachycephalic dogs, they might not be allowed to get on board on all airlines, but some (like American Airlines) allow them.
It can feel overwhelming to take your brachycephalic dog with you if you’re travelling by air. If leaving them behind is not an option, make sure to take them on their vet visit first to see if they meet all the health requirements of the airline.
They might need some extra time adjusting to the plane lifestyle. It’s better to crate train them, keeping in mind their individual needs.
Conclusion
While these dogs are popular canine companions for air travel, watch your pet for any signs of discomfort during the flight. All dogs experience jet lag to some extent and are prone to feeling disoriented if they haven’t been properly trained.
You can help your pet cope better with jet lag by preparing them properly. Add a good vet to your travel itinerary if you’ll be staying away for a longer time.
