Sedating your dog for a flight is not recommended. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises against sedation before air travel because it comes with serious health risks. Airlines may even keep pets that appear sedated from boarding at check-in, especially in cargo.

Even so, it’s one of the most common questions we get from pet owners. This guide explains why sedation should be avoided, outlines the risks of common sedatives for pets, and shares natural strategies to prepare your dog and manage anxiety in the air safely.

Why Sedation Should Be Avoided

The biggest issue with sedating pets for travel domestically and international travel is the increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems, especially in snub-nosed breeds. Let’s take a closer look at the risks:

Breed-specific risks: Brachycephalic breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs are particularly vulnerable to sedation-related complications. Their anatomy already makes breathing more difficult.

Heart and respiratory risks: Sedatives can slow your dog’s heart rate, breathing, and body temperature. That can quickly become dangerous when your pet can’t be closely monitored during a flight.

Limited monitoring: If you have a dog that takes vet-approved meds during long car rides to prevent nausea, you can watch them for symptoms. You can’t monitor for complications or provide immediate in-flight care.

Post-flight effects: Once sedation wears off, pets may experience confusion, panic, or disorientation. Add the fact that they may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and the risk of injury to pets can increase.

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Common Sedatives and Their Risks

The table below highlights some commonly prescribed drugs for anxious dogs, what they’re used for, and the potential risks or side effects associated with each.

Medication	Use	Risks
Acepromazine	Used as a long-acting sedative, but it doesn’t do anything for dog anxiety	Side effects include disorientation, lowered blood pressure, and respiratory issues.
Alprazolam (generic Xanax)	Short-term treatment for situational anxiety	Side effects include coordination issues, changes in appetite, and behavioral changes.
Diazepam (generic Valium)	More common as an anti-seizure medication	Side effects include appetite changes, fatigue, and behavioral changes.
Fluoxetine (generic Prozac)	FDA-approved for separation anxiety, but also used in cases of other triggers	Side effects include fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, and lack of coordination.
Gabapentin	Situational anxiety (commonly prescribed with trazodone) and chronic pain	Side effects may include lethargy and a loss of coordination.
Trazodone	Behavioral disorders or situational anxiety	Side effects include lethargy, nausea, rapid heart rate, and changes in appetite.

We’re using a blanket term for sedatives, but some pet medications are considered tranquilizers or anti-anxiety drugs. Sedatives are designed to calm or induce sleep, but do not address underlying anxiety.

Tranquilizers produce a calming effect, often for procedural or situational use, but again, may not reduce the emotional stress your pet experiences. Anti-anxiety medications target anxiety directly, but high doses may have sedating effects. Generally, these are all only available by prescription from your vet.

You should also be cautious about using over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin to treat travel anxiety. These drugs are manufactured to relieve allergy symptoms, not anxiety.

While they can make your pet drowsy, they can cause unwanted side effects like appetite and behavioral changes, nausea, and dry mouth. Always talk to your vet before testing antihistamines on your pet for any reason.

Safe Alternatives for Anxiety Management

Several strategies, outside of sedatives, can reduce travel anxiety in dogs. Here are a few we have seen work:

Scented personal items: Include a blanket, shirt, or toy with your scent in your dog’s crate to provide a more comforting environment.
Hemp-derived CBD: Small doses of hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol) can reduce anxiety, particularly in small dogs. The Humane Society of the United States considers it safe for pain and anxiety.
Calming tools: Some pets respond well to ThunderShirts, which mimic swaddling, and to pheromone collars or sprays that release chemicals with a calming effect.
Supplements and chews: Ingredients such as suntheanine (L-theanine), valerian root, chamomile, and melatonin may help reduce anxiety during travel.
Exercise before travel: We’ll get into this more in our travel prep tips, but it’s worth emphasizing that a well-exercised dog tends to be calmer and more relaxed.

It’s important to consult your vet before trying a new anti-anxiety strategy, especially if your dog is already on any medications. Some of these natural methods can interact with medications, making them less effective.

Recognizing Anxiety and Nervousness in Dogs

You probably already know if you have an anxious pet, but many dogs only exhibit symptoms of anxiety in stressful situations. Fear, nervousness, or anxiety can look like a fight or flight response, where a dog tries to escape or exhibits signs of aggression.

More common anxiety symptoms include tucking their tail between their legs, yawning, panting, pacing, shaking, muscle tension, excessive barking, and pinned back ears. Dogs may become more clingy when stressed or exhibit signs of separation anxiety, like chewing or scratching.

In severe cases, overly stressed dogs may show changes in appetite or bowel habits. Understanding these signs and your dog’s triggers is essential in finding ways to comfort your pet. You should also take all of this information back to your vet for more advice.

Even if your dog is usually calm, stressful situations, such as travel or flying, can trigger anxiety. Being able to identify the signs early helps you tailor calming strategies and prevent problems during a flight.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Travel

Your dog’s first flight shouldn’t be the first time they’re exposed to travel, even if you have to get creative with simulating the experience for them. Here are a few things you can do to prep your pet without pet sedation for travel:

Get them crate-ready. Use treats and positive reinforcement to develop a positive association with a pet travel crate, whether you’re prepping for flights or car rides. As their travel date approaches, extend the amount of time spent in their crate or kennel.
Practice on car trips. You won’t know what your dog experiences or how they behave during travel until you travel with them. Car trips can simulate travel conditions in the air. You’ll also know whether your pet has motion sickness.
Talk to your vet. You’ll need to keep up with veterinary visits as your travel date approaches to obtain health certificates and vaccinations anyway, but they’re an excellent resource for anxious dogs. Your vet may have tips outside of meds for your pet’s anxiety.
Exercise your dog. A tired dog is generally a less anxious dog. Make sure your pet gets enough exercise the day before and the day of their flight.
Adjust feeding times as needed. We recommend you avoid feeding your dog about 4-6 hours before their flight. This reduces the chance of accidents and may keep them from getting motion sickness mid-flight.
Use a professional pet shipper. We don’t just work with calm dogs. It’s normal for pets and pet parents to be anxious about air travel. Years of experience with both means we know how to handle dogs with extra needs for worry-free transport.

You should also take steps to reduce your own travel anxiety about shipping your pet. Make sure your pet is microchipped, and that their crate is tagged with your contact information (e.g., phone number, destination address) in case of an emergency in transit.

Follow all federal regulations when shipping any live animal, whether that’s across state lines, to more complex destinations like Hawaii, or abroad.

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FAQs

Flying in the cargo hold can be stressful, but it’s generally a safe way for pets to fly when proper precautions are taken. Use an airline-approved crate, ensure your dog is comfortable with crate training ahead of time, and avoid sedation. Choosing experienced pet transport services can also reduce stress and keep your dog safe.

Dogs may feel some pressure changes in their ears, similar to humans, especially during takeoff and landing, but it’s not usually painful. For very anxious or sensitive dogs, talk to your vet about safe strategies to manage ear discomfort.

Accompanied pet transport services involve professional handlers traveling with your dog to ensure safety and comfort, and to monitor your dog throughout the journey. These services are particularly helpful for anxious pets, long-haul flights, or when pets must travel in cargo unaccompanied.

Costs vary depending on the airline, the size of your dog, and whether they fly in-cabin or in cargo. In-cabin fees range from $125-$250, while cargo transport can cost $200-$1,000 or more, depending on distance, layovers vs. nonstop flights, crate requirements, and additional services.

Most airlines, even the most pet-friendly options, limit in-cabin pets to small dogs that fit in an approved travel carrier under the seat. Larger dogs must fly in cargo, which comes with weight, crate size, and breed restrictions.

Some airlines also have seasonal restrictions for hot weather, and certain breeds, especially snub-nosed dogs, may face stricter rules. Always check airline policies before booking.

Your Pet’s Safety and Comfort Are Our Priority

Traveling with your dog should be as stress-free as possible. Whether your pet is calm or highly anxious, we prioritize pet safety and comfort every step of the way. We can make travel easier for both you and your furry friends.

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Why You Shouldn’t Sedate Your Dogs for Air Travel