How Stressful is Flying for Dogs? (And How To Help)

If you’re thinking about traveling with a dog by plane, you’re probably wondering, how stressful is flying for dogs?

As much as I love to see new places and travel to far-off destinations, flying can be an anxious experience for even the most seasoned travelers. So it’s easy to imagine that flying is even more stressful for our dogs. 

During air travel, dogs experience anxiety and fear due to loud noises, unfamiliar smells, and cramped spaces. As a devoted owner, you want to know the best ways to relieve your dog of any stress they feel during air travel.

My golden retriever, Theo, flies with me on every trip. Over time I’ve learned some helpful tricks for how to keep him calm while flying – now he’s a plane pro!

So I put together this guide to share how stressful flying can be for our canine companions and what you can do to make their experience as comfortable as possible (including Theo’s favorite calming treats!)

From preparing for plane travel to in-flight tips, I’ve got you covered.

How Stressful is Flying for Dogs?

Flying is very stressful for dogs, especially for puppies, older dogs, and dogs with behavioral challenges.

Their stress response is totally reasonable. 

They’re in an unfamiliar environment, placed in a cramped crate, and separated from their owners if they have to fly in the cargo hold. This can trigger intense feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and fear, especially if they’re not used to it. 

The engine’s intense noise levels, unfamiliar smells, close quarters, and rapid changes in air pressure also contribute to the discomfort. Dogs’ ears are particularly sensitive to pressure changes, so it’s common for dogs to experience discomfort or pain during takeoff and landing. 

Turbulence can also heighten a dog’s anxiety, making them agitated and unsettled.

I know from experience flying with dogs that it gets easier with practice, and after a few flights with Theo, he has significantly less stress when flying now compared to our first flight together. 

But all these factors are the reason it’s essential to take certain measures before and during the flight to minimize their discomfort. 

Most Common Problems for Flying Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can encounter a multitude of problems during air travel. 

The most common issue is anxiety or nervousness, which can manifest in destructive behavior or excessive barking. 

Dogs also experience discomfort, even pain, due to the pressure changes during takeoff and landing, leading to ear infections or other ear-related issues. 

They can also experience motion sickness, which may lead to vomiting.

Furthermore, on long flights, there is limited opportunity to get outside, so it’s common for dogs to have potty accidents on the plane. 

Despite these concerns, rest assured there are measures you can take to help your dog overcome these issues and ensure they travel safely and comfortably!

Signs of Distress for Flying Dogs

Signs of distress for a flying dog include excessive barking or whining, panting, drooling, trembling, or shivering. Their body may seem less relaxed, their tail limp, their ears flat, or they act more timid than usual.

Some dogs on planes also tend to pace, scratch their crate, or try to escape, which indicates fear or anxiety. Closed or teary eyes are also a sign of distress.

They may also struggle to sleep and lick their lips constantly when food isn’t present.

Still, other common signs of discomfort are vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, which indicate motion sickness. 

Many of these problems will subside a few hours after the flight, but you know your dog best. If you reach your destination and you still find your dog acting weird after flying, it’s a good idea to call your vet.

Brachycephalic Dogs

Brachycephalic dogs, such as pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers, face more restrictions when it comes to flying due to their respiratory issues (often exacerbated at high altitudes). 

This makes air travel with dogs that have a Brachycephalic skull potentially dangerous. 

Most airlines have specific rules and regulations for flying with brachycephalic dogs, and some may refuse to transport them during certain months of the year when temperatures are too high. 

Other airlines only permit brachycephalic dogs to fly under certain conditions, such as a health certificate from a veterinarian. 

If you have a brachycephalic dog, make sure that you check the airline’s requirements before flying and ask your veterinarian if your dog is fit for travel.

Sedation: Should You Sedate Your Dog Before Flying?

Sedating your dog before flying is generally not recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association, as it can put your dog at risk during air travel. 

One study even found that sedation doesn’t help any psychological stress while flying. 
There are also some risks with sedation. 

Sedatives can affect your dog’s balance and coordination, making them more prone to injury in a cramped crate or unfamiliar environment. Sedatives also interfere with your dog’s ability to regulate its temperature and could cause respiratory problems. 

Oversedation is the number one cause of animal deaths during travel, with environmental stress as number two, especially in brachycephalic dog breeds.

Because of this, some airlines actually prohibit sedation and require you to sign a statement affirming that your dog has not been sedated before flying.

Rather than sedation, it’s much better to prepare your dog for travel with other strategies, such as getting them accustomed to the crate or carrier, providing comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket, and making sure that they have the opportunity to use the bathroom before and after the flight. 

If you’re concerned about your dog’s anxiety or stress level during air travel, speak to your veterinarian about alternative solutions for reducing your dog’s anxiety.

Flying with Anxious Dogs: 14 Tips To Reduce Your Dog’s Stress While Flying 

There are several steps that you can take to reduce your dog’s stress while flying:

1. Get your dog used to the crate: It’s important to get your dog accustomed to the crate before the flight. Place your dog’s favorite blanket or toy inside the crate and let them spend some time inside it during the days leading up to the flight. Most airlines follow the International Air Transport Association guidelines for dog crate dimensions.
2. Practice driving in the car: If your dog isn’t comfortable riding in the car, you should start with a few short rides before your trip so that they don’t get anxious on their way to the airport.
3. Practice training and calming: The better your dog is at following commands and staying calm, the easier the flight will be for them.
4. Exercise your dog before the flight: It’s a good idea to take your dog for a long walk or run before bringing a dog on a plane to help them burn off excess energy and reduce anxiety.
5. Avoid feeding your dog before the flight: Avoid feeding your dog for 4-6 hours before the flight to prevent motion sickness, potty accidents, or an upset stomach.
6. Provide plenty of water: Make sure your dog has access to water before and during the flight. A hydrated dog tends to be calmer and more comfortable.
7. Use calming aids: There are several natural calming aids available for dogs, such as pheromone sprays or essential oils, which can help reduce anxiety during the flight. My dog, Theo, loves these calming treats and this Happy Hoodie. Something to chew on is nice too.
8. Reward calm behavior: I give positive reinforcement to Theo when he stays calm on the plane with treats and attention – just don’t give them too many. It could lead to motion sickness or potty accidents.
9. Stay calm and positive: Dogs can sense our emotions, so staying calm and positive during check-in and boarding the plane is important. 
10. Research the airline: Most airlines have specific rules and regulations for taking a dog on a plane, so make sure you understand them before booking.
11. Flying with a dog in the cabin is better than cargo: Check flying with a dog in cabin is possible on your specific airline instead of putting them with the cargo. This will be less stressful. However, airlines usually have restrictions about what size of dogs can fly with you in the cabin.
12. Avoid peak travel times: The less chaos at the airport and on the plane, the better for you and your dog. 
13. Choose nonstop flights: If you don’t have to change planes and have a layover, your dog will experience less stress and fewer symptoms.
14. Don’t fly in extreme weather: If your dog is flying in cargo, you should avoid flying in extreme weather. You don’t want your dog waiting on the tarmac when it’s super hot or cold. A way to prevent this is by flying early in the morning during summer and during midday in winter.

Is it Safe for Dogs to Fly?

Yes, flying is generally safe for dogs after taking certain precautions, such as flying in the cabin (as opposed to cargo), getting your dog a health check-up before flying, and choosing a reputable airline. 

Flying in the cabin is the safest way, as most problems occur in cargo, where temperatures and air pressure fluctuate more.

Before deciding to fly with your dog, you should also ensure that your dog is healthy and can tolerate the stress of air travel. Check with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and is fit to fly. 

A final precaution I take with Theo is choosing a reputable airline with established guidelines for the safe transportation of pets. 

But there are still risks that come along with pet airline travel. 

Between 2010 and 2020, more than 250 pets died during or immediately following a flight,  another 170 sustained injuries, and 20 were lost by the airlines. At first, I was stunned by these stats, but considering that hundreds of thousands of pets flew during this period is a little less alarming.

Some Dog Breeds Shouldn’t Fly

As a reminder, Brachycephalic dogs (such as pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers) have more safety concerns than other breeds due to their respiratory issues, making air travel potentially dangerous. 

Snub-nosed and short-snouted dogs such as Shih Tzus and Boxers are also more susceptible than most dogs to breathing problems during flights. 

Requirements for Dogs to Fly

The requirements for dogs to fly can vary depending on the airline, the destination, and the size of the dog. However, some general requirements include the following:

• An airline-approved pet carrier or crate that meets size and ventilation requirements.
• A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within a specific time frame before the flight.
• Proof of up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies. 
• United States federal regulations require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying.
• Compliance with the destination country’s regulations.
• A reservation for your dog’s transportation.

The requirements are slightly different for every airline and country, so it’s important to check the airline and the destination country’s regulations for specific requirements related to flying with dogs before your trip.

Some Destinations Require Quarantine

Some travel destinations require the quarantine of pets when traveling. This is typically to prevent the spread of diseases across national borders. 

Quarantine periods vary depending on the destination and the type of animal. 

Some countries require specific vaccinations, blood tests, or other health-related requirements before entering the country. 

It’s essential to research and understand the specific regulations of your destination country and to work with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet meets all the necessary requirements.

Best Dog Travel Gear For Planes

• Happy Hoodie – This protects his ears from the noise of the plane and helps keep him calm. Pro Tip: Groomers also use it for blow dryer noises.
• Samsonite Suitcase – This hard case suitcase holds a lot without being too heavy. It’s also durable and solid, protecting all your items, and it works great for a suitcase full of dog food and squeaky toys!
• Microfiber Towel – Great for drying your dog off quickly on the go, and makes a perfect blanket for the plane or their carrier.
• Calming Treats – Soothe anxious dogs with these!
• Packing Cubes – Keeps your stuff and your dog’s items separate, so I never have to worry about a slimy tennis ball touching my favorite top.

FAQs:

Final Thoughts: How Stressful is Flying for Dogs?

Flying can be a stressful experience for dogs. So, it’s essential to be aware of the signs of stress and discomfort and take necessary precautions to make your furry friend’s journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible. 

Remember to carefully research the airline’s policies and regulations regarding how to fly with a dog, choose a comfortable carrier for your dog’s size and needs, and consult with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy and able to fly. 

Consider buying your dog a Happy Hoodie or my dog’s favorite calming treats to help them feel less stressed on the plane. 

With proper preparation and care, you can help make flying with your dog a successful and enjoyable experience!

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