Sedating Dogs For Airline Travel

Owners who are looking for a sedative to give to their dogs at home are somewhat limited in their choices.

Sedating dogs for airline travel.

Further adding respiratory and heart rate changes can spell disaster. Acquire your dog s travel carrier well in advance of your trip. Your pet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the u s. As it gets more comfortable put it in the carrier and drive it around so it s used to travel and have friends carry it so it s used to being handled by others.

For air travel in particular there are already stresses on your pet s body from changes in air pressure and temperature. In addition to the kennel you are permitted to bring one personal item onboard the aircraft. Why you shouldn t sedate your dog while traveling by air traveling by air is a stressful and anxiety filled experience for dogs and even more so when they ride in the cargo area of the plane. Do your homework with the airlines.

Except in unusual circumstances veterinarians should. Whether your dog is a chihuahua or a great dane there s a pet carrier to match. Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel. From other countries and must be at least 15 weeks old for european union travel.

Successful airline travel with a dog begins long before the day of travel. Sedatives can cause a dog to have difficulty balancing. This is particularly true for very young old infirm or short nosed dogs. Acepromazine is the most commonly prescribed oral sedative for dogs.

Travel crates carriers and travel harnesses are all great ways to help your dog feel more secure and keep their footing during travel. No sedation when flying pets. To prepare a dog for air travel introduce it to its carrier weeks in advance so your dog can get used to how it feels and smells. Here at petrelocation we are constantly asked about sedation or the use of tranquilizers when flying our customers pets.

For travel outside the continental united states additional planning and health care requirements may be necessary. Pets in cabin kennels will count as your one carry on item. The best restraint for you will depend on the size of your dog their comfort level with the restraint and the type of car truck or suv you drive. Once your dog s flight reservation is made schedule a visit with your veterinarian close to the date of travel.

According to the american veterinary medical association avma sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. Patricia olson dvm former director of veterinary affairs and studies for the american humane society in englewood colorado says heavy sedation undermines your pet s equilibrium which can set your pet up for injury during travel if the plane suddenly hits turbulence. Be prepared to have your dog s carrier go through the x ray screening device without your dog in it.