I have a 10 year old, 10 pound Poodle. I will be flying with him for the first time within the next few days. He's never been confined in a crate, cage or soft carrier, he always shakes and is nervous when in a large crowd. He has a bad habit of screaming... loudly, when he feels he's being left or he really wants your attention. I thought if I sedated him somewhat it would make it easier for him and me, however, my vet doesn't prescribe sedation for flying. She recommended a very small dose of Benydryl, but she says I should try it before the flight to see what his reaction is. I just don't want to get to the airport and they won't let him in the plane because he's too noisy. I've never left him in a kennel, he either goes everywhere we go or he stays with relatives... but the relatives are all going on this trip.

I must say I'm a little distraught that I have to contain him under a seat. Just wondering if anyone out there has been through this before. Maybe I need more consoling than my dog does.

Is there a nice doggy spa/kennel in your area that would house him for the time you are away? It sounds like a plane trip would be awfully traumatic for him, and he isn't a spring chicken. And you'd be flying home too, right, so you would be doing this again?

I agree with WG. It really doesn't sound like taking him along is a good idea. I realize you're leaving in a few days, and it's a bit late in the game to search for someone to take care of your dog, but I really think that the stress of the flight, being crated when he's not used to it, would be a lot worse than any stress he'd feel being left behind with someone else.

I would talk to your vet about boarding kennels. Most vets have a list of trusted kennels in your area. That would be a good place to start. You could also look into hiring a dog sitter. There are many people that are willing to come house and dog sit, stay with your dog in his own surroundings, to limit stress. Of course it would be ideal to start this search months before a trip, but you should still be able to find someone even with this short notice.

If this is not an option, I would try the medication before you go, just to make sure he doesn't have a bad reaction to it. I do have a feeling that you're going to have a very difficult trip with him if you choose to take him along. How long are you going for? Is it really worth it taking him along?

I'd find a dog sitter as suggested by Alty. I always find a friend's son or daughter ( college students) to stay overnight and watch our animals. I pay pretty well, and they are happy to earn a little money. Do you have someone you trust to watch your dog?

I agree with all of the above. They no longer recommend sedating of animals during flights due to risks to them. But, an overly stressed dog is equally as risky.