Is your pet anxious or goes through separation anxiety? In that case, flying with your dog can be a challenge.
Seems like you have a trip planned ahead since you are looking for an answer to “can an anxious dog fly?”
From crowds at the airport to the confined cargo space, your pet might get overwhelmed during the trip.
We usually avoid carrying our dog along with us on a plane. But there’s a situation like relocating where we can’t leave the pet behind.
Here, we will learn a few tips to make flying with an anxious dog easier. But before that, let’s go through separation anxiety.
Separation Anxiety in Pets
Separation anxiety is a problem that affects both cats and dogs. You can know if your pet’s suffering from this problem from behavioral problems like displays of distress.
Moreover, it isn’t a rare problem among pets. However, you need to address the issue before you can travel with your dog.
Signs of separation anxiety in dogs include defecation, howling, urination, barking, and destructive chewing. Even house-trained dogs can go through this.
Can an Anxious Dog Fly?
Yes! That’s possible if you do the right preparations. You should learn how to minimize stress for your dog before and during the travel.
Plan in advance and practice a few things to make your dog feel calmer and make the flight easier.
Tips to Prepare Anxious Dog before the Flight
Following certain tips before taking the flight will help keep your anxious pet calm mid-air.
Evaluate Dog’s Health
First and foremost, you must ensure your dog’s health is good for flying. For this, you will need a health certificate from a veterinarian.
Flying with a young, old, pregnant, or chronically ill dog can cause more stress and sickness to the dog. Plus, you may need to certain vaccination requirements of the destination.
Look for a Flight that Allows Dogs in Cabin
Some airlines allow small dogs, usually under 8 Kg weight, in-cabin during the flight. Others may not allow any pets in the cabin. And, a few allow pets in a carrier under the seat.
While most pets fly in carriers in the cargo space, that’s not recommended for anxious dogs. So, you should look for a flight that allows dogs in the cabin.
Find the Right Carrier
From size to material, the airline you are flying with can have certain restrictions. Do check for what’s permitted before buying the dog carrier.
Usually, a soft-sided cabin is recommended for the dog flying in the cabin and the carrier should fit under the seat.
Make Your Dog Habitual of Confined Spaces
We had this problem making the dog stay calm in the restricted carrier space because he was used to openly roam around.
So, you should plan this and start making your dog used to small spaces well before the time to fly.
Get the Dog Comfortable with Airports and Sounds
If possible, take your dog to public waiting areas in nearby airports. This will help the pet get used to the crowd, environment, sights, smells, and sounds.
Alternatively, you can use recordings of flights and airport announcements in the background while playing with your dog.
Limit Food and Water Access before Flight
When in the carrier, the dog will distress more due to the lack of open toilet space. Reducing water and food intake can help cut that need down.
Pack Essentials a Day before the Flight
Going through the hassles of packing things and forgetting essentials moments before leaving should be the last on your list.
Particularly, when flying with a dog, you should pack all the supplies and paperwork at least a night before.
This includes all the certificates, test results, permits, dog food, water, extra leash, blanket, and other items.
Don’t forget to pack the pet’s favorite blanket and toy to keep it calm in the air.
Tips to Keep the Anxious Dog Calm During Flight
That feels good to get a yes for “can an anxious dog fly?” Everything you have prepared comes to test. But there are certain tips you can follow to keep the pet calm in the air.
Pack a Chew Toy
Chewing is one-way dogs use to stay calm when anxious. This also helps keep the pet away from stress caused by airport sounds, sights, and crowds.
And having a favorite toy helps make the dog feel secure. But you should make sure the toy isn’t squeaky or it might disturb other passengers.
Keep Dog Treats Handy
Rewarding a dog with treats for acceptable behavior makes them behave the same for a long. And you can treat your pet when it stays calm.
However, don’t overdo the treats or the dog might start experiencing motion sickness and cause more trouble.
Don’t Let the Dog Feel Distant
You need to keep your dog in the carrier, even when in the cabin. But you should keep the dog close enough to reach out to pat or calm it.
Some airline policies also allow placing the dog carrier on your lap after/before take-off/landing. Being friendly with the flight attendant might also let you take the dog out for a short while.
Swaddle the Dog
Babies, even those with fur, love being swaddled. This makes them stay calm in various situations.
You can use weighted anxiety blankets, a shirt, or a tight dog vest. Also, you can use your scarf or another item of your clothing to wrap the dog.
This will keep the pet calm and feel comfortable during the flight.
Concluding Notes – Can an Anxious Dog Fly?
It’s a yes for “can an anxious dog fly?” But there’s a catch. You need to plan to make that happen without any trouble.
Preparing your dog for the flight while conforming to airport and airline policies will ensure a safe and happy journey.
Whatever happens, don’t forget to consult a vet and pack the dog’s favorites for the flight. And when all’s good, your pooch will fly happily with you.
FAQs
How can I help my anxious dog on a plane?
Pack your dog’s favorite chew toy, blanket, and treats to keep it calm. In addition, swaddling the dog and wrapping it in a piece of your clothing also helps.
Can I take 2 dogs on a plane with me?
You need to check with the airline you are flying with. Some airlines allow flying with 2 dogs while others don’t.
Should I give my dog a sedative before flying?
That may seem like an easy workaround but can be dangerous. Giving sedatives to your dog before flying can cause cardiovascular and respiratory problems.