Is it safe to sedate a dog for a flight?

Transporting your precious pet to another country is a complicated process, and can cause pet parents to worry about the safety and comfort of their pets. It is important to remember that however long the flight is, do not give your pet a sedative unless expressly advised by the vet.



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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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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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Gabapentin and trazodone can be prescribed by your veterinarian for reducing your dog's travel anxiety, but they can come with unwanted side effects. Antihistamines, such as those listed above, can also be used to relax your dog, and often have fewer side effects than prescription sedatives.

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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. However, again I would recommend discussing this with your family veterinarian as well to ensure that you are giving the correct dose.

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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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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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Trazodone (brand name Desyrel®), gabapentin (brand name Neurontin®), and alprazolam (brand names; Xanax®, Niravam®) are examples of medications that are sometimes prescribed by veterinarians to reduce the anxiety that some dogs experience when traveling.

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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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Also, be sure to bring many high value treats in case you are having trouble keeping your dog's attention. Eventually, your pup will get used to flying and treats won't be necessary during flights. Make sure the dog is fully tired out before boarding. A tired dog will be well behaved on a flight.

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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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If using Benadryl as a mild sedative for motion sickness or any sort of thunderstorm or travel anxiety, it's best to think ahead so you can plan out when you give it to your doggo. It will usually take 30 minutes for Benadryl to take full effect, and you want your pup calm and anxious-free.

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Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

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To alleviate stress during air transport, sedatives are sometimes prescribed (4).

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I recommend melatonin as a natural supplement to my patients with flight-related anxiety. Melatonin induces sleep and adjusts your circadian clock to help you function better when you reach your destination.

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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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