Anybody heard of "carbohydrate loading?"

[arasara]

Hi guys ~

6 more days until Faith comes!!

I am so excited!

I am wondering if any of you have ever heard of a process called carbohydrate loading..???

This information is taken from www.continental.com and says this:

Continental Airlines' consulting Veterinarian recommends that customers shipping small or toy breeds that are less than 12 weeks old and less than 3 lb (approx 1.5 kg) follow these precautionary steps to ensure their safe transportation:

Do not vaccinate these puppies within 3 days of transport
Do not worm these puppies within 3 days of transport
Ensure that no medical procedures are performed on the puppy within 3 days of transport
Use honey or White Karo syrup for "carbohydrate loading" for the 24-hour period just prior to shipping (to help maintain glucose levels in the puppy while in transit).
Continental's consulting veterinarian recommends these steps because a puppy less than 3 lb (approximately 1.5 kg) and 16 weeks of age cannot store glycogen in its liver which means it may not be able to regulate its own sugar/glucose levels. Lowered glucose levels in these pups could result in hypoglycemic episodes including seizures, reduction of body temperature (hypothermia) and could severely compromise the health of your pet.

I asked the vet around here and she said that although it's not mandatory to do, because of the age and size of the puppy I should consider buying something called "nutrapet" which is basically the same thing and if she looks lethargic or like she's not getting enough then give her a finger full of that.

What do yall suggest?

[Zippy]

I'd follow their instructions and that of your vet.

I guess it's in case they're shipped alone, (which you're not doing) and might have a delay.

It's to keep their electrolytes in balance and their "sugars" up.

Good idea if they'll be alone or for connecting flights.

I'm so happy for you!

Have you told Kosmo yet?

[arasara]

Yep I told Kosmo!

He's very excited to have a friend come - he just doesn't understand that she's not leaving after he's done playing..

He's going to just love her Zippy ~ he's such a social dog. When we see another dog on a walk that he gets to say hi to when I say "OK time's up lets go!" he cries It makes me sad - he'll really enjoy having someone to romp all over..

I just had never heard of carbohydrate loading - weird. I will be with her - thank Goodness.

The only thing that's weird is that this nutrapet stuff apparently comes in a toothpaste like tube and i know it's "illegal" to carry on stuff like that. If I could say it's "medicine" though?? It technically could be used as medicine. I hope I get nice flight attendents that let me take her out and put her on my lap.

[Gracie's Mommy]

Unfortunately, I believe that you actually have to declare prescriptions and may have to show a valid prescription for from your doctor.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...d-items.shtm#2

However, if you could put the Nutrapet in a 3oz container (or smaller) for the trip, that would be permitted through security.

Hope that's helpful!

[arasara]

Gracie's mommy -

Thanks for the info. I will probably get the smallest tube I can find. I don't know what category that would fall under. I mean - it's not medicine - it's more of an "energy booster." I don't even think you need a perscription for it. I was just saying it could technically be "considered" medicine because of the role it's playing - stabilizing the dog's inner levels. I don't think I'll have a problem with it. If I do I will ask to be transferred to the next higher-up and so on. Hopefully all will go well. I don't foresee having to use it, but it's nice to have stuff like that on hand just in case. It will be nice to be able to watch her during the flight.

[moniechris]

I know when puppy's come in from shipping that it is recomended to give them Nutri-cal (same thing as above). It's just a high calorie agent that keeps the pups from going hypoglycemic from the stress.

You must be so excited!!!! I about to burst just because I got news that I am allowed to get a new pup!!! You must be on the verge of implosion!!!

[Zippy]

In a pinch, you could ask the flight attendant for some sugar and water.

Mix them and give it to her from your finger.

Does the same thing....keeps her stable.

I think it's more for doggies that are being shipped and might get somewhat depleted.

The security is very tight....they pulled a lot of folks over when we flew.

Just a tip...wear sandals or something that slips off easily. And have fun!

[arasara]

Maybe I'll do the honey - I can't imagine you'd get kicked off a plane for honey and it seems much more natural.

I am exploding - yep! I am so excited. And Mickey has started to get all of my "equipment" that I sent for her. She got the carrier, Roxanne's stuff, and petco order! lol ~ more is on the way

SOME spoiled little girl!

[Gracie's Mommy]

Not to be annoyingly persistent here, but the TSA will not allow a container of any liquid or gel larger than 3 oz. This is an important clarification because even some of us who work in the industry didn't realize this at first. It's not an issue of how much is in the container, but that the actual container can only hold 3 oz or less. They are annoyingly picky at the checkpoint!

I actually got caught with a container with less than 3oz of liquid, but bigger container. It was a Christmas gift from a friend and I felt better caring it in my bag than checking it. No dice...had to leave it with my friend until she could ship it. totally annoying!

6 days! It'll be here before you know it! Can't wait to see pics of Kosmo and Faith together...she's such a cutie and he's so handsome! They'll be an adorable pair!

[arasara]

thanks for the clarifications.

No offense if you're a checker-inner (what's that? ) but they can be a real pain sometimes!!

I will try to look for the smallest amount of honey I can possibly find!!

It's ridiculous that people had to ruin this for us.