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How to help my Yorkie sleep on a plane without hyperactivity?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 4 years and 11 months old | 4 lbs

what would you recommend to give to my 5 lb yorkie to allow her to rest/sleep while flying..I bought a medication from my vet & it made her too hyper..xanax I think..she squeeled/barked/& tried to dig out of her kennel the entire trip...omg horrifying

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lotus Altholtz

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Lab Animal Medicine Specialist

Published on December 29th, 2019

There is a natural non-prescription daily supplement called VetriScience Composure chews (they have a liquid version as well) that is available on PetCo.com, chewy.com, and 1800petmeds. Many owners whose dogs previously had severe thunderstorm anxiety, separation anxiety, anxiety during car trips etc. have reported in reviews available on the product online that it has worked wonderfully without an excessive sedative effect that can be seen with certain other prescription medications. I recommend trying it in advance (30 min -1hr in advance) during instances where Finn is usually excitable, anxious or hyper. If it does not seem to work, there are other prescription sedatives that your vet may be willing to prescribe such as trazadone which can be used along with composure and which may not have the unexpected effect that Xanax had of causing hyperactivity. Good luck!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Kristin DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 8th, 2018

    There are some over the counter options you could try, but you may not know if it is enough until you are on the flight. One option is Composure, which is an herbal supplement and very safe for mild anxiety. https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=20934 If you feel that something stronger is necessary, your veterinarian could give Mila a prescription medication for anxiety. Hopefully one of these options will make the travel easier. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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