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On the Road Again - with Fido & Fluffy

How to prepare and care for your pet while traveling

Native Remedies

Summer is a popular travel season for many families, and furry friends are often a great factor to weigh-in when in making get-away plans. Whether pets travel along with their owner or find alternate housing during time away, there are many things to consider regarding pets’ overall health, comfort, and safety.  

Traveling with pets can pose many changes in environment, which can result in disturbances in a dog or cat’s delicate system such as digestive upsets and changes in mood. Taking some time to plan for a pet’s comfort can greatly enhance its travel experience, and eliminate some potential pitfalls.

Whether an itinerary involves a plane or car, many of the same tips for care apply. Before making arrangements, ensure that vaccinations, health certificates, and identification tags are up-to-date, and that the pet has a full supply of necessary medications. 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. 

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 pet’s current state of health, addressing any minor or potential problems well in advance.

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. Bring along a favorite toy or feeding dish.

You can also make use of 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.

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. 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 the dog or cat 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.

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 pet’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 pet to exercise and adapt to the crate.

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 pet will be exposed to other animals and potential illnesses, consider supplementing its diet with an immunity-boosting remedy to support 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. 

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 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.

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