What Can You Give a Dog to Sedate Him for Travel?

Ask your vet what can you give a dog to sedate him for travel and you will receive a variety of answers ranging from nothing, to a prescription for the same tranquillizers humans take. Many vets agree with the AVMA statement expressing grave concerns about sedating dogs for air travel. Options for travel sedation also include alternative medicines recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Buspirone and Diazepam

Buspirone and Diazepam are commonly prescribed tranquillizers used for humans. Some vets will prescribe smaller dosages of these medicines, based on the size, age, condition and health of your dog. These drugs work to sedate a dog by relaxing its muscles. They are best prescribed by a vet who knows your dog's history. If you plan to ask your vet for these medications, make an appointment at least 10 days before your departure date. These drugs are unsuitable for use on certain breeds. Data collected on plane-related deaths of dogs show short-nosed breeds are the most likely to die during a flight. According to U.S. Department of Transportation statistics, English bulldogs and pugs are especially at risk

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies including aromatherapy, flower remedies and herbal tinctures or teas for natural ways to sedate your dog before traveling. An advantage of these kinds of sedation medicines include arriving at your destination with a more alert dog who does not feel groggy or need to be carried from the car. Flower remedies can be given singly as a few drops of the tincture, mixed with water. They're also available as combinations. Pick a stress-related formula for traveling dogs. A few drops of the tincture of ginger, scullcap and valerian are good herbs to give a dog that suffers from traveling nerves combined with nausea.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic remedies are one of the AVMA-approved alternative therapies for animals, including dogs. Many vets combine the use of this 200-year-old form of natural medicine with their more traditional medicines. Common homeopathic remedies prescribed for traveling pets are borax, petroleum, tabacum and cocculus, Ask your vet for a homeopathic remedy tailored specifically to your dog. You can also purchase a general calming or anti-motion sickness over-the-counter homeopathic remedy from animal supply and health food stores.

Give Your Dog A Long Walk

In some cases, a vet will refuse to prescribe a sedative for your dog. Reasons vary from overall health of the animal, to how a particular vet feels about sedating dogs for travel. If you're traveling by air, be aware some airlines do not accept sedated dogs. Even without sedation, you can still help your dog settle comfortably down for a long trip by preparing him effectively. Take him for a long walk before you depart, to work off excess energy and give him the chance to relieve himself. A comfortably tired dog will settle down more quickly and often sleep throughout shorter trips. During longer automobile trips, schedule stops for exercise and potty breaks.