Dog flu, or canine influenza, is a rare but life-threatening condition for vulnerable dogs. Cases of dog flu tend to flare up in clusters every few years. Most recently, there was an outbreak this year in Michigan that spread to more than 100 affected dogs. Fortunately, so long as you take the necessary precautions, there’s really no reason to be worried. Here is what we think you should know about protecting your pet dog from the flu.

Get Your Dog Vaccinated

The best thing you can do is to get your dog vaccinated. One of the reasons why dog flu is relatively rare is because effective vaccinations exist and because most animal travel requires vaccinations. This is one of the things the veterinarian should do when you bring the dog in to get a health certificate. Even if the dog isn’t coming along for the adventure, be sure to get the dog vaccinated if you plan on boarding the pet. And this isn’t the only thing to watch out for. Being around large numbers of dogs in a confined space is a big risk factor. Being around large numbers of animals from high-risk species (especially birds and horses) is another risk factor. Think twice about traveling to a place that’s known to have an active outbreak of dog flu. Finally, very young, older, and snub-nosed breeds are also more susceptible to getting canine influenza.

It’s never a bad idea to get your dog vaccinated, but especially if they fall into one of these groups, we strongly recommend it.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Visit the Vet

Just as it is with humans, it is very rare but not impossible for a dog to contract the flu even after getting vaccinated. The virus may mutate, and the vaccine may not be effective against the new strain. And just like humans, it can be hard to diagnose the flu at first. Canine influenza and kennel cough are virtually impossible to tell apart at first. While most strains tend to be fatal for dogs in only about 10 percent of cases, this may not be true for the next mutation, it may not be true if your dog is vulnerable, and it may not be true if you ignore the problem and assume it will eventually go away on its own.

Again, you don’t need to be overly worried, so long as you’re proactive about getting the vaccine and following up if any symptoms do emerge.

Basic Information about Canine Influenza

More than just the steps to protect your particularly beloved pet, you might also be interested in some of the global concerns about canine influenza. Until relatively recently, many experts thought that dogs were largely resistant to the flu. And it’s true that the dog flu is less common than avian, equine, and even human influenza. But since 2004 in which a group of greyhounds became infected at a Florida racetrack, there have been more outbreaks and many now question just how far this resistance extends. Moreover, the increasing frequency of outbreaks gives additional credence to the notion that dogs are “mixing vessels.” Species that serve as “mixing vessels” are species that can contract, mutate, and then pass on new influenza strains to other species, while suffering relatively little harm to their own species.

So, along with protecting your own pet, getting dogs vaccinated and avoiding high-risk environments can help protect your dog, your family, other people, and other species from the next pandemic.

There may be several things you’re looking for in a new pet. Some people need a hypoallergenic pet. Some people are looking for a pet of a certain size and temperament. Some people need a pet that will get along with other animals. Some people prefer the convenience of a one-year-old dog straight out of obedience school. Others wouldn’t dream of missing out on the cuteness and fiercely loyal bond of having a young kitten or puppy around the house. So, while there are a lot of pets out there waiting to be adopted, this doesn’t mean you can find the right pet for your family at just any animal shelter or pet store. Finding the perfect pet may require expanding the search beyond your immediate area.

Ingrid Boveda, a resident of Salt Lake City, found her perfect pet 1,300 miles away at an animal shelter in the small town of Houston, Missouri. Ingrid was looking for a pet that had a similar look and temperament as her other dog, a sweet but aging Shar Pei Lab named Hooch. She recalls it was her twin brother who first turned her on to the charms of the Shar Pei Lab: “The first thing I noticed was the unique combination of facial features, but what drew me to them the most was Hooch’s personality. Hooch was very mellow (even though he was just barely an adult dog) and exceptionally sweet.” When Ingrid eventually inherited Hooch from her brother, she grew even fonder of the dog. “He had his own little spin on all the typical things dogs did. For example, he wouldn’t chew or tear up my house. He’d just ‘redecorate,’ or move certain household items from one area to another, usually in protest of not getting enough attention.”

Turner has been settling into his new home quite nicely since landing in Salt Lake City.

Be Diligent in Researching the Pet Organization
The idea for getting a new pet came about naturally enough. “Hooch is getting older,” Ingrid explains, “and although still sweet and mellow, he’s starting to decline in terms of health. I then happened to google ‘Shar Pei lab’ because it never occurred to me to wonder whether Hooch looked like the ‘typical’ Shar Pei lab. I came upon Turner (then Luke), another Shar Pei lab waiting for his forever home in a nonprofit shelter in Missouri.”

While finding Turner came about easily enough, the actual decision and adoption plan were a little more involved. She had recently moved in with her boyfriend Paul. “The tradeoff to looking far and wide for the dog is that you often don’t get to meet them before adopting them, so in that case, Paul and I had chatted on the phone with Turner’s shelter and asked about his temperament, potential problem behaviors, health, and why he was at the shelter.”

More than just asking after the pet, Ingrid learned that “some breeder websites are actually scams where you never actually get a dog, and that’s pretty sad, so maybe in those cases I would go with a more local-ish breeder where I can see the puppies as well as their paperwork.”

Get a Referral—and Health Travel Certification—from the Pet Source
Whether it’s an animal shelter or breeder, once you’ve done your research, it’s good to know that, before getting on a plane, your pet will be directed examined by a veterinary professional who knows the animal’s history. The shelter or breeder may also have local connections for animal delivery services that you can use.

There is also likely to be a network of vets and animal delivery services with which the shelter or breeder has a relationship. “The shelter in Houston had recommended the pet delivery service that we chose. The choice seemed more driven by what was available in the area and when they would be able to transport Turner.”

These local connections can be especially helpful when the pet might otherwise be restricted from air travel. For example, because Turner is part Shar Pei, he is considered a “snub-nosed” dog and required specific temperatures to fly safely. “This certainly presents an added inconvenience when compared to getting a dog locally,” Boveda allows, “though we also knew that Turner was up for adoption and there was no other Shar Pei lab locally that needed their forever home. So we waited a couple of weeks so that Turner could get his necessary medical clearing and for the weather to be just right.”

Turner hanging out with his new brother and purebred Shar Pei, Wiggles!

Do Your Homework, But Be Prepared to Take a Leap of Faith
In the end, Ingrid was more worried about her future with her new pet than the logistics of pet travel. “Paul and I were for sure antsy in the week to days leading up to Turner’s arrival. We talked a lot about how he might get along with Hooch, and shared our worries about the possibility that he was going to be a difficult dog, or just a dog that wasn’t compatible with our lifestyle. My nerves the day he arrived were more the nervous jitters and excitement of getting a new dog. I did wonder what it must be like for Turner to get put on a plane and being soon to meet his new parents. So I did feel this want to make sure he’d know as soon as he saw us that the journey was going to be worth it.” Ultimately, the pickup experience was joyous and uneventful. It helps that even amidst construction at the SLC International Airport, there’s clear signage indicating the turnoff at 3700 W for the airport cargo facility area.

When asked to reflect on what she learned from the experience, Ingrid suggests being patient and looking outside the county or even the state. “This is one of those longer term commitments that affects your travel and social plans…so it pays to wait for the right dog. Turner was sort of an impulsive decision and although we don’t regret it, we’ve reflected on it since and feel like the vetting (get it?) process shouldn’t be rushed.” Still, even after doing their homework, Ingrid confesses that she and Paul were scared they would adopt a disaster. It all turned out well in the end. “We’re happy to say that Turner, like his counterpart Hooch, is his own version of sweetness.”

Some of the worst stories we hear about pet travel have to do with running into people who have severe pet allergies. The majority of the time, the affected person will leave their seat and find a flight attendant. Worse yet are people who willingly take their frustration out on you, rather than the airline who sold the ticket to you and your pet. In the heat of the moment, your immediate reaction should be to stay calm and to alert a member of the flight crew as soon as possible. Here  is what else you might consider to avoid and deal with passengers with pet allergies.

What to Expect from the Airline

In the case of service animals and emotional support animals, the airline may be legally required to accommodate the animal as a necessary part of the passenger’s travel support. Regardless, even regular pet owners will find that if the airline accepted their pet reservation, they will find a way to accommodate the pet. That’s assuming all the relevant rules and guidelines for airline pet travel are followed.

In almost every case, pets are accommodated by reseating passengers with allergies in a different part of the plane. If the airline and flight crew are really on their game, they’ll identify any passenger traveling with a pet on that flight and they’ll double check with other passengers in nearby rows to identify potential problems before they occur. Even so, there’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of a passenger having an allergic reaction, if only because it’s possible that people (and children especially) discover their pet allergy during the flight.

What the Science Says about Pet Allergies

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, about 10 percent of the American population is allergic to pets. Contrary to popular opinion, pet fur is not especially allergic. Rather, it’s the saliva, urine, and especially dried flakes of skin (dander) that cause an allergic reaction. Dander can stay allergic for weeks after it’s been shed. So waving a favorite cat toy in the air may be more problematic than the animal itself.

Cat allergies are about twice as common as dog allergies. Nevertheless, problems with dog allergies are more common because dog owners are about 3.5 times more likely than cat owners to travel with their pet. Of course, this statistic doesn’t matter to cat owners who buck the idea that it’s only dog owners who love to travel. These people will still find most airlines accommodate their cat, but we do recommend that cat owners be a little more proactive in these situations. Help flag down the flight attendant and be willing to offer to change seats.

Bonus Tips: Carrier Covers

If you want to be extra cautious and considerate, brush and groom your pet before travel. If you’re like us, you’ll give the pet a quick brushing but will be too busy to really do a thorough job. You might also drape a cover over the carrier. This will help keep dander and saliva in the carrier as much as possible, while also helping the pet stay calm from noises and distractions that may set them on edge. This advice applies to dogs, but it goes double for cats. Not only are more people allergic, but cats are more likely to get anxious by being overstimulated.

Again, keep favorite toys and other pet items in the carrier. You might also think about bringing along an antihistamine to offer nearby passengers who have only mild pet allergies. But really, the best bet is to rely on the airline to reseat affected passengers.

Pets and their parents are traveling with increasing frequency. While studies indicate pet parents travel less frequently than their non-pet-owning counterparts, more of them are becoming comfortable with long-distance travel. Surprisingly, the pet travel industry has not progressed in the wake of this skyrocketing popularity. Airlines have adjusted their pet policies to reflect new and persisting dangers, but comparatively little has been done to prepare for the future of pet travel.

Though we have yet to see a lot of significant changes to pet travel, we predict they are just beyond the horizon. The tide is beginning to turn for curated pet travel experiences, and we can only expect technology, manufacturing, and amenities to progress at a similar pace. We peeked into our pet travel crystal ball (i.e. spent some time researching) and predict the following trends and changes for the future of pet travel.  

Hotels and Airlines Introduce More Pet Amenities 

Whether they need to cater to existing guests or attract a new demographic, hotels and airlines are doing what they can to sweeten the pet travel pot. Airlines are beginning to reevaluate their existing pet policies to make travel safer, more accessible, and less stressful. United Airlines recently conducted an internal audit of their pet policy and imposed several new safety measures. Air India recently allowed a dog to travel in business class—something most airlines prohibit, as an animal’s presence may disrupt high-paying flyers. The tide is beginning to turn, and we’re excited to see how airlines adapt to the increasing number of pet passengers. 

Similarly, hotels have begun to capitalize on the importance of pet-friendly policies and amenities. Walt Disney World, which recently implemented a dog-friendly hotel pilot program, has extended the scheme. La Quinta, a popular hotel brand, has extended its pet-friendly amenities to more than 700 locations in the United States. Several resorts have introduced “yappy hour” to their weekly programming, and pet-friendly restaurants are appearing across the country. In the next decade, we expect to see most national hotel chains offering a variety of pet amenities.  

The Future of Pet Travel is about Safety

While pet travel safety has always been a priority for airlines and passengers, pet parents are beginning to understand the importance of properly securing pups in vehicles. While pet travel is becoming more frequent, many parents are seeking alternatives to flying. In some cases, this might mean a long-distance road trip. Even if you do not plan to take your pup on a 50mi+ ride, everyday trips to the park and vet can pose a risk to the animal’s health. As this issue gets more coverage, we expect to see a greater push toward pet car safety with more brands rolling out multi-use seatbelts and safety harnesses.  

Online Retailers Get Cheaper 

While we argue that there are still benefits to shopping at brick-and-mortar stores for pet products, e-Commerce is beginning to turn up the heat. According to a Packaged Facts 2018 survey of U.S. pet owners, 37% of online pet shoppers indicated “I am buying pet products online more than I used to.” Online retailers stock a huge selection of products online. Without the burden of physical stores, they can pass the savings to their customers. However, some brick-and-mortar stores are keeping pace with online-only retailers. PetSmart recently introduced a line of online-only deals to draw more customers. With this added pressure, we expect online businesses to continue dropping prices and seeking cheaper manufacturing options.  

Smart Devices Aid Concerned Pet Parents 

Pet travel is a nerve-wracking experience. Unless your pet qualifies for in-cabin transport, your furry friend will need to fly in the aircraft’s cargo hold. The inability to check on the animal during a flight is a great stressor for many pet parents. Similarly, pet shipping is a notoriously stressful experience. Most people are overwhelmed when packages are lost, and the thought of losing a pet in transit is an enormous anxiety. Some airlines are already working to address this. Delta, for example, introduced a GPS On-Demand tracking program, which allows pet parents to monitor their animals throughout the journey in real-time. Virgin America prioritizes same-flight cargo shipments, and Alaska Airlines has a Fur-st Class program, which properly educates team members on the basics of animal care. As more animals take to the skies, we expect airlines to keep pace for stressed pet parents. 

While our predictions may take years to come to fruition, retailers, hotels, and airlines are already beginning to take notice of increased demand for pet-friendly amenities. Pet travel is only going to become easier, more affordable, and more convenient—we just have to be patient. In the meantime, researching your airlines and airports ahead of your trip is a great way to ameliorate the burden of pet travel.

The Future of Pet Travel 

Pets and their parents are traveling with increasing frequency. While studies indicate pet parents travel less frequently than their non-pet-owning counterparts, more of them are becoming comfortable with long-distance travel. Surprisingly, the pet travel industry has not progressed in the wake of this skyrocketing popularity. Airlines have adjusted their pet policies to reflect new and persisting dangers, but little has been done to expand the industry. 

Though we have yet to see a lot of significant changes to pet travel, we predict they are just beyond the horizon. The tide is beginning to turn for curated pet travel experiences, and we can only expect technology, manufacturing, and amenities to progress at a similar pace. We peeked into our pet travel crystal ball (i.e. spent some time researching) and predict the following trends and changes in the coming years.  

Hotels and Airlines Introduce More Pet Amenities 

Whether they need to cater to existing guests or attract a new demographic, hotels and airlines are doing what they can to sweeten the pet travel pot. Airlines are beginning to reevaluate their existing pet policies to make travel safer, more accessible, and less stressful. United Airlines recently conducted an internal audit of their pet policy and imposed several new safety measures. Air India recently allowed a dog to travel in business class—something most airlines prohibit, as an animal’s presence may disrupt high-paying flyers. The tide is beginning to turn, and we’re excited to see how airlines adapt to the increasing number of pet passengers. 

Similarly, hotels have begun to capitalize on the importance of pet-friendly policies and amenities. Walt Disney World, which recently implemented a dog-friendly hotel pilot program, has extended the scheme. La Quinta, a popular hotel brand, has extended its pet-friendly amenities to more than 700 locations in the United States. Several resorts have introduced “yappy hour” to their weekly programming, and pet-friendly restaurants are appearing across the country. In the next decade, we expect to see most national hotel chains offering a variety of pet amenities.  

Pet Travel Safety Becomes a Priority 

While pet travel safety has always been a priority for airlines and passengers, pet parents are beginning to understand the importance of properly securing pups in vehicles. While pet travel is becoming more frequent, many parents are seeking alternatives to flying. In some cases, this might mean a long-distance road trip. Even if you do not plan to take your pup on a 50mi+ ride, everyday trips to the park and vet can pose a risk to the animal’s health. As this issue gets more coverage, we expect to see a greater push toward pet car safety with more brands rolling out multi-use seatbelts and safety harnesses.  

Online Retailers Get Cheaper 

While we argue that there are still benefits to shopping at brick-and-mortar stores for pet products, e-Commerce is beginning to turn up the heat. According to a Packaged Facts 2018 survey of U.S. pet owners, 37% of online pet shoppers indicated “I am buying pet products online more than I used to.” Online retailers stock a huge selection of products online. Without the burden of physical stores, they can pass the savings to their customers. However, some brick-and-mortar stores are keeping pace with online-only retailers. PetSmart recently introduced a line of online-only deals to draw more customers. With this added pressure, we expect online businesses to continue dropping prices and seeking cheaper manufacturing options.  

Smart Devices Aid Concerned Pet Parents 

Pet travel is a nerve-wracking experience. Unless your pet qualifies for in-cabin transport, your furry friend will need to fly in the aircraft’s cargo hold. The inability to check on the animal during a flight is a great stressor for many pet parents. Similarly, pet shipping is a notoriously stressful experience. Most people are overwhelmed when packages are lost, and the thought of losing a pet in transit is an enormous anxiety. Some airlines are already working to address this. Delta, for example, introduced a GPS On-Demand tracking program, which allows pet parents to monitor their animals throughout the journey in real-time. Virgin America prioritizes same-flight cargo shipments, and Alaska Airlines has a Fur-st Class program, which properly educates team members on the basics of animal care. As more animals take to the skies, we expect airlines to keep pace for stressed pet parents. 

While our predictions may take years to come to fruition, retailers, hotels, and airlines are already beginning to take notice of increased demand for pet-friendly amenities. Pet travel is only going to become easier, more affordable, and more convenient—we just have to be patient. In the meantime, researching your airlines and airports ahead of your trip is a great way to ameliorate the burden of pet travel.