How to make a long international flight comfortable for my small dog?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Putting a pet into cargo can be scary, as you cannot check in on them during that time. I recommend providing blankets and toys that may make her feel more comfortable. You can ask your veterinarian for light sedative medications that you can give prior to the flight to help her relax. I hope this is helpful!

Hello! Travel can be very stressful so it's good you're looking into this for your pets. Unfortunately for pets traveling via air there aren't many oral medications that have been proven safe. Some of the calming supplements and thunder shirts have had some success with travel and could be tried. I recommend trying them weeks before travel just in case they don't work so different options can be tried. Continuing in acclimating your pet to the crate is a good idea. Try making it a safe place for your pet with toys, treats, favorite blanket, etc Lastly you should follow your airlines' guidelines on last feeding/watering. It can vary depending on flight lengths, layovers, etc.

I get that worry! When I moved from the US to New Zealand, I took my Boxer, who was also an anxious dog. Very long flight but he made it just fine. Dogs do tend to settle pretty well on there flights. It’s important to get him used to his crate and staying in long periods of time. It will become a safe space for him, and will make the trip easier. I hope this helps Scott!

Several different drugs are available for this purpose. The drugs I use the most often for this sort of situation include trazodone, alprazolam (Xanax), and acepromazine. The last of these drugs will not provide any relief for anxiety for Muttley, instead it will simply tranquilize him. The other two will have both sedative and anti-anxiety activity. Discuss the situation with your veterinarian and determine which option you believe will be best. Hope this works out. If your pup is going to be travelling in the cabin, for the sake of the other passengers the use of the tranquilizer may be the best option.

I would start by checking with the airline to see what their rules are. I'm not sure food is allowed in cargo. If he'll be in the cabin, stick with his regular food and schedule. I would be reluctant to fly a 4 month old more than 5-6 hours without food/water, and even that is pushing it.

Hello, thats certainly a long flight. Cats in general have the demeanor of being cautious about new environments, noises, and objects so it is not surprising he becomes very stressed under these conditions. You may speak to your veterinarian about having calming medication prescribed to Fuzz for the long journey. I would also check with your airline provider to ensure that cargo conditions are adequate for animals, temperatures can become very hot under there and may not be safe at all for pets. There are things like zylkene tablets and other sedatives your veterinarian may be able to provide you with. Make sure Fuzz has a good thorough physical exam during his health certification to ensure he is in good shape to travel a long journey. Best of luck and hope this helps.

You will need to check with the airline to see if they will allow Sam to travel in the cabin with you. Given he is 8 pounds, this may be ok but I cannot say for certain. Give the airline a call. Good luck with your move! I moved from the US to New Zealand, and I took my dogs and cats with me when I did this 12 years ago. One of my dogs had separation anxiety, and he did great. I didn't have to sedate him, but that's not recommended when a dog travels cargo because there is no one to monitor him. He was in his crate, which was his safe space and made him relax. I hope this helps!