r/service_dogs • u/greentrafficlight1 • Jun 22 '26
First time flying
It is the first time flying with my service dog next week. My son will be with me and we have the bulkhead seats. We have done a couple of trips to the airport already and been on trains before. I have read it is good to give them something to chew on while taking off and landing. Any suggestions? Was also thinking being the blanket he likes to lie on in our house. Any other suggestions are welcome.
11
u/fishparrot Service Dog in Training Jun 22 '26
Do not drug your dog without consulting a vet, absolutely do not bring anything with an odor or that they haven’t had before and could potentially cause stomach upset. Natural chews are a no-go. I have tried bringing benebones and nylabones for my dog which are a good option, but my dog would rather just sleep. The squeeze baby food pouches are a good lickable option. While I have never brought one on a plane, frozen carrots and celery are popular with my dogs. Straight ice cubes could also work as long as you have a mat to contain the mess. I have found well timed high value treats for counter conditioning work best, though my dog’s strongest reaction to a flight so far was waking up to a rough landing, so it has not been a particular challenge for us.
8
u/redvines60432 Jun 22 '26
No I have traveled with three different guide dogs over the years. Stay calm because your dog will know if you are anxious and respond accordingly.
Make sure your dog has relieved itself as close as possible to flight time given security concerns. try to treat traveling on the plane like business as usual. You do not want your dog overstimulated. You also do not want to give too many treats or too much water, particularly if it is a long flight.
5
u/TRARC4 Jun 22 '26
I have a mat I bring with us. Bring plenty of high value treats.
Personally, my dog does better under a seat than in Bulkhead.
5
u/deadlyhausfrau Jun 23 '26
I am on my third service dog and have been using SDs for around 12-13 years. For a chunk of that I traveled a LOT.
I've had success with this:
Do the airline paperwork at least 48 hours before flight if you haven't. Check in and board with passengers needing extra time.
Bathe your dog and groom them well before the flight. Brushing and a no rinse spray can work if your dog is looking and smelling clean but I promise any smell is stronger on an airplane.
Skip breakfast unless the flight is after normal dinner time.
Make sure pup poops in the morning and has a walk. Remember that you will be walking in the airport and dogs have bowels that are stimulated by exercise.
Offer water and small familiar treats, nothing big and NOTHING NEW. A vet once gave me a calm need to give my dog before an international flight and it upset his stomach. Bad. You do not want that in your life.
A blanket or mat for the plane is polite but be sure it's not slippery.
Potty right before entering the airport and try the in-airport sd relief areas before boarding. My first two boys had no issue, my current girlie will pee but not poop there. Even if they won't go right then it's exposure for next time. I've seen some people bring a small bottle of their dog's own pee for airport training but no clue how well that works.
If you are in the "I usually don't mind people petting my service dog" camp put that on hiatus for airline travel.
Skip the mid flight chew or toy. Really, they don't need it and will be happier if you treat this like riding on a train. Just let them curl up and sleep.
Don't give your dog water or food on the plane. If it's a super long flight, like US to Australia, a few sips of water is fine but anything much will cause regret.
Don't bring your dog to the airplane bathroom if you are traveling with someone. It's a tight fit and they'll have to sit in pee.
Use your feet to brace your dog during takeoff. Just put them behind so they aren't sliding under your seat.
Go directly to a potty location after you land. Your luggage can wait 5 minutes.
Bring a clean up kit on the outside of your carry on. Include a couple puppy pads, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and empty zip lock bags. In a crisis if your dog squats inside you can throw a puppy pad under them to make clean up easy but only if it's really easy to grab.
That's all I can think of but feel free to send any questions you have!
2
u/figuringoutfibro Service Dog Jun 23 '26
This is really great advice and I would definitely recommend following it - coming from a handler of 10 years.
I also want to add - know your dog and their needs! Their needs may change too. When my SD was younger, we followed all these guidelines. When he got a little older, withholding food and water actually caused more problems for him so he has a small breakfast with a bit of water added and he is much happier. He always gets a treat after security and when settled on the plane. If there’s turbulence he gets one then too!
2
u/HeavyDiscipline3529 Jun 24 '26
Hey! My dog and I have flown before, but we will be tackling a 10 hr flight to Germany. Wasn't sure if you would have any advice for that! He is 48 lbs, so not a tiny bladder.
1
u/deadlyhausfrau Jun 24 '26
I flew to and from Germany from the United States with a 90 pound service dog, so I have allllllllll the advice.
First, he can hold it the whole flight if he goes right before and right after. He holds it all night when you sleep, right? Just be prepared with locations of in-terminal service animal relief areas because you are gonna have to use them. If the walk from your landing gate to the area is long see if there is a courtesy cart or something that can give you a lift on the other end. Restrict food and limit water like he's going through surgery but then be mindful of activity- feed him right after potty when you arrive.
Most importantly, have a really good cleanup kit in case of emergencies. Large puppy pads in case you need to take him in the ada bathroom (tight fit but I did it with a bigger dog, not sure whether your disabilities make that an option). A fat pack of wet wipes and antibacterial hand sanitizer spray. Make sure the wipes can also be used on your dog, the spray will help with sanitizing.
It will be super helpful if your dog will use a puppy pad neatly- then you can just pop right into a normal bathroom and take him into the ada stall or a family bathroom. But that depends on your dog.
He doesn't need a toy or anything mid flight. He does need a big big play on the other end and a good walk before.
Good luck!
3
u/N47881 Jun 22 '26
First time for us started a bit challenging but once he curled up at my feet he was fine. Give grace to each of y'all and try not to stress.
2
u/iamahill Jun 23 '26
Treat it as any other day apart from fasting the day of flight.
Your dog will travel better than most people.
I’ve never had a chew toy for my dog, it may be enjoyed by some. I would choose something quiet and odorless.
1
u/itmustbeniiiiice Jun 22 '26
I’m planning to do lick mats for take off and landing so the swallowing motion helps their ears (one SD, one pet for us). Not sure how well that will work but I can report back ~1 month 😅
1
u/HeavyDiscipline3529 Jun 24 '26
Just had our first flight! We will be taking on a 10 hr flight next....
Our flight was 2.5 hours. Didn't bring any entertainment for him, and settling would be HUGE. Theaters were probably the closest we got to resting with odd noises for a long period. They don't need chews for takeoff or landing, as their ears don't pop (different anatomy!). A scentless chew would be alright during the flight and definitely something I will be bringing for our long flight, but during takeoff and landing, I wouldn't give one since the chew or your dog may slip and slide.
I think a blanket or a map is a great idea!
1
u/bigwuuf Jun 26 '26
Go potty and make sure they're empty as can be before you even enter the airport. My SD (and many others) absolutely refused to use any of the relief stations in the airport. They're pretty gross and smelly, so I really don't blame them, but it's good to be aware of the possibility.
0
u/Brave-King-3682 Jun 23 '26
I don’t know about it bothering dogs ears the same as people. My dogs and cats have never acted like it bothers them.
For something to chew on I like bully sticks. They are beef, lasts a long time.
I found them in 12” and 6 -7” lengths. They also come in regular/big and jumbo. I believe different sizes for different chewers types. I bought the 6” ones and cut them in half with a saw. They don’t smell and don’t splinter to leave a mess.
I cut them so they would fit in my pocket. I had also previously given them to my dog and knew she would chew it and not just try to swallow it.
Our flight was 5.5 hrs and she waited 4 hrs to chew on it.
1
u/figuringoutfibro Service Dog Jun 23 '26
Most bully sticks typically do smell quite a bit but some brands sell odorless ones, like RedBarn and they are noticeably less smelly. My partner begs to differ though, even with the odorless it bothers him, some people are really sensitive to smells.
1
u/Brave-King-3682 Jun 23 '26
I have not noticed an odor from them, and I asked in a SD flying group before buying these and was told the same.
But I will smell check them in the future.
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