Can I give my dog Benadryl before a flight?

Diphenhydramine may help relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate travel anxiety in pets. It also may help relieve motion sickness. Although Benadryl may sometimes relieve anxiety, it's best to talk to your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to determine and treat what's causing the anxiety.



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Pet medication to help anxious cats or dogs while traveling She often prescribes benzodiazepines (like alprazolam) or trazodone for dogs. “These are typically safe drugs for most pets and can be administered shortly before travel to help ease any anxiety,” says Liff.

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If you must take your nervous pup or pussycat on an airplane, follow this expert advice to make the experience run smoother for you and your pet.
  1. Know Signs of Distress. ...
  2. Travel With Your Puppy. ...
  3. Bring a Familiar Comfort Object. ...
  4. Perform Crate or Carrier Training. ...
  5. Swaddle Your Fur Baby. ...
  6. Try Aromatherapy.
  7. Remain Calm.


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Try taking your pet to crowded public places to acclimatise him or her to noises and large crowds. Introducing your pet to new environments and situations consistently and often will ensure that your pet will stay calm and relaxed during the flight and while in transit.

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Diphenhydramine, the same antihistamine found in Benadryl, will likely put you to sleep, though you may pay the price once you land. “It makes us feel really groggy when we wake up, and it can make us feel really hungover,” Das says.

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One of the most common side effects of Benadryl is sedation. You may notice that your dog gets a bit drowsy after taking Benadryl. If you believe your dog needs help sleeping, you must talk to your veterinarian first. Make sure it is the best option for your dog before you start giving it to him or her.

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Dogs' ears can be sensitive to changes in air pressure during flights, which can cause discomfort or pain. Providing your dog with plenty of water and a comfortable carrier can help alleviate these symptoms.

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Most of the time, dogs travel quite easily and do well without the need for medication. Some dogs, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he doesn't travel well.

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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.

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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.

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What Are the Best—And Safest—Sleeping Pills for Flights?
  • Ambien. Ambien—the most powerful option on this list and the only one that requires a prescription—works as a sedative-hypnotic medication that slows your brain activity to make you feel very sleepy. ...
  • Tylenol PM. ...
  • Melatonin.


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Common side effects associated with using Benadryl for dogs include:
  • Drowsiness.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Urinary retention.
  • Hypersalivation.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Rapid breathing.


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How long before flight should I take Benadryl? If you're taking antihistamines, decongestants, or over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, it's important to take your medication at least an hour before your flight so it has time to work before your plane takes off.

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Flight anxiety medication
  • fluvoxamine (Faverin)
  • citalopram (Celexa)
  • escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • paroxetine (Paxil)


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If you have any allergy or cold-related symptoms, make sure you take an antihistamine or decongestant spray at least 30-45 minutes before your flight. Following this method can help alleviate any additional sinus pressure.

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Sedating cats or dogs during air travel can increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), sedatives should not be dispensed for transporting animals except in rare circumstances.

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