Should I give my dog acepromazine for an 8 hour non stop flight?

Question

My dog has a prescription for ace but I am apprehensive about sedating him because he will be riding in cargo for an 8 hour flight. I was thinking about giving him some benedryl (vet said it was okay). Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks! I also read the side effects about ace.

Answer 1

I would check with the Airline first.  Some Airlines don't like the dogs to be sedated.

I think you will find if the dog is crated during this period he will be calm anyway.  Dogs seem to prefer to be in an enclosed space and it makes them feel more secure.  I believe there are attendants who will look after the dog's needs during the flight, i.e. to feed them if required and to make sure there is plenty of water available for them.

Answer 2

I stronly prefer not to give my dogs anything for flights.  You can't monitor them in cargo.  Ace works to lower blood pressure, and while generally considered safe, nothing is completely safe.

Remember, both benadryl and Ace work for only about 4 hours.  Your trip is 8 hours.  

I believe it safer to let him settle himself in cargo, safe in his crate with no drugs.  Most fall sleep in the cargo hold.  If possible, I'd fly him in a metal crate, not a plastic one that could break.

Answer 3

Well I don't know. If it goes in as cargo. Before you get the dog in cargo, give a some water before the flight. ( A few hours before ) remember not to give it any dog food for a day.

Answer 4

This may not be relevant to your situation, but did you know ace causes immobilization but does absolutely nothing to alleviate a dog's anxiety? In fact, in fearful dogs it can have devastating effects because the dog remembers the terrifying experience but is unable to do anything about it. It probably won't matter unless your dog ever flies again (and then he may panic as a result of his last experience).

Answer 5

If your dog is overly anxious about traveling, especially flying, I would recommend the ace unless you think the benadry will be strong enough.  Ace tends to override even very stressed animals where the benadryl will only work if the dog is reasonably calm.  You might try giving the dog a very long walk of an hour or more before the trip so that it's already tired and then try the benadryl if you're not comfortable with the ace. You do want the animal to be as comfortable as possible during the trip.