[marleysmummy]

Hello!

I am just wondering if anyone has any advice/thoughts/experiance on sedating a dog for flying?

I hadn't even thought of doing it, but we were at the vet tonight and he gave us some drops to give Marley before the flight. I have no idea whether to give him them or not. The vet said to give him 8-12 drops, but the lady behind me said only 4 as they were very strong.

I really don't know what to do, I think no. But hubby thinks we should listen to the vet as he knows best.

 

[missmarstar]

What I would recommend is trying the drops at home first to see how your dog reacts to them.

 

[marleysmummy]

The problem is we are flying first thing tomorrow, so have no time for a test run!

 

[FlyingQuizini]

Definitely test it out at home a couple times before you travel to see how he reacts. I think most sources generally advise against sedating for travel. Are the drops an actual sedative, or something to reduce stress/anxiety? Either way - try it out at home a handful of times first.

 

[missmarstar]

A lot of times what can happen is the dog will "fight" the sedation and actually make themselves more stressed out and afraid. It can actually be quite a disaster. If you don't have time to do a test run, I'd actually NOT sedate him.. but that's just my opinion.

 

[Debles]

Also tranquilizers can slow respiration and make it more difficult to breathe at high altitudes. Especially for a dog in a crate in the cargo bay. Don't know what "the drops" are that your vet gave you. may be just Rescue Remedy or something herbal.

I give Gunner two 3mg. tablets of melatonin for his anxiety and it works great.
I don't think there is any danger as melatonin is natural element for sleep in the body.

 

[NapaValleyGolden]

If Marley is comfortable in his crate and the flight isn't too long, I would probably not use the drops if I couldn't try them at home first. Too bad the vet didn't mention this earlier

 

[marleysmummy]

If Marley is comfortable in his crate and the flight isn't too long, I would probably not use the drops if I couldn't try them at home first. Too bad the vet didn't mention this earlier

He's not too happy about the crate. The drops say they are tranquilizers, so that's why I am scared.

 

[Pointgold]

Never have, nor would I, sedate a dog before a flight. Even "testing" the med prior won't necessarily provide an accurate snapshot of how your dog will respond in an actual in-flight situation where the pressure is different, noise, etc.
If your dog is comfortable traveling in a vehicle in a crate, flying should be little different.

 

[marleysmummy]

the drops he gave me are Acepromazine Maleate, I really think this is a bad idea.

 

[Willow52]

One of my dogs flew over and back when we were transfered to Germany. We didn't sedate her and had no problems. My only tip is carry a small bowl and water with you to give him a drink as soon as you pick him up. Air on the plane is very dry, I remember our dog being very thirsty.

 

[Amynf]

I personally wouldn't do it. I never have and I have flown internationally four times with dogs, from the States to Germany and from the States to Korea and back which are 15 hour nonstop flights (Seoul to Atlanta). Others mentioned that they fight the sedation and in turn stress even more and then there is the issue of not being able to check on them during the flight. As scary as flying is, they get through it. I flew my lab mix four times and she is the most nervous dog and terrible flyer and hates the kennel but by the last time she was a pro and didn't even throw up I just feel like it's better safe than sorry with the drugs because you can't see how they are doing. Put something that smells like you in the kennel though, it helps.

 

[Jo Ellen]

I wouldn't do it either if you can't try it out first. I flew Daisy once, years ago. I sedated her but I tried it out on her for a couple of days before, finding the right dose and observing her reactions under a vets supervision. If you don't know what your dog's reaction to the medication is, you certainly don't want to give it to them when there will be no one around to help if something goes wrong. Don't do it.

I put my favorite afghan my mom made for me in the kennel with Daisy when she flew. My mom didn't appreciate that too much : but I think it helped both of us a lot.

Marley will be fine without the medicine, the time will pass quickly enough. This is going to be much harder on you than him. Hmmm...maybe you should consider a sedative for you