When making travel decisions for the holidays, it’s a good idea to plan boarding or in-home pet-sitting for your pet. But if you have decided it’s best to bring him along, take a few things into consideration. Air travel can be particularly dangerous for animals with “pushed in” faces (the medical term is “brachycephalic”), such as bulldogs or pugs. Their short nasal passages leave them especially vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke. If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. Travel is a stressful event for animals, so remember to plan ahead of time, and talk with your Veterinarian if you have other concerns.

Rob Lamont, www.apetlovers.com