Sedating Dogs For Airline 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.

Sedating dogs for airline 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. In addition to the kennel you are permitted to bring one personal item onboard the aircraft. Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel. Owners who are looking for a sedative to give to their dogs at home are somewhat limited in their choices.

This is particularly true for very young old infirm or short nosed dogs. 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. Do your homework with the airlines. Acepromazine is the most commonly prescribed oral sedative for dogs.

From other countries and must be at least 15 weeks old for european union travel. Acquire your dog s travel carrier well in advance of your trip. Travel crates carriers and travel harnesses are all great ways to help your dog feel more secure and keep their footing during travel. 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. 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. Sedatives can cause a dog to have difficulty balancing. 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. Once your dog s flight reservation is made schedule a visit with your veterinarian close to the date of travel. For air travel in particular there are already stresses on your pet s body from changes in air pressure and temperature. Here at petrelocation we are constantly asked about sedation or the use of tranquilizers when flying our customers pets.

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. Whether your dog is a chihuahua or a great dane there s a pet carrier to match. No sedation when flying pets. 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.

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. Except in unusual circumstances veterinarians should.