8 Simple Tips To Stop A Dog Whining On A Plane
It can be extremely difficult to stop a dog whining on a plane, and when this happens not only can it be embarrassing for the owner “but” it can be a real problem, especially when you are in an enclosed space with other passengers.
Firstly, it is important to keep in mind that you can’t force a dog to stop whining. However, there are some things you can do to calm your pup down so they don’t bother anyone during the flight.
So to help you with this here are 8 simple tips that will hopefully stop your dog whining on the plane!
1. Make Sure The Dog Is Comfortable
One of the main reasons why some dogs end up whining on a plane is because they can’t get comfortable inside their carrier.
Airline carriers can be very confining, especially if the dog is not used to it, and as a result, this can make your dog feel insecure and they will start whining as a result of this feeling.
To make sure your dog feels secure, cozy, and comfy you should use a soft carrier that’s “airline approved” of course, and also lay some soft blankets at the bottom of the carrier.
This should provide plenty of padding making it comfy and cozy for your dog to settle down in and even take a nap!
2. Give Your Dog Something To Chew On
Another way is to keep your dog quiet “is to keep them occupied” and one way you can do this is to give your dog something to chew on.
You can use either a chewing toy or you can try a chewy bone! The chewy bone would be the preferred method and is a simple solution that can solve many problems!
3. Check That The Carrier Is Clean
If your dog starts whining it could be because the carrier smells bad. Unfortunately, dogs can have accidents when traveling and this is due to anxieties and stress.
If the dog’s carrier smells bad, you should clean it out “asap” before their smell starts drifting in the cabin. You should also let the flight attendants know so they can keep the passengers calm while you clean the carrier.
Because airlines don’t provide clean products for these situations, make sure you bring your own so you are always prepared for when this happens.
You should keep everything you need in the side pockets of the carrier this way you know where everything is! when you need it.
Make Sure You Pack The Following:
- Rubber Gloves
- Fresh Blackett
- Air freshener (Non-Aerosol)
- Biodegradable Eco Poop Bags
Simply having these four items can help keep the carrier clean and most importantly keep your dog happy!
4. Talk To Your Dog With A Soft Voice
If your dog starts whining you should talk to them in a soft tone! Talking to your dog can help soothe their anxiety and calm them down. This is also an effective way of reminding them that you are still there with them.
This will make the dog feel more secure and not so isolated which makes it less likely for their anxiety levels to go up!
If the situation is getting out of control for both of you don’t hesitate to ask the flight attendants for help. Most flight attendants have already been in these types of situations before which means they know exactly what to do next!
5. Try Patting Your Dog
Although airlines have strict rules about not letting your dog out of the carrier while on the plane, but that’s not to say you can’t give them a rub down if the dog is upset and whining.
Just remember to be gentle when you pat your dog and try not to do it in a way that will annoy them. Dogs often like being rubbed gently on their heads, bellies, or sides.
Also, when you do this try not to open the carrier all the way as your dog will be tempted to jump out which will be a high problem and you and your dog could be refused entry on connecting flights.
If this method works then great! However, if it doesn’t then don’t hesitate to look into the other methods mentioned in this article.
6. Use A Calming Collar
Another way to stop your dog whining on a plane is to use what’s called calming collars. Calming collars are designed for dogs who get anxious when they travel, and it uses natural pheromones technology to help relieve the dog’s anxiety.
These collars are great for these situations, however, if you don’t or haven’t heard of these collars before then you should do some research before buying one.
If you want to get more information about these collars and also read reviews from other people who have used them before. We recommend that you head over to Amazon.com there your be able to find a wide range of these collars
7. Give Your Dog Some Water
If your dog starts whining it could be something as simple as needing some water! It could be that your dog is just feeling a bit dehydrated, and is thirsty!
You should always have some water for your dog, but, if you don’t have any ask one of the flight attendants if they have some water you can give to your dog.
Just don’t give them too much or they may end up needing to go to the bathroom which can cause the dog to start whining all over again!
8. Try Using A Sedative
So to finish off this list, we do want to mention that some people have been known to use sedatives on their pets which are very effective.
However, some airlines are now refusing to have sedated pets on board because of health reasons so make sure you check the airline first.
Important: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog a sedative as they can give you the correct medicine and recommended dosage.
- Does Flying Hurt Dogs Ears?
What Causes A Dog To Start Whining On A Plane?
If the dog has never flown before then they will probably feel very scared and unsure about what is going to happen.
When your dog whines it’s usually for a reason so you should always try to find out what it is before trying any of the methods in the list above.
They Need To Pee
If your dog suddenly starts whining and you notice they are doing some strange movements or they are moving around a lot in their carrier then they may need to go to the bathroom.
They may also whine while continuously circling, licking themselves, or sitting in one place without moving.
This can be frustrating if it happens on an airplane as there won’t be anywhere for them to do their business so just try and get through this and be ready with the cleaning.
Strange Noises From The Plane
Another reason could be the noises coming from the aircraft. You see, dog’s ears are very sensitive and they can pick up unusual sounds and experience popping of the ears and this can make them whine and be in discomfort.
The feeling will pass once the plane is up in the air and flying, but if it doesn’t then you can use a dog hoody that will cover and protect their ears from any loud noises.
Suffering From Anxiety
When a dog has anxiety or is nervous they tend to whine and bark. The best thing you can do is keep them calm. However, this can be difficult to do, especially if your dog is whining a lot so you may need to result to other measures like a sedative.
This is why it’s important to keep them calm and relaxed before you embark on the flight.
What If You Can’t Stop Your Dog Whining On The Plane?
Having a dog on the plane that is continuously whining can cause problems for other passengers and also the people working on the plane.
This will not make for a very pleasant journey if you can’t stop their whining which can result in the following…
- Passengers May Complain
- You May Be Ask To Leave
- You Might Be Relocated On The Plane
- You May Be Refused On Connecting Flights
If your dog is making too much noise and the plane hasn’t even taken off yet then some flight attendants will have no choice but to ask you to leave with your dog. However, the flight attendants will only do this as a last resort, if they can see that you can’t control your dog.
You may also be asked to relocate to a different seat usually in the back of the plane if there are any spare seats.
Conclusion
So hopefully we have answered any questions you may have about your dog whining on the plane. These are some of the most common reasons for this and there is a lot that can be done to stop it from happening.
However, If you want more information on flying with dogs then don’t forget to check out our other articles and we hope you have a good trip with your furry friend!
