Dear Dr.⁢ john,

We reside in Massachusetts and⁤ are planning a trip to Florida with our ‌cat‌ and two dogs. We will be flying with them, and we would appreciate your⁤ guidance on the ‌best ​medications to help calm their nerves during the journey. I’ve heard that over-the-counter Benadryl can make ⁤them a bit drowsy; is this⁣ our best option?‌ Additionally, one of our dogs tends to get nauseous—are there alternatives⁤ like Dramamine or Bonine that we could consider? The flight is⁤ expected to last about three hours, and we wont to ensure all‍ of them are as cozy as possible. Are ⁢there any other precautions we ‌should take? Sincerely, O.R.

Dear⁤ O.R.,

While ⁤you might consider using diphenhydramine (Benadryl), I highly recommend consulting your veterinarian for tailored advice regarding medication for your pets.​ Different veterinarians may have varying preferences; however, I suggest administering Trazodone and Gabapentin at appropriate dosages for your⁣ dogs. Your vet can provide precise dosing instructions based on their needs. For your cat,approximately 100 mg of gabapentin should suffice. Nonetheless of when you ‌fly, it’s advisable to give these medications‍ the⁤ night ‍before travel and also‍ on ⁢the morning of departure.

If nausea​ is a concern for one of ⁢your dogs,​ my preferred choice would⁤ be maropitant (Cerenia), which should‍ also be prescribed by‌ your⁤ veterinarian. This⁤ medication is typically given once daily; I recommend administering it on ‌the morning of travel.Regarding additional precautions,it’s generally wise not to feed pets right before traveling—allowing them to‌ fly on an empty stomach can reduce ⁢the risk of vomiting—but ‌if⁤ you’re using anti-nausea medication,you may give it with a small ⁣amount‍ of food. Ensure they have⁢ access to⁣ fresh ⁤water throughout ⁣the journey​ as well.

Please remember that since you’re heading south for warmer weather, ⁣continue providing heartworm⁣ prevention along with ​flea and tick treatments for both‌ dogs—and apply similar care if your cat goes⁣ outdoors too! Wishing you‍ safe travels!

Dr. John de‌ Jong serves as President of⁢ the World veterinary Association ⁢and ‌operates⁤ Boston mobile Veterinary Clinic; he can‍ be contacted at 781-899-9994.