Can I give my dog Benadryl for flying?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 16, 2026
The Merck Veterinary Manual states that diphenhydramine may relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety in pets associated with travel. It also may help relieve motion sickness.
What can I give my dog to keep him calm while flying?
A pheromone calming collar to help lower anxiety. Trazodone (brand name Desyrel®), gabapentin (brand name Neurontin®), and alprazolam (brand names; Xanax®, Niravam®) are examples of medications that are sometimes prescribed by veterinarians to reduce the anxiety that some dogs experience when traveling.How much Benadryl can my dog take on a plane?
Benadryl TabletsAccording to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl is 2-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9-1.8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl per pound. Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your dog's weight, given 2-3 times a day.
What can I give my dog before flying?
What can I give my dog to keep him calm while flying?
- A swaddling shirt, like the Thundershirt, can help reduce anxiety.
- A pheromone-calming collar may be able to reduce stress.
- Prescription anxiety medicine from your veterinarian can calm your dog's nerves.
- A favorite toy or blanket to provide added comfort.
Can you sedate a dog for air travel?
No Sedation when Flying Pets!Simply, the answer is NO! According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems.