Traveling & Flying With Your Bulldog or French Bulldog – MUST KNOW

By: Dr. Roy Kraemer |
DVM, Bulldog Specialist Veterinarian
Categories

Traveling with your bulldog isn’t exactly a “throw some clothes in a bag and let’s go” situation.

Our squishy-faced besties need a little extra TLC when it comes to trip planning, especially when flights are involved […]

Here’s how to keep your bulldog trip smooth and stress-free (and avoid turning it into an emergency vet run).

#1 Flights Risks: The Bulldog Dilemma

Let’s be real—bulldogs aren’t the best flyers. Their adorable pinched noses and long soft palates make breathing harder, especially when things get

  • hot
  • crowded
  • or stressful.
  • Add motion sickness or flight anxiety

and suddenly you’ve got yourself a less-than-relaxing travel buddy.

If you can avoid flying with your bully, that is likely your best option!

But if your trip can’t happen without them, here’s the game plan:

The Bulldog and French Bulldog Flight Checklist

Dr. Kraemer’s bully travel and flight 101 checklist:

#1 Vet wellness check

Have a preflight wellness exam, especially if it has been a while since the last one.

#2 BOAS  Traveling and Flying Risks

Noisy breathing, heavy panting, or frequent gagging? That’s a red flag for BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome).

🚩Fix your bulldog BOAS before you book those tickets.

French bulldog pinched nose

#3 Can I Fly My Bulldog  in Cargo or Only Cabin?

Cargo is a no-go!

Bulldogs should only fly in a cool, ventilated, climate-controlled cabin, snuggled right beside you.

Bonus: they’ll love the attention from flight attendants (warning: prepare for drooly kisses… ask for extra napkins 😅).

Flying Bulldogs and French Bulldog Must know

#3 What Food Should My Bulldog Eat On Flight?

Skip the fancy in-flight meals (no “doggy champagne” or mystery peanuts 🍷🥜).

Stick to small, simple ingredients snacks & meals.

Bulldogs in Flight StressLess Calm Chews

#4 What RX Should I Bring For My Bulldog Trip or a Flight? 

Ask your vet about, anti vomiting, motion sickness and calming meds. Especially if your bully suffer for anxiety and retching on car or flight trips.

Retching and vomiting can lead to life threatening Aspiration Pneumonia 

Eng Bulldog V4B StressLess Formula Handou

#5 What Supplements Should I Bring For My Bulldogs Trip or Flights?

Calming, digestion and immune boosting supplements like Dr. Kraemer’s

Always test medication and supplements before travel day—avoid surprises mid-air!

Bottles labeled "VET4BULLDOG" containing various canine supplements.

#6 Keep it Calm and Stress Free

Pack their favorite blanket or toy for comfort.

A chill bulldog = a safe bulldog.

Bulldog and French Bulldog Flight Prep: First Aid List

  1. Copies of medical records
  2. Microchip (a must!)
  3. 📞 Call the airline early, confirm they allow bulldogs, ask about requirements, and lock in that cabin space
  4. 🌍 Flying Internationally?: Every country has different pet rules (vaccines, paperwork, sometimes even quarantine). Always check with the destination’s agricultural department before you leave.

Trust me, nothing ruins a trip faster than a denied entry stamp or a surprise quarantine bill.

Microchip ID for Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Puppies

Bulldog Trip Big Decision: Bring Them… or Let Them Stay?

Sometimes the kindest choice is leaving your bulldog at home with a trusted sitter or pet resort.

You’ll sip your poolside margarita worry-free, and your pup will be safe, cool, and comfy. Win-win.

Bubble Bath Bliss for a French bulldog Pup-001

Planning A Bulldog or French Bulldog Trip  Bottom line:

Plan ahead, check with your vet, and always put your bulldog’s comfort first.

With the right prep, your next adventure can be paws🐾itively stress-free. 

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