Sedative for air travel

[Mike_and_Me]

I've found some threads on this topic but most of them are old. So I'm wondering what are your thoughts and experience with giving a mild sedative for air travel? Which active ingredient should I be looking for/discussing with the vet. What precautions to take? He is 10 months old, 10 lbs.

We have a 2.5 hrs flight in 2 weeks and then a very long drive. I'm not worried about the car drive as much as the plane, because Mike is anxious in new surroundings and if I will not be able to put him on my lap poor baby will be very stressed, also he is a VERY loud barker... I'm thinking that after a couple of time we travel it will get easier for him but for this flight and return home I'm looking for options.. Any thoughts?

Thank you

[Lovetodream88]

Just make sure whatever you get from the vet you try before hand encase he has a bad reaction to it or if it doesn't work. I don't remember what they gave me to keep Penny calm after her spay but it absolutely did not do anything.

[Mike_and_Me]

Thank you for the advice. We will go to the vet 3 days before the flight to get the paper for airline, so I will see what she will offer and we can try it the same day..

[Sdlegare]

Hi, strongly agree Lovetodream88. I have traveled extensively with my wee little one so she doesn’t need sedative any longer with air travel but when we first started the vet prescribed trazadone which worked well. My understanding is that it doesn’t just ‘knock’ them out but actually relieves anxiety We would administer 1/2 an hour before departing for the airport. My girl is small (about 4 lbs) so I would give her 1/8 of a 25mg tablet.
I also have had luck with some of the calming sprays, lavender and calming supplements.

Whatever you decide on I hope you have a wonderful trip!

[Mike_and_Me]

Thank you!!! I haven't come across trazadone in reviews before, will do my research before going to the vet on Monday.