breathing Archives - Two Pug Tails

Can Pugs Fly On Airplanes?

Some airlines permit pugs to fly in-cabin as long as they are under the weight limits and can fit in a pet carrier that fits under the plane seat. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed and brachycephalic dog breeds are at greater risk of health complications when flying.

Info you should know when considering flying with your pug

Between 2005 and 2011, 189 animals died in commercial U.S. flights. Over half of those deaths—98 dogs—were in brachycephalic breeds flying as cargo. (source – VetMed.Illinois.Edu.)

Pugs were the second most common breed to die in flight. (Source: WashingtonPost)

Many airlines have banned pugs from flying in cargo. Some have also banned pugs from flying in cabin. EasyJet and Emirates don’t allow any pets in cabin, while Volaris Airlines has banned select breeds, including pugs from flying in cabin.

How to decide if you should fly with your pug

Discuss with your vet to access he risk of flying for you specific pug. Their health and how easily they breathe will be major factors in deciding how safe (or risky) it is for them to fly.

If your pug gets anxious easily and breathes worse when anxious, anti-anxiey meds while traveling may help.

See if your airline allows pugs to stay in the cabin. When animals die on U.S flights, they’re often bracheaphalic breeds who were in cargo rather than in cabin.

Consider the pros and cons of other forms of travel. If you aren’t traveling super far away, it may be a lot easier to drive with your pug instead of fly. This will, of course, depend a lot on the exact circumstances surrounding your travel, though. Weigh the pros and cons of all your options and see what makes the most sense.

How to make flying a happier and safer experience for your pug

Use a carrier with really good ventilation so they can breathe easier.

2. Makes sure they enjoy their carrier rather than seeing it as something to fear. If they’re calm in their carrier at home, they’ll be more likely to stay calm it in while flying. Keeping it open and accessible at home for weeks prior to your flight can help. Leave them a treat in there sometimes, too! They may also enjoy their favorite blankets or toys being found in there sometimes. Take your dog for a ride in the car in their carrier, too. This way they’ll be used to being in the carrier while the vehicle is moving.

3. Make sure they have gone potty before you get on the plane. If they need to ‘go’ that may stress them out while on the plane.

4. Bring ziploc bags and ask a flight attendant to fill them with ice if your pug gets overheated. Then use them similar to ice packs.

Can pugs fly free if they are emotional support animals?

Since 2021, emotional support animals don’t get to fly for free. If you have a service dog, they are exempt from the fee.

Alternative options:

Depending on your travel needs, you may be able to travel with your pug via car or other transport instead. Greyhound doesn’t allow pets on their buses unless they are certified service dogs. However, Amtrak allows dogs on some of their trains. So, it’s worth researching all of your options!

I never flew with my dogs, but we did some roadtrips and they did well.

If your pug needs to fly but you’re really worried about it, pet-specific airways may be a option that will give you more peace of mind. Did you know that pet-specific airways exist? They do! Some examples are Pet Airways and Pet Jets. These types of airlines primarily see “smushed faced” dogs as their customers so they have lots of experience with keeping pugs safe while flying.

Leaving your pug at home. Of course, traveling with your pug is super fun and we all know pugs love to be with their humans! However, if flyng is a risk for them, it may be safest to leave them home. Check your area for some high quality dog kennels that will give them the attention and care that they need. They’ll miss you, but they’ll be okay!

Why Pugs Snore

Snoring is usually the result of trying to breathe while the airway is obstructed. In pugs, their airway is small because they have flat faces and short mouths. Many pugs also have elongated palates. Basically, their facial structure increases her odds of snoring compared to other types of dogs.

Is it normal for pugs to snore?

Yes, most pugs snore a least occasionally.

Interestingly, my pug Beans had a harder time breathing than Frank did. Yet Frank snored more than Beans. Neither of my pugs snored all he time. I’d say they snored less than half he time that they were sleeping.

Causes of snoring in pugs

As I mentioned above, pugs are predisposed to snoring due ot being brachiocephalic dogs. There are other factors too though. SOme of those iclude:

The position that your dog is laying in can impact their snoring. Some positions keep the airway more open than others. Positions like laying on the back can increase the odds of the airway being obstructed and snoring resulting.

Allergies. If your dog has allergens, you may notice them snoring more when their allergies are flaring. Like people, if we have allergies it can inflame parts of our face which puts pressure on our airways and makes it harder to breathe quietly.

Obesity can be a factor. The heavier a pug is, the more pressure there will be in their neck and chest. If your pug is overweigh, trying to get them to a healthier weight may reduce their snoring.

Illness. If your dog is sick, they may snore more than usual or harder than usual until they recover.

Age. As dogs age, their muscles naturally weaken. When this happens to the muscles surrounding the airway, it may result in more pressure landing on their airway.

How To Stop A Pug From Snoring Or Improve It

Adjust their sleeping position if they are laying in a way that obstructs their breathing. You may try placing a small pillow under them to keep pressure off their neck. Gettig them a dog bed with a ledge they can rest their chin on may result in them naturally falling to sleep in that position.

Treat their allergies. You may be able to determine heir allergies through observing what they are exposed to when heir symptoms flare. If not, you may have to see our vet for allergy testing. Once you learn what they are allergic to, reducing their exposure to those allergens may reduce their snoring.

Watch their weight. Overweight or obese dogs are more likely to snore, so if your dog has extra weigh they may snore less if they lose weight.

Keep a clean environment. Keep their bedding clean, vacuum regularly and watch the air quality in your home to reduce allergens.

Stenotic nares surgery can open heir nasal passages and improve breathing in general, including a night.

Keep the room comfortable. Many pugs will breathe worse if it’s ho or humid. Using an air conditioner when it’s hot or humid can help them breathe easier.

Video of pug snoring

This is Frank snoring particularly loud (for him) one day.

When to be concerned about pug snoring

If their gums get really pale while they are asleep, his could be a sign that they aren’t getting enough oxygen.
If your dog seems to struggle to breathe while asleep.
If the snoring is excessively loud.
If he snoring has a really sudden onset.

How to cope with pug snoring

If you or others in he house find the pug snoring disrupting, you may try to reduce the snoring using the tips listed higher up in his article. If the snoring can’ be improved or fixed, here are some tips for coping.

Use a white noise machine. White noise machines can help somewhat drown out other noise, making noises like snoring less disruptive. You may try different types of white noise (Fan/wind sounds, storm sounds, rain sounds, etc) to see what works best for you.

Change where the dog sleeps. This is tough with pugs because pugs are clingy and want to be with their people. However, if you just can’t sleep while your pug is snoring, they may have to start sleeping with another family member or in a kennel or dog bed in another room.