Hi!! I have traveled with my dogs on planes for 17 years and I am a flight attendant for United, maybe I can help!!
If you are really nervous, then maybe a little benedryl will be helpful. Your dog can also sense your nervousness which makes them uneasy, so try and relax when you are on the plane. I suggest that you bring a blanket so that when you put him under your seat on the plane you wrap the kennel in the blankie. The floor of the plane is pretty cold and that is one of the reason's that the dogs bark or cry. Also if you wrap the kennel so that the pup can't see you I think it is better. It is dark and then when the plane engines come on, it is like a calming droning noise and in my experience most pups or kitties will settle down and sleep until you get there. I had to fly 6 hours with Brooke to go see her neurologist in Boston, from San Francisco. That time, I did take her out about 4 hours into the flight in the restroom. I went into the one with the diaper changing table and put down a weewee pad and let her go potty and gave her a treat and some water. I held her for a bit and then put her back in the kennel and she settled back down and went to sleep again!! We were sitting in first class that time, next to a bunch of business passengers so I was nervous about her crying too!! They also have a product called Rescue Remedy for Pets that doesn't have any alcohol but has flower essence that is supposed to calm pets. They also have a version for kids that is the same, if you can't find the pet one. Just don't get the regular version because it has 27% alcohol and if your little guy has liver issues, it wouldn't be good for him! If you have more questions, don't hesitate to PM me!! Have a wonderful trip and I wish you well with the surgery! |