Are you worried flying your dog? I have not stopped worrying when I fly with Mark, the Rottweiler. Although he is three months old, I want to ensure he does not bark uncontrollably.
What if your dog barks on an airplane? Do you know what to do to calm it? One of the major problems that you can encounter when traveling with your dog on a plane is when your dog begins to bark.
Since your pet is confined to a pet carrier placed either in between your legs or under your seat, you may not be able to employ the use of some tactics or methods which you normally make use of to calm your dog down.
If my dog begins to bark on a plane, the first thing I do before attempting anything is understand why my dog is barking. Once I know the problem, I can quickly solve the problem.
Reasons why your dog may begin to bark on the plane
Some of the reasons why your dog is barking on the plane may include:
- Separation anxiety and not being able to see you from the pet carrier
- Peeing or pooping in its carrier
- Unfamiliar noises from the plane
- Discomfort caused by ears popping
Unfortunately, most of these factors are expected. However, some of them can be managed as long as you take the right steps.
How do I stop my dog from barking at airplanes?
Some of the things you can do to stop your dog from barking during a flight include:
Train your dog to get used to the carrier before the flight
As one of the requirements in pet travel, your pet is expected to remain in a secure carrier throughout the trip. Placing your dog in an unfamiliar carrier can cause your dog to be uncomfortable regardless of whether it is a full-grown dog or a puppy.
Hence, you should engage your dog in training before travelling. Introduce your dog to the carrier and ensure it can go into the carrier independently.
You can also zip them up in the carrier and gradually leave them in the carrier for an extended period. Your dog can adjust to the carrier and remain there without barking.
Before travelling, make sure you get a carrier. You can purchase airline-approved carriers on Amazon if you do not have one.
Another thing you can do to make your dog comfortable in its carrier is by placing some of its toys or favorite stuff like a comfortable blanket that reminds it of home.
Buy a calming collar or anxiety thundershirt
The pheromone collar or spray can be used to calm your dog on a flight. Although they have not been tested personally, many reviews state that they are effective and help to calm your dog so that they do not bark during the flight.
Pheromone collar can be purchased on Amazon. A great tool for calming your dog down would be the Thundershirt also known as an anxiety wrap. This is highly recommended and works on 80% of dogs who suffer anxiety.
Consider sedatives after consultation with a vet
Dogs that are asleep or extremely calm will not bark on the plane. To achieve this, you can opt for prescribed sedatives.
Although the American Veterinary Medical Association does not advise giving your dog’s sedatives on a plane especially if it can still be avoided, this method is still useful in some cases.
Some of the side effects encountered by using sedatives for your dog in high altitudes include
- Negative impact on your dog’s balance leading to disorientation and inability to brace themselves in turbulence.
- Loss of bladder control
- Respiratory problems
- Cardiovascular problems
With all the disadvantages of using sedatives, it can be concluded that this may not be the best option to help calm your dog on a plane, and it can even worsen the situation if care is not taken.
Cases where sedatives can be used, however, include:
- Dogs that have a history of motion sickness: It is recommended that you use mold sedation, but you must consult your vet first and make sure a dose test is carried out before your flight
While sedation may be able to work, an alternative that your vet may suggest to sedation is using an anti-anxiety medication. While many dogs do not require this, it can come in handy when your dog begins to shoot signs of discomfort and bark on the plane.
Based on some articles, some medications that can be used to calm your barking dog on a flight include low doses of:
- gabapentin,
- alprazolam, or
- trazodone
Before administering any of the above-listed drugs to your dog, make sure that it has been prescribed and recommended by a vet.
- Tire your dog out before the flight
- Try to book a window seat
Summary
Many opinions have been raised about whether dogs should be allowed in a cabin during flights.
While service dogs are exceptions to this and can be tolerated by passengers (especially those who do not own dogs), they may become uncomfortable once your dog begins to bark and yap while in their carriers.
You can never be too sure whether your dog will begin to bark on the plane or not. However, you can prepare for such scenarios in case they happen.
FAQs
Why does my dog bark at airplanes?
The most common reason your dog is barking on the plane is that your dog is afraid and has no way to escape.
Along with being in an unfamiliar environment, your dog can feel the plane’s vibrations and the air pressure change during the flight. This may cause your dog to freak out and begin to bark.
It is advisable to leave your dog at home or with a friend if you can travel without him.
What if your dog barks on an airplane?
Before the flight, you can engage your dog in some exercises to tire him out so that during the flight, your dog will not have the energy to bark and may eventually sleep.
Make sure your dog does as much exercise as possible to get exhausted before the flight. These exercises can include long walks, playtime with other dogs at the park or with their favorite toy, and mental stimulation.
What does it mean when a dog barks at air?
Barking into thin air can denote your dog is feeling unwell. Your dog can’t tell you he’s sick, so instead, he opts to bark incessantly.