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sue_t's avatar
sue_t
Explorer
Aug 23, 2013

Puppy ears & hearing - need to fly 4-week-old pups !

Hoping to get some expert dog advice regarding the earliest age that puppies can be flown by light aircraft (non-pressurized aircraft).

I am a volunteer Transport Coordinator with Pilots N Paws Canada. There is a sister organization in the USA, Pilots N Paws Pet Rescue Services.

In the far north of the Northwest Territories (or Nunavut), Canada, we have a mom dog with 11 puppies that need to be transported to a rescue organization in Calgary, Alberta. Total distance about 1,000 miles by small aircraft. Will likely fly in two legs with two different pilots. We take care of these logistics, ensuring there are caretakers at each stop.

The puppies are 4-weeks-old now. What is the earliest the puppies can fly? I understand the concern is the noise of the aircraft damaging the puppies hearing.

Yet, it also urgent to move these puppies soonest to save their lives. Tough call.

The canine family is in a community without road access ... flying is the only option.

Would like to hear from those that know more about puppy development stages. THANX in advance

7 Replies

  • sue_t's avatar
    sue_t
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2013
    Whether or not a dog being transported is crated is at the discretion of the pilot. Some pilots prefer the dogs crated while others let the dog sit in the jumpseat. If it is a large dog, the large crate won't fit some of the smaller private aircraft so the dog will be harnessed in.

    Maybe dogs don't have an expectation or perception about what is supposed to be going on. They connect with a pilot who loves to fly and pick up that energy. So they just go with the air flow ... :B
  • fpresto's avatar
    fpresto
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2013
    You said that it is "urgent to save their lives". That is your answer. Any potential damage to the ears means nothing if they are dead.
    I agree that it is loud sharp noises that are most likely to cause permanent damage. The continuous noise from an aircraft would generally cause temporary issues if at all.
  • Little_Kopit's avatar
    Little_Kopit
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2013
    I once had a puppy flown to me. 1989. In a pressurized cabin. My vet said not before 10 weeks of age.

    I traced the flight all the way. On the last hop I sure got the impression, cargo hold or no, my pup was crying very noisily.

    What I found and what took her at least 4 years to get over was that she was flown when she was in the fear phase*

    Physically, she came through just fine.

    *See The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete.

    Keep us posted on what happens.

    :C
  • Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
    Deb_and_Ed_M
    Explorer II
    Aug 24, 2013
    Assuming the pups will be crated could you wrap eggcrate foam around much of the crate to deaden the sound??
  • sue_t's avatar
    sue_t
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2013
    One vet has advised that is loud sharp noises that can be the problem for puppies. The continual drone of an aircraft engine is not as much of a problem.

    I've always found the drone of aircraft engines to be soothing, but I grew up with it so it feels normal.
  • Go_Dogs's avatar
    Go_Dogs
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2013
    I'm not an expert on puppy's hearing, but I have flown in an older, small, single engine plane. The humans had to wear headphones, for hearing protection and communication. It was so loud that you couldn't scream loud enough to be heard. Wind blasts would really throw the plane around. Every time I went up, I couldn't wait to see that landing strip! I'm sure puppies get transported in this fashion all the time, and it is for the best-but I just wanted to give my experiences. Good Luck!

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