Just saw this so thought I'd chime in.:D It is REALLY important for anyone trying Benadryl for the first time, to try it at home first. I learned that the hard way. Spike does not like the car so on a long road trip I gave him Benadryl. As it turns out, Benadryl affects Spike as speed!:eek: It was a horrendous 8 hours of him completely freaking out. My vet also prescribed Valium for him for his severe storm phobia and it was the same but worse. We had to lock him in his stroller to keep him from hurting himself. He was completely wired with zero coordination. It was pretty scary and I was on the phone with my vet on and off for several hours while we got through it.

Just read this about sedatives here. FYI.

Despite this, acepromazine does have some significant effects that must be considered. It can cause hypotension (lowering of blood pressure). This effect may be exaggerated in Boxers and there have been anecdotal reports of death of Boxers after the use of acepromazine. In addition, acepromazine seems to make it easier for dogs with seizure disorders to have a seizure. This medication should not be used near the time of dipping or treatment with organophosphates for flea control.

thanks.

I flew with our yorkie last year from Chicago to California, not one peep out of her. Actually, we kept checking on her to make sure she was breathing!! She never made a sound and we didn't give her anything. We took her out when we landed and everyone was shocked that she had been on board during the flight. (The flight attendants all wanted to hold her when we took her out, she loved that.)

We are leaving again to California in July and, hopefully, she will behave just as well. I did ask the vet about a sedative and he said to try it without it first and she did just fine. Make sure you get the vet checkup slip within ten days of traveling (we did but were never asked for it and we had to check in separately because of the animal carryon).

There is also a product called Bach's Remedy you can purchase it at most health food stores. It is very safe to use.

Scooter has flown a bunch. The first flight ever, I gave him nothing and it was miserable. Luckly, it was an hour flight and I brought Childrens Benadryl with me (my vet suggested taking it should I need it because of the multiple flights involved). When we landed at the airport for a layover, I rushed into the family bathroom, so I could take him out and calm him down. I took out the benadryl and per the vets directions, gave the correct dose. We had about an hour layover and by the time we boarded our next flight, he was ok. About 10 minutes after take off, he was clearly uncomfortable. He tried to get out of his carrier and I spent the entire flight bending over trying to keep him calm. The flight crew would not let me keep the carrier on my lap. Once we got to our destination, I knew we would face the same thing going home so I called my vet. I was given a new dose to try so we could get home. Return flights, not as bad as the first but not pleasant either. He again tried to chew a hole in his carrier and actually ripped a small hole in the mesh.

Before our next trip, I circled back with the vet. He was not comfortable giving Scooter more benadryl and suggested Ace. I did not want to sedat him but my vet said the dose would be very mild and just keep Scooter calm. Big dogs take several Ace pills....Scooter takes 1/4th of a pill of the smallest available dose. Life has completely changed. Scooter knows that those pills mean we are going to the airport and he is going with me on a trip. I normally give it to him before we leave for the airport. By the time we get there (25-30 minutes away) and park, he is calm as can be. Don't get me wrong, he is normally calm but this is "I am cool, just hanging out" calm. I carry him until we are finished with security so he is not in the carrier yet.

By the time we go through security, he is ready to get in his carrier. He walks right in and lays down. He is sleepy by this point and settles in for a good nap. He is awake when we are moving but once I set the carrier down, he is off in lala land. Take-offs and landings no longer bother him...he frankly could care less. I am not allowed to leave his sight though. I can't get up and go to the bathroom or even put the tray table down without him letting me know he doesn't like it.

I understand the concern about using Ace but with the correct dose, it is a lifesaver. While Scooter wants to nap, if he is alert enough to notice that my tray table comes down, that is not sedation in my mind. I use Ace now for every trip. Scooter weighed probably 4 lbs when we first used it and now weighs 8 lbs. The dose has not changed and I do not intend to increase it. Ace costs me about $3 per pill at my vet which they then split into 4ths for me. It is more costly than bottle of benadryl but it works way better for us.

My advice to anyone thinking about the best way to fly with your pets is talk to your vet. Our vet knew everything about it and answered all of my questions. I feel very confident in my decision to use it, especially with my vets blessing.

Hey I wanted to ask since you flew from NY did the airline ask you for a license for the dog and for a medical certificate?

How did the flight go?

problems with flying and those terrible crates
 

On our last flight, Pepper was so upset I put her on my lap and she immediately calmed down. Unfortunately, the flight attendant told me that dog MUST be under the seat! Now I am very, very, very nervous about flying. She hates the crate too, and since I work from home, she is never in a crate---or far from me.

Linus and Kimchee on their very first airplane
 

How did Linus and Kimchee do on their very first airplane flight?

I fly with my show dogs all the time. I've never had to sedate. The only time any of my dogs have had a problem was recently, but it was during the car ride to the airport. She vomitted. Once in the air, the white noise luls them to sleep.

You can try putting the entire carrier on your lap, and putting your hand/arm in the carrier to pet and comfort your dog. Or.... bring a blanket and discreetly let your pup sleep in your lap under the blanket.

This is an old thread revived! :)

Yorkie Sedatives-??
 

Hi Nicole--I clicked on your message "Just read this about sedatives here. FYI" and it gave me an error, unfortunately. :confused:

Hmm, I just clicked it and it worked for me.

Medication - Acepromazine

I'm flying Wednesday with my 4 month old puppy and she is 2 lbs after a big meal. I hope she does alright she will sleep in the carrier for naps if I leave it open alright but gets upset if I zip it and cries. Is it safe to give one this small any thing if needed? Her cry is more like a tiny mew do the airlines kick you off your connecting flights if their is crying? I'm taking my 7 year old granddaughter home and flying back Sunday.
Just to vent a bit it upsets me that they won't let me bring a carry on bag because her carrier count as my carry on I called Airtran and asked. It goes under the seat not in the overhead and should be considered like a purse plus I'm paying extra it just doesn't seem fair:(