What was the med the vet gave you? And, when did you administer it? Rudy and I just took our first trip together and he did wonderful. He freaks out in a cage or a carrier as well if I just put him in it. Does the same thing of crying and digging at the sides. I used a hard plastic cat carrier but he couldn't escape. I gave him the med as my sister was taking us to airport. I kept him out of the cage until I boarded the plane. He started to get groggy while I was waiting to board. Minutes before I got on, I placed him in the carrier. He didn't like it and started to whine and scratch but I just said, "You're alright, good boy" and ignored it. Do not fuss over them or say anything. When I got on the plane and placed him under the seat he konked out.
My vet told me that the meds won't work if the dog is hyper/senses something's up. It's almost like a reverse affect so he suggested I give the sedative to him about 1 hour before leaving. I also put a blanket in the carrier that I had wrapped around my shoulders the night before we left that had my scent on it. I put his soft teddy in there with him as well. Since your little one scratchs at the sides (another dog on the plane did the same thing and escaped her carrier) get one of those molded plastic carriers. I also have a PetFlys carrier that is made of leather and has a wire screen. (They're expensive but cute!) He can't get out of that either. I hope this helps. Don't give up on your lil' traveler. |