Here is a good list of things to include in a separate bag when traveling with your pet. Again, these items can be stored in a large tote bag (see page 28 for instructions on making one).
01. Mini first-aid kit:
• Gauze
• Tape
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Latex gloves
• Towels
02. Phone numbers of veterinarians in the area in which you will be traveling
03. A list of hotels along your route that accept pets, in case you need to stop for the night unexpectedly
04. Travel blanket(s) for the car as well as the hotel room, friend’s house, or campsite–wherever you are traveling
05. A few of your dog’s favorite toys
06. Plenty of dog food for the days you will be gone (if canned, be sure to bring a can opener and a container to seal leftovers)
07. Treats
08. Metal food and water bowls
09. A couple of towels
10. An extra leash-and-collar set, with dog tags attached
There is no question about the popularity of, and confidence in, alternative health care for people these days. It seems we all know at least one person who insists that his acupuncturist can cure anything for anyone. So why not look into an alternative-care practitioner for your pet? Used in complementary fashion with traditional methods, these forms of health care, which have been known to work better than standard medical treatment in many cases, can cut down on the amount of medication your pet may need. Here are some of the available options; see the Resources section (page 113) for more tips.
• Homeopathy focuses mainly on treating the symptoms of a condition with a diluted agent that would produce similar symptoms in a healthy individual. It is based on the idea that “like cures like.” A substance such as ipecac, which causes vomiting, can be diluted extensively, put into a sugar pill, and be used to alleviate nausea. These treatments tend to have almost no side effects and can be extremely useful once you learn the proper way to select and administer a remedy.
• Chiropractic care focuses mainly on the alignment of the spinal column and its relationship to the nervous system, movement, circulation, and nerve impulses. The treatment involves manipulating the vertebrae to restore alignment where discs may have moved out of place and be putting pressure on the spinal nerves. Chiropractic care can be used to help a wide range of conditions. Many veterinarians have recognized the effectiveness of this treatment.
• Acupuncture is part of the ancient holistic healing system of traditional Chinese medicine. The practice involves the insertion of needles into specific points of the body to balance out the life force of a body, to activate energy, and help the body do its own healing. It can be an effective treatment for arthritis, a slipped disk, hip dysplasia, skin diseases, and chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as chronic diarrhea and vomiting.
• Acupressure utilizes the same principles of energy flow as acupuncture, but is administered only by pressure of the hands, not needles. By learning some of these points, and the proper way to apply pressure, you can use this therapy at home to help your dog with pain or discomfort.
• Massage therapy involves rubbing your dog’s body with varying levels of pressure to improve circulation, aid with physical and emotional relaxation, alleviate depression, and stimulate the immune system. It is often combined with acupressure to alleviate pain and heal injured tissues. Massage is probably the easiest of the alternative remedies for you to practice at home with your dog. Anytime you touch your dog in a caring way, be it petting, grooming, or massage, it has positive effects.