A pet can turn its fear or anxiety against itself by excessively self-grooming during the trip. Fearful responses to travel may worsen or remain relatively constant over time. Your pet may become fearful before a trip if it learns to recognize signs of impending departures. Very young or aging pets can show affects after travel. The stress of travel can decrease a pet's resistance to disease.
Intense fear can result in serious illness in animals with undiagnosed ailments.
The type of medication and its dosage must be appropriate for your pet's age, basic temperament, degree of emotional upset during travel, duration of travel and physical status. Most drugs used for this purpose are short acting, with a peak effect lasting only several hours. For longer trips, it may not be worthwhile to sedate your pet, though it may help it through the first part of the trip. No matter how careful you think you are, pets have a tremendous talent for getting loose at the most inappropriate times and then getting lost. Always make sure your pet is wearing appropriate identification tags that include your name, address, telephone number, and if possible, your pet's name.