Thinking about travel...

[mybabyrocky]

Well even though its kinda early I have already begun to think about 6 months from now when we will be moving from Belgium back to the states. Unfortunatly there will be lots of stress on rocky as well as us before, during and after the flight.
I was curious if anyone has traveled by plane with there diabetic dog, and if so do you have any good advice.
I read that diabetic humans can take all the insulin and supplies on the plane with them but has anyone had any issues with taking it on the plane for your dog?
And I will be crossing at least 6 time zones, how will that effect his insulin times?
The flight is usually between 8-9hours and ofcourse we'll be at the airport early to check in so rocky will be in his crate for 10-12hrs without me at his side, I know this will be stressful for him, I wonder if he will need a different insulin dose brfore the flight?
I know I am thinking about this way in advance but incase you haven't noticed already I am kind of a planner, I like to know what I'm getting myself into and try to plan for any worst case senarios.
Thanks everyone
rocky and angie

[CarolW]

Re: Thinking about travel...

Angie - I can only suggest that you talk to people from the airline whose flight you'll be taking, explain the situation, and ask if there's some way they can accommodate you and Rocky.

I once heard a story of a dog who rode in the pilot's section! It was probably a small plane, and without anything like a full load, and a shorter trip, but I'd surely ask around, everywhere you can think of. It's probably too much to hope you could have Rocky in the cabin with you, especially if you're not traveling first class. His crate would take up at least one extra seat (ooops - extra $$$)

All the same, it never hurts to ask!

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:01:38 (PDT)

[Patty]

Re: Thinking about travel...

Wow Angie,
That's a tough one. I've often wondered what I'd do if we got stationed overseas while Ali's with us now that she has diabetes.

I'd talk to the airline about Rocky's condition. Is he people/kid friendly? I know airlines allow assistance dogs to ride with their owner in the cabin. Many times I've seen them put the dog/passenger up against one of the front divider walls. Has he been through training? Sometimes dogs with a Canine Good Citizen certificate and all their paperwork in order can get by with things another dog might not.

I'm a bit nervous when it comes to Ali and stress as she can drop 100 points or more in that type of situation. If the plane was significantly delayed and you couldn't get to Rocky for food/shot times that would be hard too. Has he flown before? Does he go high or low with stress? You might have to cut back his insulin.

As far as the insulin for a dog, my husband brought back some insulin in a lunch cooler for Ali when he flew home once (got it cheaper through my mom at home). Anyway, as long as you declare what it is you're bringing through security and it has the manufacturer's label on it, there isn't an issue in the states anyway.

With regard for the time change, I'd gradually move Rocky's shot time by 1/2 to 1 hour each day. Sometimes Ali will start to get overlap and go low with moving her shots so you'll have to watch for this, especially if you're moving by 6 hours.

Hope that helps...and hopefully you get lots of ideas from others as well. Let us know what the airline has to say.

Take care,
Patty

[We Hope]

Re: Thinking about travel...

Angie,

You might start asking questions of Homeland Security. My neighbor adopted a dog (non-diabetic) from a service person who was stationed in Germany, but was being transferred to Afghanistan. The transfer meant she couldn't bring Scotty with her.

She said they spent quite a bit of the day at the airport, getting those requirements taken care of with Homeland Security before Scotty could go on to his new home.

If you can find out what Homeland Security needs to know and have it ready, you might be able to cut the time spent with them after arrival.

Kathy

[Dollydog]

Re: Thinking about travel...

Hi Angie,
I've done some travelling with a diabetic dog but only in a vehicle, in and around Canada and the US, passing through different time zones in a short period of time.
I had a special watch that was always with Lady's diabetic supplies and that watch was with me ALL the time when we were on the road. I kept it on her time zone and worked from there. Obviously I had to adjust the times of the injections but that watch was always on her schedule....it was up to my hubby to keep track of what time it actually was wherever we were!!!

We also kept a small thermometer beside the vial of insulin at ALL times.

She was a small dog and had her injections on a foldable pad so no matter where we were, the pad went down on a flat surface and that's where the injection took place. My favorite place was the tail gate of the truck.

It's great that you're planning early for this big trip and I look forward to hearing how it all gets worked out. I would think that the scary part is being away from Rocky for such a long time. Airplanes would have some ice to keep the insulin cool enough in a small cooler.
Jo-Ann & my Dollydog angel

[mybabyrocky]

Re: Thinking about travel...

thanks everyone!
Like I said I am really early on this, I have no idea where we are even going to be stationed and with that have no idea what airline we will be flying.
When we flew over here 6 years ago We gave Rocky some meds from a vet that flew overseas with his dog often... I am pretty sure Rocky was out like a light the whole flight... this time I would not give him any meds b/c I have no idea how he would react now, but I am really worried about the stress it will cause him, its going to be quite a trip.
I assume if I have a vet letter I will be able to bring the insulin and all the supplies with me in the cabin b/c I read not to pack it in your checked bag for many different reasons.
The worst thing is just not being able to watch him or have anyone watching him while he is on the plane, just a little scary!
But thanks for all the help! I'll keep everyone posted!
rocky and angie

[k9diabetes]

Re: Thinking about travel...

I was not sure if this should be merged into Rocky's thread or just brought forward so for now I'm just bringing it forward.

Nice to hear from you and Rocky again!

Natalie