I learned how to prevent dogs’ ears from popping on plane from my friend, Chris. He was always flying with his tiny dog, Amaka. Each time he returns from his trip, he will take Amaka to the vet.
Amaka always had her ears popped on planes and she developed a phobia for flying. Traveling to a new place with your pet can be an Amaka experience.
There’s nothing better than having your best buddy beside you in a new environment with new people. Despite this, there are still a lot of concerns and issues that may come up before, during and after the flight.
Fortunately, many airlines permit passengers to trace along with their pet, but this may not be entirely a peachy experience for your dog, especially since it will be in an unfamiliar place. I advise you to get earmuffs for your dog as this will help lessen anxiety by blocking noise during the trip.
How are Dogs Affected by Altitude?
While the biology of dogs and humans are different, one thing in common is the way that the bodies of humans and dogs are affected because of high altitudes.
Once you board a plane or climb a mountain over 5000 feet above the sea, there is bound to be an obnoxious effect caused by altitude sickness
The reason for altitude sickness in dogs is not certain but one very common theory is that there is a change in the availability and intake of oxygen at higher levels. Once you reach a particular height with lower pressure than usual, there is a decreased amount of oxygen.
I want you to know that the oxygen available in the airplane is being shared and recycled by many passengers.
Hypoxemia occurs when we struggle to get sufficient amounts of oxygen for our bodies. In addition, an increased amount of fluid gathering around your dog’s lungs can lead to a condition known as pulmonary edema, making it very hard for your dog to breathe.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness in Dogs
Here are some symptoms to look out for to know whether your dog is suffering from altitude sickness:
- Excessive Panting and Drooling
- Dry, Hacking or a Wheezing Cough
- Fever
- Dizziness or Clumsiness
- Reluctance to Move and General Lethargy
- Lack of Interest in Eating or Drinking
- Vomiting
- Swelling in the Extremities, such as the Paws or Face
- Bleeding from the Nose (severe symptom)
Once you notice any of these symptoms in your dog during a flight or while climbing to higher heights, it is important to take necessary action so that your dog can be calm and more comfortable.
How Can Altitude Sickness Be Treated in Dogs?
Treating altitude sickness in dogs is quite complicated as you may not be able to drop several feet to a more agreeable height. Rather than looking for a cure or immediate treatment, altitude sickness is a problem that should be managed. This means you should put different measures into place if your dog experiences it.
Some of the ways you can manage altitude sickness in your dog include:
Providing your dog with more oxygen:
Although you may not be allowed to use a human oxygen mask for your dog due to Huguenot reasons, you must notify your flight crew immediately if you notice that your dog is not breathing properly.
Once they are aware of the situation at hand, they may be able to get something that your dog can use or even make an exception. If this does not work, the pilot may drop the altitude once he sees your pet in pain.
One of the most important things that you should be concerned about while traveling with your dog at higher altitudes is dehydration. The risk of dehydration is a very common side effect for both you and your dog during flight.
This worsens due to the fact that your dog may not even be interested in eating any food or drinking water while experiencing altitude sickness. While traveling or moving higher feet’s above normal sea level, it is important to keep your dog well hydrated.
If your dog is dehydrated during a flight and has refused to eat or drink, check our guidebook for what you can do to handle such cases.
You can also add electrolyte tablets in your dog’s water once you have managed to persuade them into drinking water on the flight. Alternatively, you can also make use of a more organic and natural remedy for dehydration.
Make sure you consult your vet first before giving your dog any medication.
How to prevent dogs ears from popping on planes
One way you can prevent your dogs ears from popping is by slowly increasing your altitude so that your dogs ears can adjust to the air pressure. If you notice your dog is uncomfortable, it is advisable to descend to a lower altitude if you can.
Some of the signs you may notice when your dog is experiencing altitude sickness include:
- Yawning
- Drooling
- Stress
FAQs
What can help with ears popping on a plane?
If your ears are popping during a flight,
- Blow gently like you are blowing your nose while pinching your nostrils and keeping your mouth closed.
- You should carry out this process several times, especially during descent. This can help to balance the pressure between your ears, and the airplane cabin
- do not sleep during takeoffs and landing
How can I protect my dog’s ears from flying?
Several companies provide dog earmuffs, but cotton balls will also do the trick. Just like easing your dog into a flight, repeat that process for ear protection. Dogs have very sensitive hearing and, like humans, need noise protection while in flight.
Do dogs’ ears get plugged on an airplane?
Yes. During flights, your dog’s ears may pop, although this does not happen to every dog. Dogs have very sensitive ears and are also very sensitive to changes in air pressure, just like humans.
Once a plane lands or descends too quickly, there is an immediate change in air pressure, and the ear may be unable to balance the pressure quickly. This is what causes the stuffy sensation in the ear.