Do Dogs' Ears Pop on Planes? Canine Travel Facts & Tips

If you’ve ever flown on an airplane, you know how uncomfortable “airplane ear” can be. The plane’s rapid changes in height when taking off and landing are to blame for this phenomenon. Your ears may feel painful or stuffy when the air pressure in your environment doesn’t match the air pressure inside your ear. This discomfort is usually relieved when your ears finally pop. If your ears don’t pop on their own, you can try chewing gum or moving your jaw up and down.

If you’re about to travel with your dog, you might wonder if they suffer from “airplane ears” and if their ears can pop too. While they can’t tell us, their internal ear anatomy has many similarities to ours, so it is considered that the answer is yes. Read on to learn more about ways to keep your dog comfortable while flying and how to prepare for traveling with your pet.

How Can I Keep My Dog Comfortable on a Plane?

Dogs can’t chew gum or knowingly move their jaw up and down to relieve ear pain. If your dog is in the cabin with you, you can make them swallow by giving them a small treat to chew on at take-off and landing.

How Do I Prepare My Dog for a Flight?

Before you travel with your dog, ensure they match the requirements of the airline and the country or region you are visiting and that they are up to date with their vaccines and deworming. Address any signs of illness before your trip, no matter how minor. A sick dog won't have fun on vacation. It can also be challenging and expensive to seek medical care in an unfamiliar location.

Can I Give My Dog Benadryl for Flying?

You shouldn’t give your dog medication without checking with your vet first. Human medications have been tested on humans and often have different molecules and concentrations than medications made for dogs. Your dog could have a severe or even fatal reaction to an over-the-counter drug formulated for humans.

Which Airline Is the Most Pet Friendly?

Airlines can and do change their pet regulations and fees all the time. You should check with your airline each time you fly to find out the current rules. It’s a good idea to compare multiple airlines before you buy your tickets.

Can My Dog Fly in the Cabin With Me?

Small dogs that fit in a specific-sized carrier can come in the cabin with you. Most airlines require that your dog remains in their carrier for the flight duration. The carrier must meet their requirements and fit under the seat in front of you, and the airline may charge you a pet fee.

Flying with a dog requires advanced preparation. Pets may only be allowed in specific rows, and the airline may also restrict the number of pets allowed on a flight.

Can I Buy My Dog a Seat on an Airplane?

Unfortunately, research shows that commercial airlines rarely (if ever) allow dogs to have their own seats. Dogs allowed in the cabin must be in a carrier placed under the seat in front of you. Large dogs must be crated and fly in cargo.

Service dogs are always allowed in the cabin on U.S. domestic flights.

Closing Thoughts

Yes, your dog might suffer from “airplane ears” due to sudden changes in pressure inside and outside the ears. To relieve this change in pressure their ears may pop while flying on airplanes. While this phenomenon causes some degree of discomfort for humans and likely pets, it usually goes away on its own. You make your dog more comfortable by giving them a small treat to chew on when you take off and land.

Airlines’ pet rules and regulations are constantly changing. Check with your airline before each flight. Service dogs are not considered pets and are subject to different regulations.

See Also:

• Can You Buy Your Dog a Seat on an Airplane?

• Where Do Dogs Go on a Plane?

Featured Image Credit: Javier Brosch, Shutterstock