关于宠物托运是否需要服用镇定剂或安眠药

We are constantly asked about the use of Sedation or Tranquilizers when flying animals. The answer is NO! It is the worst think you can do. According to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), air transport of sedated pets may be fatal. Over sedation is the most frequent cause of animal deaths during flight and that accounts for more than half of all deaths when flying. Except in unusual circumstances, veterinarians should not dispense sedatives for animals that are to be transported. Little is known about the effects of sedation on animals that are enclosed in cages at 30,000 feet or higher. At this pressure, the physiologic changes from sedatives/tranquilizers may be enhanced. Although animals may be excited while being handled during the trip to the airport and prior to loading, they usually revert to a quiescent resting state in the dark, closed cargo compartment of the airplane. Animals can respond very differently to sedatives/tranquilizers under different circumstances. The animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation," noted Dr. Patricia Olson, a director of the American Humane Association (AHA). "When the kennel is moved, a sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury." JAVMA, Vol 207, No.l 6, September 15, 1995.