How to safely move multiple dogs, including a sick Shih Tzu, long distance?

Usually the short nose will affect the pet in extreme temperatures. Flying in the cabin with you is the safest route as the temperatures are generally well regulated. You are correct that giving certain tranquilizers that affect the blood pressure is not recommended. I recommend to have Troy visit his veterinarian for a general exam prior to the flight. The doctor will give him an overall exam and check for any problems that should be addressed prior to the flight. At that time, you can also discuss any sedatives or other concerns. Some airlines also require a health certificate and proof of vaccination so make sure you understand your airline requirements. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions!

The most important thing to ensure Violet is healthy during this trip is to make sure her vaccines are up to date. Also make sure she is up to date on her flea treatments, deworming treatments, and heartworm treatments. All of this combined will protect her during the trip :-)

That sounds like a lot of fun for Sara and the rest of the crew!!! I would definitely recommend to get all the dogs use to each other well before the trip, that way if there are some aggression issues or other problems, these can be addressed right away. It would be a good idea to get all the dogs use to long car rides. If some of the dogs don't travel well, you can talk to their vet about sedatives/anti-anxiety medications. Also you will need to make sure that all pets are up to date on vaccines as well as flea AND heartworm prevention. I recommend to use a more complete heartworm prevention such as Interceptor or even a combo product like Trifexis. These products prevent heartworm and also have activity against 3 intestinal worms. This is smart since the dogs will be traveling and thus have higher exposure. Lastly, you should carry with you the vaccine records and to be safe, get an interstate health certificate on each one. Best to work out any kinks well in advance and prepare for any legal situations. Have fun and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!

The safety of flying with pets varies widely depending on an individual pet’s temperament, anxiety level and underlying health issues, as well as the duration of the flight and temperature both at the destination and departure location. Generally speaking, most pets do not make the best travel companions while flying, as they can become very anxious with the hustle and bustle of the terminal, loud noises on the airplane and handling during security checkpoints. Anxious pets are more likely to become destructive, vocal or have accidents. Larger pets need to travel in crates in the baggage compartment of the plane, where they are unsupervised and may be exposed to extreme temperatures for potentially prolonged periods of time while waiting to be loaded or unloaded from the plane. In addition, most airlines require a veterinarian to sign off on the health of the pet before they can fly in cargo. When possible, most pets will be more comfortable and safer if left at home with a trusted friend or pet sitter or may travel better by car. If you must travel with your pet, be sure to pack a travel water bowl, extra food, a leash, travel litter pan, supply of medication and bags for cleanup. Always discuss the safety of flying with your individual pet with your veterinarian.

It sounds as though Skye may have anxiety when travelling. I would recommend using a product called NaturVet Quiet Moments Calm Chews with Melatonin, which can be found online quite easily. I would also consider using products such as Rescue Remedy for dogs and an Adaptil Pheremone collar, which also can be found online. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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.