Calming Your Dog Before Air Travel: Expert Tips for a Stress‑Free Flight

Does it seem like every other person in the airport these days has a dog on a leash — or a cute pup zippered into a designer bag? Indeed, some pampered pooches have more frequent flyer miles than the average businessperson, yet many remain fearful flyers. Luckily, if you're looking for how to keep your dog calm on a plane, there are many safe travel approaches to take. Keep calm — and fly on!

Visit the airport

Another idea for how to calm a dog while traveling is to make the airport a regular destination. If you live near one, consider a visit or two in order to acclimate your dog to airport noises, sights, and smells — and maybe the place will appear less intimidating. The more you take him, the less likely he is to panic on departure day. Remember to bring along some high-value treats you can feed your dog every now and then so he learns that airports are great places. Don't have an airport nearby? You can recreate similar noises by using recordings of planes landing and taking off.

Consider medications for your dog.

While you may have practiced a lot, there are many things that are impossible to rehearse, so it's normal for your dog to be a bit on edge or anxious on flight day. If you're tense too, most likely your dog will feel that things are different. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, sedation for dogs who need to fly isn't recommended in most cases, but tranquilizers for flying may be beneficial. For more natural calming aids, ask your vet about a pheromone collar to lower anxiety. Or you might dress your dog in a Thunder Shirt, which is a tight-fitting top that hugs your dog and may offer comfort when he's feeling stressed.

Tucker out your pup

Everyone knows that a tired dog is a good dog, so plan to exercise your dog before boarding the plane. If he's wiped out, he'll naturally feel relaxed — and this could make him a better flyer. Make time to take him on a nice long walk before heading to the airport since this may release some pent-up tension. Also, another brief walk at the airport will allow him the opportunity to relieve himself and feel calmer.