Traveling to CA on air next week and my vet prescribed her .25 mg acepromazine. Researching air travel w/ sedated pets say it is dangerous and i'm concerned. I have a 2 yr old german shepherd who is about 63 lbs and becomes anxious in unfamiliar situations even when i am with her. At the vet office she was cowering. The vet said the meds will take the edge off, but I'm scared. The flight is about 4-5 hours long and i am going roundtrip. please help!
2006-11-22 03:49:23 · 5 answers · asked by labos77 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I know that pets are often like your own children, so some people like to bring them EVERYWHERE they go. Unfortunately, it seems to me that with all children, sometimes you need to leave them in the care of others.
When Consumer Reports is writing advice about air travel with pets, you know that there may be some truth to the "horror stories" that you hear about pets freezing to death because Joe Schmo airline loader has a 6th grade education and could care less - dumping the pet pen somewhere without pressurization. Then there are the times that the pets get overdrugged and suffocate or go crazy, escape their pens, and kill themselves in the cargo hold or don't get enough water or food because NO ONE LIKES TO BE ENCLOSED IN A PEN FOR 10 HOURS. Imagine how you'd like it if we boxed you up with barely any room to move. . . we do - it's called coach, but you still have the possibiltiy to get up and move around, go to the bathroom, deplane, get something to eat, etc.
Since your shepherd is too big to be going with you on the plane in coach (short of being a seeing eye dog), I seriously recommend that you just find a good kennel or have a friend take care of her while you're gone for vacation. I wouldn't put my 2 year old daughter down in cargo, hoping that she won't get misplaced or that the airline actually gives a damn. Remember, that's 4-5 hours+ (include loading, boarding, plane changes, deplaning, offboarding) of unsupervised time where if something goes wrong, you can't fix it.
If you really love your dog that much, leave her behind. Why risk it?
2006-11-22 04:03:58 · answer #1 · answered by Gina S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a veterinary technician and my husband is a veterinarian; moreover, we have three dogs, and all of them are terrible travellers. Fortunately, we've never had occassion to fly, but I've experienced lots of owners who've shared your concerns. They're very valid, and I'm glad I found your question.
Sedatives like Acepromazine can have extremely varied effects in dogs (the dosage range is very wide because of this; some dogs achieve satisfactory sedation on the low end, others the high end). .25 mg is a good dosage for a 63 pound dog. It's a very safe sedative, and has a nice added effect - it's an anti-emetic, meaning it suppresses vomiting. This is particularly helpful for dogs who might experience vomited associated with motion sickness or stress. We've given this drug to a cat of ours that suffers from vertigo; it was a big help. It's the best drug for travel, because it works longer than some other commonly perscribed sedatives (for example, valium - only 2-3 hours of good sedation).
My only advice would be to try a test run with your dog prior to your flight. Dose her with her recommended amount, and take her for a car ride (this will as closely simulate your trip as possible). If it doesn't touch her, give your vet a ring and see what her maximum dose is; like I said, it's very safe, and then you'll know what amount NOT to exceed in trying to obtain your desired effect. It'll also give you an idea of how long the sedation will last and how she'll come out of it. This should make you feel better about the sedation overall.
I don't blame you for your concern; even though we've prescribed this drug hundreds of times for air travel, I'd still wring my hands the entire flight, because, well, that's what loving and caring owners do. Best of luck to you and your girlie; this drug is the best option, and very effective. Have a wonderful holiday!
As a side note, I just read the above postings; I'm seriously doubtful of the qualifications of the people telling you dogs suffocate and injure themselves. Does it happen? Sure it does. But NO ONE has any business questioning your "doggie parenting" because you want your dog with you. If she panicks when you're around, how are days without you better than a few hours in a plane? Do what YOU think is right; I'm just here to tell you about the drugs! :)
2006-11-22 04:05:27 · answer #2 · answered by sjlawson12 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi I also have a German Shepard she is 3 yrs old and 75 lbs. We flew from orlando fla to La Ca. I took her to the vet and they gave her a sedative she was not asleep but it did make her very groggy it was like a valum for dogs she did good. We flew Southwest so they let her take her toys and I gave her some rawhide. She didn't eat them but I think it helped to know that there was something there if she was hungry. When we landed 7 hrs later also roundtrip she was groggy but just fine after a couple hrs. I would just ask a vet for a light sedative something in a pill I can't remember the name. But good luck and safe flying.
2006-11-22 03:58:13 · answer #3 · answered by avasmom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isnt allowed on airlines because you never know how the dog is going to react, it may freak out and cause itself an injury, is she to be crated and put in the hold? if she is can you not get her used to the crate so shes used to it before hand and be more calmer. Plus it may get hot in the hold and being sedated she wont be able to drink thats a known issue.
I hope it goes well for you and her.
2006-11-22 04:00:03 · answer #4 · answered by sazzy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well.. I have travelled with my beloved pets many many times and mostly from Asia to Chicago area and back and also when I was in Africa to the Midwest USA and back to Paris.. to Germany, etc and my pets made it OK
2006-11-22 04:04:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋