A pet owner has sparked a debate online after revealing how he moved his dog from the US to London, UK.
A 28-year-old American woman named Lauren was filmed loading her beloved dog into the baggage hold of a flight to the UK. The video, shared by @laurentakeslondon on Oct. 1, has racked up more than 885,000 views, prompting viewers to voice their concerns online about how worried they are about their pets on long-haul flights. raised.
The video, shot from Lauren’s window seat, focuses on Lauren’s securely packed dog being placed into the plane’s baggage area by baggage handlers.
Lauren captioned the post: “My furry best friend is there even in scary times >>>.”
“It’s very important to practice confinement in the crate you use for travel,” canine behaviorist and trainer Nicole Kohanski told Newsweek.
He said owners should gradually get their dog used to the crate and make sure they realize it’s a safety and comfort feature.
“If you know the flight time, set the target time in the crate as the flight time plus a few hours.”
The video sparked a wave of sympathy among viewers online, with many sharing their concerns about long-distance pet travel, especially when dogs need to be included in cargo.
One viewer said: “You would literally die if you were worried about your baby.” “They must be very scared because it’s the coldest and noisiest part of the plane.”
“My anxiety would be through the roof. I don’t think I can put them under the plane,” another added.
A third viewer said: “This can never happen. You’ll be wondering if my dog will be okay the entire flight… We need an affordable pet airline.”
Kohanski outlined some important aspects dogs should be prepared for during flight, including entrapment, noise and shock.
While it’s difficult to recreate changes in barometric pressure and drops in temperature at home, Kohanski emphasized the importance of getting dogs used to conditions that can be simulated.
“We want our dogs to love their travel crates and be prepared to be confined for flight time, plus some time for loading, unloading, and delays on the tarmac. ,” she said.
Trainers suggest using techniques such as placing a rolled up towel under the corners of the crate to simulate the bumps of turbulence during flight. Putting the crate in the car and playing airplane sounds can also help your dog get used to the noises he encounters.
“Mix together all the elements of air travel with what your dog likes,” she said. “Food is effective most of the time, but special things can help.”
Newsweek reached out to @laurentakeslondon via TikTok for more information.
A dog comes out on a conveyor belt at the airport. A video of a similar pet being placed in airplane cargo has gone viral online. A dog comes out on a conveyor belt at the airport. A video of a similar pet being placed in airplane cargo has gone viral online. Getty Images
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