Every since I got Trip, I’ve been interested in flying with my dogs. Trip is a small Sheltie, and while larger then some of the toy breeds that commonly fly, is not so large as to cause any real issues when traveling. She has flown numerous times on several different airlines, and we’ve really never had an issue. Ticket is a little bigger, but I still want the option of flying her in-cabin. Because of her size, I have had to get a lot more creative, and I’ve looked at many options. I’m going to review three different bags that I own and like. I’ve only flown with one bag, the Large Sturdibag. This is Trip’s go-to bag, and works wonderfully for her. I also own an Extra Large Sturdibag, which is big enough for Ticket, but poses some potential issues. Finally, I recently bought a new bag that I LOVE, a Large Backpack-o-pet from Celltei, which is what I’m going to focus on reviewing today. Next time, I’ll discuss the Sturdibag options.
Our bag models are Trip (15 pounds) and Ticket (20 pounds).
Trip, 13″ at shoulders, 14.5″ collar to base of tail
Ticket, 15″ at shoulders, 18″ collar to base of tail
From left to right, XL Sturdibag, L Sturdibag, Large Celltei Backpack-o-pet
In the above pictures, you can see the relative difference in sizes of these bags.
So, in my search for a bag for Ticket, a friend recommended Celltei bags. They have a large line of different styles and sizes of bags, AND can even customize them. After many emails back and forth with Angie, the founder of the company, I decided to try a large-sized bag, even though I had my doubts about Ticket fitting into it. The large is 20″ L x 11.5″ W x 12.5″ H. The large size comes with two detachable hard plastic frames. These can be removed if you will need to squish the bag under an airplane seat, or left in to provide a little more structure. There is also a rimmed tray in the bottom, which is also detachable. There are other cool features for the different styles that you can read about on their website.
Based on Angie’s recommendations, I chose the Backpack-o-pet model. While I’m not sure I will ever use the backpack straps, they are completely detachable. It was very comfortable to carry Ticket on my back, so I can see the benefit. I also chose the “outdoor” model, which features a grey interior instead of black. We hoped this would help Ticket blend in more and not look so large, since she is a light color.
When deciding on a bag, I was very concerned that the height of the “large” bag would be too small. I could not have been more mistaken–it’s a perfect fit. The biggest constraint seems to be the length–Ticket if very long-bodied, so she’s slightly more compressed then I would like. If I chose, I could elect to get a custom bag with an extension, where I could unzip an additional few inches of length. They have many other custom options as well–it feels like if you can dream it, they can do it.
Here is a video of Ticket getting into her bag:
And some pictures of the bag:
Side view
Interior with plastic frames in place
Interior with plastic frames removed
Ticket in open bag
And with the bag closed
Side view
Carrying the bag
View from the front
And on the back
I LOVE this bag. They are a little expensive, but I feel they are well worth the price. The construction is extremely sturdy. Even without the hard plastic frames, there is a good structure to the bag, yet you can easily see how it will fit under an airplane seat.
I definitely feel like Celltei is the company to go with for pet carriers, particularly with dogs that are a little bigger. It’s an amazing product that I look forward to using for many years. I will definitely post an update when I actually fly with the bag–no matter who travels next time (Trip or Ticket), I plan to try this bag out.
If you’re local and want me to bring the bag to a show for you to check out, just let me know.
Trip, Ticket, and I had a FABULOUS weekend of showing. We were at a new facility for dog shows, the Legends Sports Complex in the Woodlands. This is an indoor, air-conditioned facility, with amazing soccer turf–deep artificial grass with rubber pellets. Trip has shown on soccer turf before and loved it, but Ticket is now a believer as well. I did not see a single dog slip or struggle with the surface all weekend. I never want to show on dirt again! 🙂
Trip had a perfect weekend, earning 2 Double Qs with 3 1sts and 1 2nd place. She had an amazing JWW run where she was so fast and happy–it made my day. I really feel like Trip and I are starting to click again after being out of sorts since her return from injury. She is now only 5 QQs from MACH4, and only needs one more QQ to qualify for Tulsa.
Ticket also had a fantastic weekend. The surface really helped with her bar-knocking. The previous weekend in Belton, she qualified 1/4, with all 3 NQs due to knocking ONE bar each run. Which, honestly, is an improvement for her, and her jumping was really looking quite good. I was hopeful that the soccer turf would help us, and it did. Ticket was 3/4, and earned her FIRST DOUBLE Q!!!! Her only fault was dropping the last bar of her Saturday JWW run, after a miscommunication where I didn’t end up where I wanted to be, and had to wing it. Sunday, her JWW run was simply breath-taking–she ran it at 7+ YPS. Not bad for a blue monster with a bum knee. 🙂 The weekend was extra-exciting because we were showing under Mary Mullen, Ticket’s grandma. Mary and her husband Rick own Dillon, Ticket’s daddy. So it was extra special for her to meet Ticket and Rugby, and see Ticket get her first QQ.
This was my best weekend of showing since I’ve been competing with both Trip and Ticket in Excellent. I’m hopeful it’s a sign of good things to come–Ticket and I have been SO CLOSE to clicking and getting it all together recently. She is now 1/6 of the way towards qualifying for Tulsa, and I can now believe that anything is possible–I could see her rattling off a couple in a row. I’m looking forward to 4 whole days of agility at Reliant–hopefully we’ll manage more QQs on dirt.
So, there’s a list a mile long of things your dog shouldn’t be eating, but here’s one you might not be aware of–sugarfree gum. Sugarfree gum contains an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which can be life-threatening to dogs if ingested. The toxic dose is fairly low, so even a few pieces of gum can be dangerous. Every gum contains different amounts of xylitol, so some gums (those using exclusively xylitol as a sweetener) may be more toxic.
Xylitol causes high insulin levels in dogs, and therefore, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs of xylitol toxicity are weakness, collapse, and seizures. Xylitol can also cause acute liver necrosis, which can result in shock and death. Dogs with acute liver necrosis may not show the signs of hypoglycemia, instead showing more vague signs–vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, etc.
If your dog has ingested sugar-free gum, it is important to get them to a vet for assessment quickly. Vomiting may be induced if ingestion is recent, because there is no antidote for xylitol. Bloodwork will be obtained to assess blood glucose levels and liver enzymes. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment–IV fluids to maintain hydration, combined with Dextrose to keep blood sugar at a safe level. Other treatment will depends on your dog’s clinical signs.
Xylitol is just another example of a product safe for people, that has very different effects on dogs. Keep any gum in your house out of reach, and contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog may have eaten some.
Health Veterinary by .
