My 13-year-old 8-month chihuahua was diagnosed with congestive heart failure about 3 weeks ago. He’s doing okay on his meds and the blood work shows everything is fine, but I’m wondering if it’s safe to fly with him from Portland to Vegas. He’s never flown before, and I’m concerned about how stressful the flight could be for him. Should I give him a sedative? Will the stress be too much for him, especially with his heart condition?
I think you should definitely check with a vet about flying. Flying could be stressful for a dog with heart issues, especially in cabin. Maybe they can adjust his meds for the flight?
Sully said:
I think you should definitely check with a vet about flying. Flying could be stressful for a dog with heart issues, especially in cabin. Maybe they can adjust his meds for the flight?
Yeah, I’ve heard stress can really affect their heart rate. I’d get a second opinion from a cardiologist if you can, just to be sure.
@Kapoor
I agree. I’ve had pets with heart issues, and it’s always better to be cautious with stuff like this. Vet consultation is key!
Poor guy, hope he’s doing okay! I’d say avoid sedatives unless the vet suggests it. They can sometimes make things worse for heart problems.
Arthur said:
Poor guy, hope he’s doing okay! I’d say avoid sedatives unless the vet suggests it. They can sometimes make things worse for heart problems.
Yeah, I’d be careful with that too. Some meds can have side effects that affect breathing, which could be risky.
Maybe try a shorter flight or a quick trip to see how he handles it before committing to a long flight? Just a thought.
I had a dog with heart issues, and even a regular vet check didn’t tell me much about flying. Definitely talk to a cardiologist if you can!
Ronald1 said:
I had a dog with heart issues, and even a regular vet check didn’t tell me much about flying. Definitely talk to a cardiologist if you can!
That’s true. I’d recommend a cardiologist consultation too. They might do more specific tests to help make the decision easier.
Poor thing, hope everything works out. I’d say, if he’s responding well to meds, he might be okay, but I’d consult a cardiologist for sure before flying.