Make your Dog Comfortable while Traveling.

Vaccinate - Before making travel arrangements, ensure that vaccinations, health certificates, and identification tags are up-to-date, and that the pet has a full supply of necessary medications.

First Aid Kit - Compile a simple first aid kit with minor wound care supplies, anti-diarrhea and digestive remedies, and emergency phone numbers. Natural remedies can also be used to provide excellent support for many common conditions, without side effects.

Bathe & Brush - Take care of grooming issues before travel, such as bathing and trimming nails, in case facilities are not available for use. Also be sure to evaluate your dog’s current state of health, addressing any minor or potential problems well in advance.

Ease Anxiety - Many animals become uncomfortable in unfamiliar environments, so minimizing disturbances or providing reassurance throughout the journey can be very helpful in easing anxiety or curbing aggression, which may result from fear of the unknown.

If you are leaving your precious pouch for some time, leave him something with your scent. An old blanket or t-shirt which is cleaned but used can greatly ease your dog while you are away. Leave the item in his bed or sleeping location so he can be with it whenever necessary.

You can also associate a toy, leash or blanket with travel to help ease anxiety. Take the toy with you every time you leave your home, to the beach, the park, for a walk around the block. He will learn that the toy means you are leaving home and he will learn that you are returning. Let your dog have something familiar to play with upon your arrival when you are staying away from home for extended periods of time. Just like people, your dog likes familiar things.

Use natural remedies to provide additional support for mood imbalances commonly experienced during travel. Many herbal and homeopathic ingredients are well known for their ability to provide effective relief without creating dependency or side effects. Look for products specifically made for pets!

Ease Digestion - Try to feed the pet its largest meal in the evening or upon reaching the destination to ease digestive discomfort or motion sickness. Keep in mind the perishableness of wet food, and acclimate your dog to eating dry food a few days before departure to help minimize stomach upsets. Consider supplementing its diet with natural digestive support remedies to maintain health during travel.

Daily Check - When a pet is away from home, be sure to perform a daily health check (or advise its caretaker to do so). Monitor and evaluate appetite, energy, and overall disposition. Also look out for unusual discharges from the nose, ears, and eyes, as well as scratching, biting, itching, changes in elimination, or unfamiliar lumps or bumps. While preventative health precautions are always best, early detection of a problem is the next best thing.

Boost Immunity - If boarding the animal is unavoidable, thoroughly research the best options for doing so. As summer is a very popular time of travel, booking reservations well in advance is often a necessity. In addition, since your dog will be exposed to other animals and potential illnesses, consider supplementing its diet with an immunity-boosting remedy to boost systemic health. Also, try and plan for possible ill health scenarios, and have remedies on-hand or available to give to caretakers in case they are needed. When possible, leave the pet with friends or family, in an environment they are familiar and comfortable staying in.

Car Travel - If traveling by car, take a few short rides to acclimate the dog or cat to the experience. Cats are often best suited to travel in a crate, and dogs are often well inclined to them, as well. Allow time for breaks and walks in the travel schedule, allowing the animal to stretch and exercise. This too can help with easing the stress of a new environment. If your dog gets motion sickness buy a pet motions sickness remedy before your trip!

Air Travel - When traveling by plane, always confirm pet regulations well in advance so that preparations can be made as necessary. Take into consideration the climate differences and try to book a flight in the early morning or in the evening, whenever weather is more comfortable. Also, consult with a vet for proper feeding instructions based on your dog’s age, size, time and distance of the flight. Generally, traveling on an empty stomach is best. The day of travel, arrive at the airport early to allow your dog to exercise and adapt to the crate.

Dog Carrier - If your dog will be in a carrier, start by just having the carrier near where he sleeps, then put him inside the carrier for a few minutes each day, finally put him inside the carrier and take him somewhere new. Eventually he will understand that the carrier is a temporary thing and he will be calmer when you take him on your extended vacation.