My Pet World: A trainer thinks dogs need 'consequences' to learn
Dear Cathy,
My miniature schnauzer is 10 years old. She has been flying with me in a carry-on case for nine years with no problems. My trips are about two to two-and-a-half hours.
On the last two trips, about 15 to 20 minutes after take-off, she got very agitated and started biting the case and did so for about 10 to 15 minutes. It's almost like she is not my dog. Then she would stop and sleep the next two hours with no problem. She was fine when we landed. Two different vets prescribed a sedative, but it doesn’t seem to work. Any suggestions?
— Bernice, New York
Dear Bernice,
Changes in behavior may indicate a health problem, so talking to your veterinarian first is important to rule out any health problems. If she is healthy, age may be a factor, as older animals can react differently to travel than they did in their younger days.
There are things you can do to help her feel more comfortable during flights. Over-the-counter natural calming aids, such as pheromone sprays, calming collars, or supplements containing ingredients like chamomile or melatonin, can reduce her anxiety. Consider getting her anxiety-reducing clothing for the flight, like an Anxiety Wrap® or Thundershirt®, which may make her feel more secure.
Next, ensure she gets plenty of exercise before the flight. A tired dog is often more relaxed during travel. And don't feed her a large meal right before the flight, as this may contribute to discomfort or nausea. Offer a light meal a few hours before departure instead.
Dogs are sensitive to their owners' emotions, so remain calm and speak to her in a soothing tone and offer her reassurance if she becomes anxious. Hopefully, these few tweaks in her travel plans will reduce some of her anxiety on the flight.
Dear Cathy,
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