I have seen dogs freak out on a flight, while some bark non-stop in the cabin. As a pet parent, you may feel embarrassed when such happens.
What can I give my dog to keep him calm while flying? Before you start ordering for your dog’s medications, I have highlighted things you should know about anxious dogs on flights.
The question of whether or not to sedate or tranquilize your dog during travel or relocation is something that many pet owners have to consider at one point or another, especially if you plan on flying with your fuzzy buddy.
The short answer is no. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has stated that sedating your pets during travel can increase the risk of respiratory and heart problems, especially if you take them on a flight.
As a result of this, sedation for animals during travel is not usually recommended. However, vets may sometimes recommend minor tranquilizers for air travel, though this is not a common occurrence.
Do Not Sedate Your Pets
I tell pet parents not to sedate their dogs unless they get recommendations from their veterinarians. You may harm your dog if you don’t have the right information about sedating your dog.
Don’t decide to sedate your pet except your veterinarian has recommended you do it. More than likely, they will recommend minor tranquilizers or anti-anxiety meds rather than sedatives.
On both occasions, strictly follow the vet’s dosing recommendations very closely. The drugs used in tranquilizers can easily result in sedating your dog if you give them a high dosage.
Additionally, you need to keep in mind that some airlines prohibit animal sedation on their flights. There may be paperwork you are required to fill out stating that you haven’t sedated your pet before flying with them.
Side Effects of Tranquilizing Pets for Air Travel
The reason why vets talk about the pros and cons of tranquilizing a dog before your flight is important. Much information is not revealed about the potential side effects that sedatives and tranquilizers can have on animals that are taken onto airplanes.
There have been several known instances where pets have reacted abnormally to sedatives, and later required veterinarian care to recover from the effects of sedation after flying. In the worst of these cases, the pets were unable to be revived.
Additionally, many pets have exhibited adverse reactions to even small, single doses of sedatives when they are traveling by air. Sedating your pets may cause them to be more excited during travel in some cases.
Balance and Equilibrium Problems
One particular issue that pets face with sedation is inhibition of their natural ability to balance and retain their equilibrium. In the case of travel- especially air travel- this means that sedated animals may not be able to brace them and prevent injury when their kennel is suddenly jarred by turbulence.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Problems
Sedating your pet makes it vulnerable to heart and breathing issues in pets, especially if traveling on a plane. Sedated pets can have a tough time acclimating to the sudden changes in pressure, temperature, and altitude that come with flying.
Snub or short-nosed dogs like bulldogs, pugs, and Shih Tzus are especially vulnerable to these issues during air travel and should never be sedated.
If you have any of these breeds, do not attempt giving them anything to sedate them, expect you speak with your vet.
Risk of Injury
Sedatives make pets dizzy and unable to balance or think clearly, pets who are sedated on flights are much more prone to injury than non-sedated animals.
Not to mention the fact that some dogs may respond negatively to the sedatives themselves, leading to more potential injuries and the need for a vet’s intervention.
Do you want to learn more about the dos and don’ts of traveling with your pet?
Discuss with Your Veterinarian
Sedation Alternatives for Travel
Several alternatives exist to sedatives and tranquilizers that responsible pet owners can use to ensure that their precious fur baby will be safe, calm, and cared for throughout the flight.
A pet owner can adopt various tactics that don’t involve sedatives, but these are the top three ways many people find success in keeping their dogs pacified during flights.
Aromas and Calming Sprays
Natural aromas and calming sprays or oils can help keep your dog calm during transport, and there are plenty of different ones available for you to choose from on the market.
These sprays are typically either oil or plant-based, and some of them even mimic pheromones to help keep your pet relaxed. Valerian, lavender, and chamomile are all known to have a calming effect on dogs.
Prescription Anxiety Medication
Since sedation is off the table for keeping your pets calm during flights, your veterinarian may prescribe some medication that can reduce your dog’s anxiety.
These medications should be tested at home first so that you can know how your pet will respond to the medication. Alprazolam, trazodone, and gabapentin are common examples of these kinds of prescribed meds.
Finally, sedating your dog should be carried out by a professional if there is a need for this procedure.
FAQs
Should I give my dog Benadryl before flying?
The Merck Veterinary Manual states that diphenhydramine may relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety in pets associated with travel. It also may help relieve motion sickness.
How much Benadryl can I give my dog for anxiety?
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl is 2-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight or 0.9-1.8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl per pound.
Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your dog’s weight, given 2-3 times a day
What can I give my dog to keep him calm while flying?
A pheromone calming collar can help lower your dog’ sanxiety. Trazodone (brand name Desyrel®), gabapentin (brand name Neurontin®), and alprazolam (brand names; Xanax®, Niravam®) are examples of medications that are sometimes prescribed by veterinarians to reduce the anxiety that some dogs experience when traveling.