Do Dogs Go to the Bathroom on a Plane? [What to Do if He Poops or Pees]

Flying with your doggy companion can be a very fantastic experience especially if you miss him when you leave him behind on business trips and vacations. However, how and where your dog will pee or poop on the plane can be a bit challenging and distressing. If it’s your first time flying with your dog, you might want to ask, how do dogs pee or poop on a plane and where do they pee. This article will guide you carefully through these questions

How Do Dogs Go to the Bathroom on a Plane?

If you are traveling a long distance, it’s advisable to have your dog crated under your seat rather than have him sit on an absorbent dog bed or a puppy pad. The crating method is more hygienic. It reduces the likelihood of your dog staining the airplane carpet and polluting the air with the foul smell. In the crate, try lining it with puppy training pads so that any smell and urine can be absorbed. For extra protection, it’s advisable to lay a waterproof dog bed right below the training pads. You can talk to the cabin crew to help you with ways you can dispose of used training pads.

What to Do If Your Dog Pees or Poops on a Plane

If your dog pees or poops on a plane don’t panic or get embarrassed. Just discuss with the cabin crew. Typically, they would ask you to use the bathroom. To reduce the chances of your dog pooping on a plane, avoid feeding him a few hours to your departure. Feeding your dog shortly before the flight might cause bowel movements, leading to poop on the plane. Most dogs mess up on the plane because they have been overly fed a few hours before the flight.

How long can a Dog Go without Going to the Bathroom?

Dogs that are older than 7 years of age are considered senior dogs. Typically, a senior dog between the ages of 7 and 12 can hold their bladders for 4 to 6 hours. Dogs below the age bracket can hold their bladder for 2 to 4 hours. Besides age, other factors affect your dog’s bladder on the plane, like incontinence, type of breed, anxiety, excessive intake of water, etc.

5 Tips That Will Help You to Prepare Your Dog for a Long Flight

You might not be able to stop your dog from having a pee on long flights. But there are proactive steps you can take to get yourself well prepared for the worst on the plane:

Since airlines have different policies about how dogs can poop or pee on planes, it’s best to make enquires beforehand about the airline you are planning to fly. Most airlines don’t permit dogs to step out of their crate and walk into the cabin during the flight.
Stop your dog from drinking water at least two to three hours before the flight. Ensure your dog takes a pee before the journey starts. Once you walk past the security and before you get on the plane, give your dog another chance to go to the toilet.
It’s almost unavoidable for your dog to have a pee on a long flight. So ensure that you have an aisle seat that enables you to get up faster when the need arises.
Your dog is likely to have issues with his bladder on the plane if he has incontinence, anxiety, or health issues. So, take him to a vet to have him tested and treated in preparation for the flight.
Make sure you don’t leave necessary items behind, items you need for the long journey with your canine partner. These things include training pads, doggy pro bags, absorbent materials, puppy passports, and the like.