A new poll conducted by Popular Science has found that nearly 30% of respondents admitted to giving their dog Benadryl before a flight. And while it might seem like a good idea, it is actually considered unsafe and unhealthy for dogs. 

The poll surveyed 1,000 people with households that own at least one dog, and found that 28% had given their pup Benadryl before flying. 

It’s not recommended to give dogs sedatives for air travel. In the American Veterinary Medical Association’s opinion, this medications although they help reduce anxiety and cause tranquility, can also create respiratory and cardiovascular problems when dogs are exposed to high altitude pressures during flight.

Of those people who gave their dog the antihistamine (Benadryl), over two-thirds were not sure if they had followed the proper dosage instructions. One-third of those who gave the medication had administered double or triple doses to make up for potential allergic reactions in their pup’s travel experience. 

Giving your dog Benadryl could result in drowsiness and heart problems. The effects of Benadryl on dogs are not fully understood, but they can have potentially dangerous side-effects. Before giving Benadryl to your dog, you should consult with your vet first. 

The poll also found that most people who flew with their dogs had not been given any information about flying with pets by their airline before the flight in case you decide to use this kind to medication on your dog.

Of those surveyed, only 11% said their airline provided special check-in and boarding for pets, and another 10% said that they were informed of how to prepare for the trip beforehand. 

More than half of those surveyed said they had been given no information from the airline at all.

Should I Sedate My Dog Before a Flight?

That’s a tough question, and one that’s not easy to answer. When you’re preparing to fly with your pup, there are lots of things to consider – including whether or not you should sedate them. 

You might want to get in touch with your vet, he’s the best source for managing your pet’s anxiety if you’re planning travelling by plane. But here is a little bit of information about some potential consequences of sedating your dog before a flight. Sedative drugs can have side effects like:

• Drowsiness, 
• Slowed breathing,
• Effects on their heart rate (which can be dangerous for dogs who are more prone to respiratory problems), 
• Agitation, 
• And confusion when waking up from the drug.
  

Most of these drugs also have other side effects, including: 

• Diarrhea,  
• Vomiting, 
• Lethargy (especially if given too soon before the flight), 
• Increased thirst,
• And urination (potentially leading to dehydration or even kidney failure if the pet is left in a crate for any period of time). 

Sedatives can also cause tremors and increased sensitivity to temperature changes. They can increase your pup’s risk of hypoglycemia if given too soon before a flight. 

They may interfere with how quickly your dog’s body recognizes pain or discomfort. There are also potential complications that can arise if your pet is sedated or if you decide to take them on a plane with you. 

This is particularly risky for an older dog! 

The biggest medical concern when flying with a dog, is how the dog will react to being in an aircraft’s cargo hold. Once you’re airborne, though, problems like wing strike or loss of cabin pressure are much less likely. 

For example, some dogs have more difficulty coping with the changes in gravity and can experience ear infections from being moved too quickly from one place to another. 

Some very sedated dogs even need oxygen for their flight on planes because they have problems dealing with a decrease in air pressure.

How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog For Travel?

This question comes up all the time, but no one seems to know the answer. It is such a common question that it would be impossible for this not to be addressed somewhere, right? After searching high and low for months, my husband found an approximate answer. What do you think it is? The percent of Benadryl in liquid form ranges from 10% to 12%. 

That means that in order for your dog’s eyes and nose to stop swelling (the main symptoms of an allergic reaction), you will need 6 drops from a 15-mL bottle. 

Then, and I must say that this is more than a “little” amount, you will need to apply it to their faces and eyes every half hour. What most people do not realize is, that this is not enough. 

Your dog may be fine right after applying the drops, but as soon as it dries on the fur, it can’t hurt him anymore. Keep applying it every half hour until your dog can no longer stand the puffy look of his skin.

How Long Does It Take For Benadryl To Kick In For a Dog?

Some dogs are so small and sensitive that the benadryl might not start to work for twenty minutes or more, while others could be gone in five minutes. 

When it comes to any kind of drug, whether it’s typically taken orally or by injection, safety is paramount. Especially when it comes to a pet who is unable to speak for themselves! 

Although Benadryl will help relax your pet if they’re feeling anxious or have developed an allergy problem, you should always consult with a vet before administering any sort of medication. 

It’s always a good idea to have him look over his current health and determine if he has any of the following issues: Kidney, liver or heart disease. 

Underactive thyroid gland 

The vet may even take your dog’s temperature before he gives you the go ahead. Benadryl will also make your pet sleepy, so it’s best to watch over him as he sleeps. If he seems agitated at all, call the vet again. Benadryl isn’t recommended for dogs who suffer from glaucoma or are pregnant. 

If your pup is suffering from an allergic reaction, try giving him Benadryl right away. This can help tremendously with an itch that he can’t stop, a rash, or a high temperature that’s caused by an allergic reaction. 

If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, vomiting, or has vomited in your home, you should also consider giving him benadryl right away. 

These symptoms are associated with food poisoning and could get worse very quickly. If you think he may have eaten something poisonous (such as antifreeze), don’t wait to give him benadryl! 

The vet will often recommend giving it to dogs who’ve ingested toxic substances even before they go in for professional treatment.

Can I Naturally Sedate My Dog For Travel?

Let’s face it, whether you’re going on vacation or just a quick getaway, your pets can go through a little bit of anxiety. That being said, there are ways to help soothe their nerves before you go. 

One of the overall benefits of using natural sedation techniques is that they’re far easier on your pet’s digestive system than prescription drugs. 

Actually, people find their pets feel better after natural alternatives to medication, than after taking prescriptions from the vet or getting injected with sedatives by them. 

However, the use of natural or homeopathic remedies to soothe dogs before travel, are rarely effective. Natural sedatives for dogs aren’t as effective as you might think.

Of course, you can’t put the dog under without drugs, but you should be able to lessen the harmful effects of travel with anti-anxiety meds and rest stops.

You will find in the market some natural sedatives, but the most common are:

• Valerian root
• L-theanine
• L-tryptophan
• Chamomile
• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Melatonin

Herbs like chamomile, valerian root, and lavender oil have sedative effects on people, but they aren’t as strong or fast-acting on dogs. Even if these herbs did manage to relax your dog, they could also have adverse side effects like upset stomach, dehydration, and low blood pressure.

You’re better off sticking to conventional sedatives like acepromazine or benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium). These drugs have been specifically designed for dogs and are much more effective at calming them down than natural remedies.

Acepromazine, an antihistamine, is the most commonly used drug for travel anxiety in dogs. It’s a phenothiazine, which means it works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. This leads to a decrease in excitement or nervous behavior.

It is fast-acting and will start to work within 30 minutes of being given. The effects usually last for 3-6 hours, perfect for a long car journey or flight. The main downside of acepromazine is that it can make some dogs sleepy.

If your dog is already prone to travel sickness, it could worsen. For this reason, it’s essential to talk to your vet before giving your dog any medication.