Sedating Dogs For Airline Travel

Except in unusual circumstances veterinarians should.

Sedating dogs for airline travel.

Simply the answer is no. 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. Further adding respiratory and heart rate changes can spell disaster. Successful airline travel with a dog begins long before the day of travel.

Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel. Sedatives can cause a dog to have difficulty balancing. Visit our international pet travel or contact the foreign office of the country you are traveling to for more information. Be prepared to have your dog s carrier go through the x ray screening device without your dog in it.

According to the american veterinary medical association avma sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. This is particularly true for very young old infirm or short nosed dogs. From other countries and must be at least 15 weeks old for european union travel. Acepromazine is the most commonly prescribed oral sedative for dogs.

Acquire your dog s travel carrier well in advance of your trip. It is a member of the phenothiazine class of sedatives and works primarily by blocking dopamine receptors within the brain thereby depressing certain brain functions. Pets in cabin kennels will count as your one carry on item. 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.

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. 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. In addition to the kennel you are permitted to bring one personal item onboard the aircraft. No sedation when flying pets.

Whether your dog is a chihuahua or a great dane there s a pet carrier to match. Owners who are looking for a sedative to give to their dogs at home are somewhat limited in their choices. Once your dog s flight reservation is made schedule a visit with your veterinarian close to the date of travel. For travel outside the continental united states additional planning and health care requirements may be necessary.

Do your homework with the airlines. Travel crates carriers and travel harnesses are all great ways to help your dog feel more secure and keep their footing during travel. 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.