Sedating Dogs For Airline Travel

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.

Sedating dogs for airline travel.

Visit our international pet travel or contact the foreign office of the country you are traveling to for more information. This is particularly true for very young old infirm or short nosed dogs. Pets in cabin kennels will count as your one carry on item. Be prepared to have your dog s carrier go through the x ray screening device without your dog in it.

Successful airline travel with a dog begins long before the day of travel. Acepromazine is the most commonly prescribed oral sedative for dogs. Once your dog s flight reservation is made schedule a visit with your veterinarian close to the date of travel. 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.

Your pet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the u s. 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. Sedatives can cause a dog to have difficulty balancing. 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.

From other countries and must be at least 15 weeks old for european union travel. Whether your dog is a chihuahua or a great dane there s a pet carrier to match. For travel outside the continental united states additional planning and health care requirements may be necessary. Simply the answer is no.

Owners who are looking for a sedative to give to their dogs at home are somewhat limited in their choices. For air travel in particular there are already stresses on your pet s body from changes in air pressure and temperature. Further adding respiratory and heart rate changes can spell disaster. In addition to the kennel you are permitted to bring one personal item onboard the aircraft.

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. 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. According to the american veterinary medical association avma sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems.

Do your homework with the airlines. No sedation when flying pets. Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel.