How long before a flight should a dog stop eating?
Mike Kassulke
2025-07-31 03:08:52
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: 15
We always recommend feeding pets more than 4 hours prior to being picked up from their home or arriving at the airport. This gives your dog enough time to digest their food and, hopefully, pee and poop before going into their travel kennel. We don't want pets to travel on full stomachs, as it can cause an upset tummy and we also don't want your dog to have to relieve themselves in the crate. A full stomach will give their body one more thing to deal with. If your dog is a flat-faced breed, discuss the feeding question with your vet, because many brachycephalic dogs have ongoing digestive issues that can be exacerbated by air travel. Do keep in mind, that there is typically an opportunity for a potty break right before check-in at the airport.
Kayli Jaskolski
2025-07-31 02:53:47
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: 12
It is therefore preferable to give them their last proper meal 12 hours before placing them in their travel cage. However, before dropping off your pet at the airline company, you may give them a small quantity of water and food in the dishes clipped onto the door of the travel cage. The less the animal will have to digest during the trip, the lower the risk of soiling the cage will be. Animals are able to go without food and water for several hours.
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