Dear Dr. John,

We live in Massachusetts but will be going to Florida with our cat and two dogs. We will be flying with them and we’d like your advice as to which medications would be best to calm their nerves. Apparently, one can use OTC Benadryl to make them a bit groggy but is that our best bet? Also, one of our dogs is prone to nausea so is there anything we can give like Dramamine or Bonine? The flight should take around three hours, and we just want to make them all as comfortable as possible. Are there any other precautions that we should be thinking about? O.R.

Dear O.R.,

While you could consider using diphenhydramine (Benadryl) that is sold OTC, I would consult with your veterinarian and have them dispense or prescribe medications for the animals to you. While different doctors have their own preferences, I would suggest that you give the dogs Trazodone and Gabapentin at the appropriate dosages. You veterinarian can dose accordingly. I think 100 mg of Gabapentin should be sufficient for your cat. While I do not know what time of day you will be flying, I would give both of those drugs on the evening before and the morning of travel to all three pets.

As for nausea, my choice would be to use maropitant (Cerenia), again dispensed by your veterinarian. This last medication is used once a day, and I would give on the morning of. As for other precautions, I would not typically feed the animals on the morning of travel and let them fly on an empty stomach to reduce the likelihood of vomiting but if using the anti-nausea medication do give it with a small amount of food. Be sure to let them have access to water. Also, since you are flying to Florida for the winter, be sure that you continue to give the dogs their heartworm and flea and tick preventatives. If the cat also goes outdoors, the same applies to it. Have a nice warm winter!

Dr. John de Jong is President of the World Veterinary Association. He owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic and can be reached at 781-899-9994.