When it comes to traveling with your dog planning can mean the difference between a memorable, trip and a nightmare vacation that you’ll never forget. Before you board that train, plane or automobile here are a few things to consider.

1. Microchip your dog. If (heaven forbid) the worst happens and you’re separated make sure he is wearing ID and has been chipped. You can contact one of the many companies that perform the service ( Crystal Tag , HomeAgain , Microchip ID (AVID) or you can ask your local pet store if they offer microchipping. It can seem like an expensive luxury but the peace-of-mind it affords is priceless.

2. Training. Unruly, uncontrolled behavior will often be amplified in unfamiliar environments. If your dog is scared or uncertain he will express these emotions by being uncooperative, impatient and excitable. Your dog will look to you for reassurance and calm so if you have trouble providing that for your dog it’s time to attend an obedience school. You will be taught how to handle a variety of situations but most importantly you’ll be taught how to exert your authority as leader of the pack and nothing calms a dog more effectivly that knowing he is in the good hands of his pack leader.

3. Make sure you are armed. With poop bags, a leash some treats, and it’s also a really good idea to have a bath replacement spray like Dry Dog Instant Clean to deal with the odors of a confined dog. However if the smell is emanating from the inside of your dog opening the car window will only help so much. We always prep our traveling dogs with Dog Smog Remedy a few days in advance of the journey. Not only does it help with bad breath but the digestive enzymes in the formula diminish bad gas, and I’m sure I don’t have to point out how that can ruin a road trip.

4. Should he even come along? If you’re on business or won’t have a lot of time to spend together it may be a better idea, no matter how painful, to leave your little guy at home. If you have a friend or a family member willing to take him that’s always preferable however there are many excellent kennels available that will provide a welcoming environment for your baby. The best way to find one is by referral, from your vet, someone at the dog park, from a friend; it’s hard to beat experience when looking for someone to watch over your most precious possession.

5. If you’re flying, can you bring your dog in the cabin with you? If he’s small enough it’s much better option for all concerned. Check with your airline about the regulations regarding traveling with your best friend and make sure you have an airline approved carrier .

6. Prepare for calm. There are many products on the market that will help to calm your dog before traveling but if you’re looking for an all-natural, highly effective solution Sleepytime tonic is perfect. It’s a great idea to start the program a few days in advance of departure with a few drops twice a day in your dog’s mouth, (or if he resists this you can put it on a treat or in his water). By the time you leave he’ll be much calmer, more relaxed and ready for the adventure.

7. Road trip!. The car is by far the best way to travel with your dog. Usually the back seat is a familiar location and perhaps he even has his own blanket and car toys. However if your dog only rides with you to the vet it might be a good idea to prepare for the trip by taking him to the dog park, or to the store (for treats) so he starts to associate the car with good things. Needless to say take plenty of water and stop often for a walk and a bathroom break, and don’t forget the poop bags and the leash.

8. Stay! Remember that just because a hotel allows dogs that doesn’t mean that they actively welcome them, and here the internet is an invaluable tool. Do plenty of research before you leave the house. Make sure that the hotel has an area to walk and play with your dog. Check the fine print about liability associated with bringing your dog to the hotel.

9. Camping. Now here is a great vacation for a dog; back to the wild, lots of open space and room to run off leash. But beware, many state and national parks do not allow dogs. If you have a smaller dog please be vigilant and make sure your little guy does not stray too far into the woods alone. Nature can be cruel and uncompromising; You see a wonderful ball of love and fluff but there are plenty of creatures out there who see a tasty morsel.

10. Emergencies. The last thing you want on any vacation is a medical emergency but it does happen and it’s smart to be prepared. If your dog has medical issues don’t forget to bring any medication and it’s always a good idea to bring his medical records and the phone number of your vet back home.

Vacation can be a relaxing, rejuvenating experience for the whole family and a little planning can be the difference between getting away from it all and feeling all alone and helpless

It goes without saying that dogs and fireworks don’t mix well. As July the fourth approaches it’s a good idea to start thinking of ways to make your best friend more comfortable during the evening hours. Don’t forget that your dog’s hearing can be up to ten times more acute than yours so the loud bangs, whistles and screams that may be fun for you are not at all pleasant for your dog.

And don’t forget that your dog has no idea what’s going on. You know this is all meant to be fun and will be over by midnight but dogs have no facility to anticipate the future. If you can, it’s best to stay with your dog. The fact that you’re there will reassure him and at least give him the feeling that the world he knows is going on as normal.

Here are a few things to try if you have an anxious dog.

1. In an effort to ease YOUR anxiety make sure your dog has his collar and ID tags on . Every year hundreds of frightened dogs escape the mayhem and run as faraway as they can. Make sure that if the worst happens (and we sincerely hope it does n’t) your best friend can be brought home quickly.

2. Prepare; Spend plenty of one-on-one time together before the fireworks begin. Give him plenty of exercise, a strenuous game of catch, a long walk (or run), or an afternoon of tug-o-war. Not only will a tired dog be less anxious but if you have to leave him home while you go see the fireworks he won’t feel quite as much resentment after he’s spent all that time with you. (He may even be grateful for the rest)

3: Make sure he’s been allowed to poop and pee a plenty before nighttime. Do you really want to be out walking your nervous guy after dark?

4: If your dog enjoys bathing (and you’re planning on staying home with him) why not give him a bath before the fireworks start "bursting in air". Most bathrooms are located in the interior of houses so they are more insulated from the outside noise of early fireworks and the sound of the running water and the warm humid air are very relaxing. We recommend Comfy Dog Shampoo with a little Fur Butter massage afterwards and of course a finishing spritz of Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer . It’s also a good idea to use the spritzer on his bed as the essential oil of lavender is very calming for dogs. You never know, if you get him relaxed enough he may sleep through the whole thing (right!)

5: If your dog is not allergic you might also try adding a little cooked plain potato or white rice to his food. Just as with humans the carbohydrates will help your dog feel full and sleepy. Oh and before I forget…I know we usually equate alcohol to relaxation but keep the chardonnay in your glass not his bowl, alcohol is just not good for dogs

6. However it is a great idea to add an all natural herbal remedy to help your guy relax. We recommend Sleepytime Tonic which you can give about 30 minutes before the fireworks begin. It won’t put your dog to sleep but the all natural Bach Flower Essences will help to make him less anxious and more able to deal with the stress of all that noise.

Of course if you have a dog who is terrified of fireworks, to whom the forth of July is a nightmare it would be a good idea to discuss this with your vet.

Just remember that not everyone likes fireworks and your job as pet parent is to make sure that your whole family has the kind of Fourth of July they’ll enjoy.

by Xiomara Iraheta

Summer is coming to a close but the hot weather is not going away any time soon. So there are still plenty of days at the beach or pool with your four-legged companion. Perhaps you’ve wondered about the effects that sun, salt or chlorine water may have on your dog’s skin, coat and ears.

You’ve probably mused about the power of your dog’s coat against the burning sun, is it enough protection? I’m covered with sun block but what about his ears and nose? Why is my dog so itchy after a dip at the pool or ocean? Why does my dog turn green after a swim in the pool? And why do my dog’s ears get infected so often? You are not alone in thinking about these problems. And you’ll be happy to note that it’s not all bad. Salt can actually be good for your dog’s skin, if properly washed off afterward.

Luckily there are simple grooming tips for your beach bum dog.

Sun Damage

• Whether he’s laying poolside or making sand castles your dog needs to be protected from the sun with sunscreen, especially those breeds with no undercoat, like Malteses and Yorkies.
• Apply an all natural sunblock like flea the scene that will soothe your dog’s skin and protect him from the sun.
• Don’t forget the nose, ears and belly when applying sunscreen.
• A cleaner coat works best to protect against the blazing sun.

Why the unbearable itch and how to help?

• Always remember to rinse your dog with fresh water after every swim.
  
• The combination of the sand and salt can also add to your dog’s itchy discomfort so shampoo working your fingers to the root of the hair.
• The best shampoo to use on a sandy dog is Bubbles n Beads . It contains little micobeads that actually help condition your dog’s coat and dislodge sticky sand which can be otherwise difficult to remove.
  
• If you find that after your visit to the beach your dog’s paw pads were a little roughed up from the hot sand and salty water then you may want to consider applying a healing balm like bowWOW Butter Balm to treat those cracked paws or irritated nose. Can also be useful in removing tar.
  

Green Dog?

• So you may not have a neon green dog but that white coat is taking a green hue, interestingly the chemical changing the color is copper and not the chlorine.
• Make sure the ph and chemical levels of your pool are in order.
• Try an all natural brightening shampoo, Sparkle and Shine is made with yogurt and honey to restore the luster in your dog’s coat without harming or over drying the skin.

Ear ye Ear ye

• When moisture is trapped in the ear canal it can lead to infection so dog’s who swim have a higher chance than other dogs to get nasty ear infections.
• After your dog gets out of the pool (or lake) be sure to towel dry your dog’s ears.
• Clean the ears gently, to remove any discharge in the canal. Clip the hair around the opening of the ear canal to allow air to circulate. Try all natural Ear Wipes to make the job easier.
• Regularly use a product that dries out the canal. This helps prevent a moist environment which, as we’ve already seen, allows bacteria and fungi to multiply.
• Chronic ear infections can really rack up the vet bills. In order to keep those infections at bay, try an all natural, over the counter solution like Ear Aid - a two step process that both cleans and deodorizes, heals and protects your dog’s ears. If it works on your dog, you’ll save fortunes!
  

Whether you simply rinse your dog after a swim or wash with shampoo depend on the type of coat your dog has and how often they swim. Lorna Paxton, owner of happytails Canine Spa Line, a company that manufactures grooming and wellness products for dogs, notes on personal account with her dogs and advises that “if your dog visits the beach every day then a good daily rinse with fresh water is fine to rid your dog of salty minerals and sand residue,” she also suggests a weekly bath with shampoo and conditioner to keep the skin clean and well moisturized.

As for dogs who visit the beach only now and then a “good lathered wash with shampoo and conditioner will help wash off the sand and salt as long as you remember to work your fingers to the root of the fur.” “You definitely don’t want to bring a sandbox back into your home after the beach,” jokes Paxton.

“The salt can actually be beneficial to a dog’s skin, Paxton adds. “Salt is very healing and can help with many common skin afflictions. But if you don’t wash off the salt, you’re going to have a very itchy dog!”

A couple of other things to keep in mind on your next beach or pool outing:

• Pack large towels for lounging on the hot sand and the drive home
• A large sun umbrella to give your pooch a shade option
• Pack plenty of fresh water to offer your dog and prevent them from drinking pool or salty water
• Make sure they have a collar with ID tag, preferably a worn-out collar
• Look out for the following in the sand: oily or tar-like sand, broken glass, sharp or edgy rocks, pieces of seashells that may wound your pup’s paws
• Be sure to bring poop bags!