Your dog will get acclimated in a few days to high altitude. However, if you find that he has not acclimated and continues to display signs of altitude sickness, then take him to a lower elevation as soon as possible. If symptoms don't abate, then schedule a vet visit.
Don't fly an anxious dog on a 10+ hour flightHowever, whether or not it's “cruel” ultimately depends on your dog. Like in the case of humans, some dogs simply handle long flights better than others.
The whole process of flying can be stressful for a dog, but those levels of stress can be greatly reduced with a few simple home comforts and reassurances. Ensuring your flight is a non-stop flight rather than one with changeovers can be a huge benefit to your dog, as can looking to travel at a suitable time.
Be sure to gradually increase your dog's exposure to higher altitudes by starting lower and taking short hikes at progressively higher elevations over the course of several weeks. If your dog is adjusting well, increase the distance in the same manner.
On the day of travel, take your dog for a long walk or run so he or she can expend as much energy as possible. Remember to feed your pet dog or cat no more than six hours before the flight. Flying on a full stomach is not recommended; feed your pet a little less than usual on the day of the flight.
Understanding Your Dog's Ear AnatomyThis tube helps even out pressure between the outside environment and the inside of the ear. So, when the air pressure changes rapidly, such as during take-off or landing of an airplane, your dog's ears can also experience a 'popping' sensation.
When it comes to flying with pets, one common question that pet owners often ask is whether they should sedate their pets during air travel. At PetRelocation, our straightforward answer is NO.Sedation carries various risks and is not recommended for pets during air travel.