Sedative for flight

Repose · Feb 25, 2020

Any recommendations for a light sedative that’s safe for frenchies?

I talked with my vet about Benadryl and he also recommended gravol. He offered a prescription but I opted to not as I was scared about the side effects possibly interrupting their breathing.

If you have successful experience with Benadryl or Gravol how much do you give? My pups are both 21 and 23 lbs.

If you feel against the use of sedatives at all, let me know too!

We will be on a rather short 3 hour one-way flight. They’ve been introduced to their carriers and I’ve been wheeling them around in them to make them comfortable with the idea. Maple goes in to hers on her own now when she needs a break which is positive. The carriers are very breathable and they of course will be with us in the cabin but regulations are they must be in the carrier at all times so I’m hoping they’ll just nap for the 3 hours...which they probably would do anyway to be honest. They’re pretty great with car rides and whatnot and their personalities are super chill in new situations.

Thanks for your help.

Cbrugs · Feb 25, 2020

When Jax had his surgeries, he was given Trazodone as a sedative to help keep him calm during recovery.

FroxerMom · Feb 26, 2020

Wow- they are stinkin' cute. They will be the hit of the flight for sure! I have no experience with sedatives, sorry. If you decide to go with either drug, maybe contact your vet to just double check on dosage for their weights. Good luck and safe travels!

mattcantwin · Feb 26, 2020

Talk about precious cargo!

2bullymama · Feb 27, 2020

adorable.... if they are good in the car the flight should be fine. I would think the Benedryl should keep them calm enough .... 1 mg per pound up to three times a day.

safe travels

Oskars Keeper · Feb 27, 2020

We flew recently for the first time with Oskar and I can give you a few tips on what we learned.
Don’t sedate unless they get motion sick(which would happen in a car too) or hate the crate with an extreme passion. This is what my vet and breeder both said.
Bring a package of tiny snacks that you can feed them while taking off (landing isn’t as bad). They pretty much need to be chewing the whole time for that two minute period.
Don’t worry about their Frenchie noises, if they do make them in crate. The plane is loud.
Because the plane is loud and droning, they will most likely sleep just to not deal with their surroundings. Oskar slept both ways, only waking up right before we were about to land.
Know where the puppy relief station is before you show up to the airports.

Have fun!