Can I give my dog Benadryl for flying?

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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If you have a very energetic pet that could use a bit of help to snooze on the plane, Benadryl could be a good option for them.

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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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Medication prescribed by your veterinarian: trazodone (brand name Desyrel®), gabapentin (brand name Neurontin®), and alprazolam (brand names: Xanax® and Niravam®) are sometimes used to reduce the anxiety that some dogs experience when traveling.

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Familiarize your dog with their crate well in advance of your trip so they are comfortable spending long periods of time inside it. You might even consider taking your dog to the airport's departure area a few times so they become slightly more familiar with this strange place.

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Benadryl® may make some dogs a little sleepy and less responsive, but it doesn't do anything for their underlying anxiety. Benadryl® does has some efficacy in the prevention of motion sickness in dogs.

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The effects of the medication typically last for around 6-8 hours. Liquid Benadryl is typically recommended for dogs weighing less than 10 pounds, as this can make it easier to achieve an accurate and appropriate dose.

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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.

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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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Pee pads in the carrier or in the bathroom are pretty much your only solution for a dog who needs to go while on a flight.

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But for some owners, travel sickness can be a real problem for their pooch. Much like us, dogs and cats can experience motion sickness when travelling and it can occur with any form of transport be it boat, car, train or plane.

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Common side effects of Benadryl include constipation, sedation, urinary retention, diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and loss of appetite for some dogs. Always be sure to monitor your dog closely when giving medication for the first time.

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