Use of the sedative Acepromazine while flying

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Pug Joined: Oct 09, 2008 Posts: 19 Status: **Offline**

First let me say I apologize if I am posting this message to the wrong sub-forum. it's been a while since I have posted a message myself here and I am a little confused as to how to do it exactly.

With that being said, I am moving to Seattle from Southern California this weekend and flying with my two-year old pug Truman. We used to live in New York and when we flew from New York to California Truman didn't exactly enjoy the trip though he was in the cabin with me under the seat. He cried the first hour and then the rest of the trip cried here and there, especially if I went to the bathroom. but he never went to sleep and I could tell that he was really scared.

So fortunately the trip to Seattle is a lot shorter at 2 hours, but still, I don't want to go through what we went through last time. I went to the vet and they gave me the lowest mg dosage (5mg) of Acepromazine. I did a test run with Truman a few days ago and if anything it seemed to make his afternoon nap last like an hour longer, but other then that I didn't notice much of a difference at all.

So what do you all think? I want to make sure Truman has a pleasent trip, but at the same time I do not want to put his life in jeopardy. He is an otherwise completely healthy dog. I am somewhat encouraged by the fact that the test run I tried did not seem to greatly affect him and of course he will once again be flying in the cabin with me so I can monitor him. But I've read online that the use of sedatives when it comes to pugs can be dangerous.

anyway, any info would be much appreciated.

Kyle

NEVER use Ace on any brachy breed.....I am surprised your vet advised this-even with a low dose. I would try a high dose of benedryl....or something natural like bachs rescue remedy.

P.S.- the reason Ace is so dangerous for pugs is because it is also a muscle relaxant (dangerous for the airway) and it can cause cardiovascular effects that can be deadly for brachy breeds. It is safer for horses and most normal nosed dog breeds (except those with seizures).

Another thing with Ace- is it is very easily overridden by a fearful animal- they will "come right out of it" very easily (very dangerous with horses...and that is why it is never used to restrain in a veterinary procedure situation...and any farrier that knows horses- will never allow Ace to be used as a tranq for shoeing)
Here is an article specific to your use.

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Pug Joined: Oct 09, 2008 Posts: 19 Status: **Offline**

Yikes, ok. Not that I don't believe you, but my parents have a dog as well so I called their vet and they told me not to give him a sedative. In fact, they told me that pugs shouldn't be given anything on planes including Benadryl, which surprised me as in researching this issue online I've read other forums/blogs where pug owners have stated that sedatives are not safe, but Benadryl is.

So for those of you who have flown with pugs do you any suggestions? The first time I flew with Truman I had this bag that was kind of oddly shaped and I don't think it was comfortable for him to stretch out. This time I bought a sturdi bag, which is basically shaped like his actual crate and has a lot more room for him to stretch out. So I am hoping that will make a difference But I know that no matter what, he is not going to be a happy camper. Oh well, at the end of the day it's only a 2 hour flight. I guess if he can survive a 5 hour flight two hours should be a breeze

Hi,

Have you read the post from DOT and flying with your dog in cargo? It's under the "News & Announcements" forum directly above "Recent Topics" on the opening page of Pugs.Com?

Will Truman be flying as "baggage" on in the cabin with you?

Elizabeth

Pug Joined: Oct 09, 2008 Posts: 19 Status: **Offline**

Hi Elizabeth,

Don't worry, Truman is coming onto the plane with me. I would never in a million years stick him the cargo section as I've heard that can be very dangerous for pugs. If that were the only option I would have driven him to Seattle.

Coleman is absolutely correct about Ace. The vet I work for, ceased use of Ace years ago, for any type of procedure.

As strange as this will sound - we've found baby aspirin works for some of our more nervous dogs. Just one, possibly two if needed.

But let's back up. When you took Truman on the plane before, did you give him any practice time in the sherpa bag? Sometimes it's just being confined (and warm!) that stresses them out. If the only time he goes in it is on the plane, try a few practice trips - with lots of treats and happy praise and a good visit to somewhere at the end that he likes. Short ones at first, gradually longer.

It may be you don't need anything at all - just a bit of confidence for Truman! But if he still seriously stresses - try the aspirin. I can't tell you why it works. I didn't even 'discover' it - a friend who worked for American Airlines told it to me years ago.

Good luck - glad to see you still poking around here - and give Truman hugs and skritches from us. Smile

Hey Kyle....

Thanks for letting me know you are taking Truman in the cabin with you!! I wish all pet owners were as concerned about their fur baby's well being as you are. Now that I know he won't be "baggage" I'd like to let you know that I've had positive results from using Dramamine when traveling with my doggies. It's best to give it with food about 30-60 minutes before flying. Dosage is 2mg to 4mg per pound of body weight. I'd suggest using the lowest dosage.

I hope all goes well on your trip.

Pug Hugs,
Elizabeth, Lola & Pearl

Pug Joined: Oct 09, 2008 Posts: 19 Status: **Offline**

Fortunately Truman and I had a great trip! I didn't give him anything and he slept the entire trip. I think the big difference was the bag I used for him this time (sturdibag), which was much more omfortable for him and shaped like his crate. and he is almost a year older then when we last flew so I guess he is just a little more mature these days. Smile

Yay! Glad to hear that it worked out fine.