| How to Prepare a Dog for Air Travel Posted: 27 Jun 2018 05:00 PM PDT Flying with your furry friend is certainly possible, but it takes some preparation. You will need to contact the airline and book your dog in advance, the same way you do for yourself. You will also need to make sure your dog is used to their carrier and the chaos of travel. On the day of the flight, make sure your pet has access to food and water and try to keep things as calm as possible for it. By getting all of this together before you leave, you can ensure a safe and easy flight for you and your dog. EditGetting Your Dog Ready to Fly - Check to make sure your dog should be flying. Not all dogs are considered safe to fly. In general, airlines do not recommend that puppies under 8 weeks, elderly dogs, or sick dogs fly either in-cabin or as cargo. Short-nosed dogs, such as bulldogs and pugs, are not good candidates for being checked as they run the risk of overheating. Do not risk your dog's health and safety by having it fly when it is not fit to do so.[1]
- Remember that your dog will also be handled either by airport security or the crew loading the checked bags. If your dog is not friendly toward strangers, it should not fly. Even a small bite can land both you and it in big trouble.
- Introduce your dog to their carrier weeks before your flight. Get your dog comfortable with the carrier in which it will fly as far in advance as you can. If your dog is already crate trained, it just needs to get used to the feel and smell of the carrier. Leave the carrier out with the door open so that your dog can explore it. Then try putting your dog in the carrier and leaving the room a few times to make sure it stays calm.[2]
- Line the bottom of the crate with a blanket or towel to keep your dog warm and cozy, and to absorb any in-flight accidents. If you can, use its favorite one. It will smell like home, which may help calm your dog.
- If your dog is not crate trained, start the training process. It will need to be comfortable being left alone in their crate without panicking or frequently going to the bathroom.
- Even dogs flying in-cabin need to stay under the seat, so it needs to be comfy in its crate.
- Make sure your dog is comfortable being handled in its carrier. Once your dog is comfortable in their crate, help it adjust to new sounds and motions. Try taking it for a car ride while it is in their carrier. This can help it get used to the motion of transport. [3]
- If you can, have friends and family carry your dog in their carrier to get it used to other people handling it.
- Play recordings of airport sounds to get it used to new noises. Desensitize your dog to the noises of the airport by playing recordings of crowds and planes taking off and landing. Play these tracks a few times a week in the weeks leading up to your flight. You can find recordings of crowds and airport noises on websites such as Youtube.[4]
- Getting your dog acquainted with new sounds in advance will help keep it from panicking when you get to the airport.
- Call your vet to see if you need a travel health certificate. In some cases, you will need a vet clearance to travel. These can include checking your pet as cargo or flying your pet to an international destination. Different locations have different requirements and agreements, so call your vet to see what is necessary for your dog. They will be able to help you figure out if your dog needs any new vaccines or boosters. They can also sign any paperwork required by your destination.[5]
- If your dog needs a vet check, try to do this around 45 days before your departure, or at the time specified by the travel certificate. You need at least 30 days for a rabies vaccine to take effect, but getting checked too early could make some tests invalid.
- Make at least two copies of your dog's paperwork to take with you when you travel. Keep one copy with your boarding documents and tape on your dog's carrier.
- Ask your vet about sedation if your dog doesn't like traveling. In most cases, an unsedated dog is a safer traveler since its senses are still sharp. If your dog struggles traveling, though, it may be a good candidate for a sedative. Your vet will be able to prescribe the right sedative at the right dose for your pet.[6]
- Some factors that can make dogs uncomfortable traveling include motion sickness, separation anxiety, or panicking when it meets new people.
- Some dogs may not require a prescription sedative, and may instead be fine with an over-the-counter calming supplement. You should still consult your vet prior to giving your dog any medications or supplements for the first time.
- If your dog has never taken the prescribed sedative before, talk to your vet about getting an extra dose or half dose so that you can test it in advance. This will let you see if your dog has any adverse reactions before traveling.
- Get your dog microchipped in case it gets lost. If your dog escapes and runs off in a busy airport, you'll want a quick and reliable way to get it back. Ask your veterinarian about getting a microchip implanted a few weeks before you leave.
- If your dog is lost, vets and authorities will be able to scan the microchip and get information to contact your microchip's registry, where they can get your phone number.[7]
EditTraveling With Your Dog - Take your dog for a walk before you leave for the airport. Your dog is likely going to be in their carrier for at least a few hours. Allow it to stretch and burn off some energy before it has to go into the carrier. Take it for a walk, run, jog, or long play session at the dog park right before you leave the house.
- Feed your dog as regularly as possible throughout the day. Try to stick to your dog's regularly scheduled meal times as closely as possible. Bring a dish and a day's worth of food with you in your carry-on. Take some time before you leave as well as after you check in to make sure your dog is eating regularly.[8]
- Try not to feed your dog for at least 3 hours before taking off unless it is medically necessary. This will give it time to digest and help avoid accidents on the flight.
- If you are checking your dog, you will need to provide a food dish clipped onto the carrier door, and a bag of food taped to the outside of the carrier. This way, airline employees can feed your dog without reaching in the crate.
- If you plan on traveling with your dog often, you may want to invest in a collapsible dog dish. These are lightweight, take up minimal space, and are easy to clean on-the-go.
- Give your dog water throughout the day. Your dog should have access to clean, fresh water as much as possible during the day. You can clip a water bowl to the inside of the carrier, or you hold the bowl for your dog to let it drink if the carrier is too small.[9]
- If you are holding the bowl, try to make sure you give your dog a chance to drink at least every half hour before the flight.
- Checked carriers will be required to have a water bowl attached. The bowl may be empty for the ride to the airport and in transit down to the loading area, but it should be full the rest of the time.
- Check in your dog at the ticket counter. You can check in online prior to your flight, but you will still need to check in your pet at the ticket counter. The ticket agent will print tags for your pet's carrier, clearing it to go past security or get dropped off at cargo. Be ready to pay the pet fee at this time.[10]
- Try to get to the airport at least one hour earlier than recommended by the airline. This will give you ample time to check-in and help minimize stress.
- Take your dog for a final bathroom break before security. Before you go through security or over to cargo, take your dog to the airport pet relief area. This gives it a chance to take one last bathroom break. Try to do this after you check in but before you go through security. This helps ensure that your dog goes as close to take off as possible.[11]
- If you are unsure about where the pet relief area is located, ask an airport employee.
- Some airports have pet relief areas inside the terminal, past security. You can check online in advance to see if your departing airport has an in-terminal relief area, but you should not count on this.
- Have an employee show you the cargo loading area for large carriers. If you are checking your pet, you will drop it off directly at the airline's cargo facility. You will also pick it up there on the other end. Ask an airline representative where you should drop off your dog if it is checked.[12]
- You can ask to watch boarding from the terminal or jetway to make sure your pet is properly handled before you board.
- Double check to make sure that your dog's health certificate is thoroughly fastened to the side of the crate and that their ID tag is secure on their collar before you drop it off.
EditMaking Arrangements for Your Dog - Call your airline to confirm they are pet friendly. Some airlines don't allow dogs, while others have size restrictions that dictate how your dog can travel. Call your airline or check their website to see if they allow pets.[13]
- If the airline does allow pets, check their size limits. Most pet-friendly airlines allow dogs to fly in the cabin if it is small enough to go in a carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you. For larger dogs, you will likely have to check it as baggage or cargo.
- If you have to check your dog, remember that this means your pet will be separated from you for hours, handled repeatedly, and be exposed to a new, loud, crowded environment. Subsequently, checking your dog can be extremely stressful for both it and you.[14]
- Add your dog to your ticket before your departure date. Airlines often have a limit to the number of pets they allow per flight, so you are required to add your pet to your ticket in advance. If you buy your ticket over the phone, let your representative know when you book that you will bring a pet. If you book online, call customer service after you've completed your purchase.[15]
- Most airlines don't have the option to add a pet if you are purchasing a ticket online. You will need to call their customer support line.
- In most cases, airlines will notify you of the pet fee over the phone. You won't be expected to pay until you check in at the counter, though.
- Check your carrier to make sure it is compliant. Different airlines will have different requirements regarding how small carriers need to be for in-cabin travel. They will also have rules for the size and materials of carriers that get checked. Call your airline or check on their website to get a full list of their requirements. Check your carrier to make sure it is compliant with your airline's regulations. If it is not, buy a compliant carrier before your departure date.[16]
- Most airlines will require that a dog must, at a minimum, be able to stand up, sit down, and turn around completely in a carrier, regardless of whether it's being checked or carried on.
- While soft-sided carriers are generally permissible for in-cabin travel, they cannot be checked. Checked carriers will need to be made of a hard material such as plastic, and have ventilation built-in.
- Some airlines sell pet carriers through their catalogs or online stores. These are generally pre-checked for compliance by the airline. Just remember that different airlines have different requirements, so a carrier from one airline may not be compliant with all airlines.
- Take a recent picture of your dog along with you in case of emergency. This will help should the carrier be misplaced, since you can use the picture to identify your pet.
- Avoid connecting flights if at all possible so the risk of your dog being left behind is minimized. If you do have a connecting flight, alert all flight attendants to your situation so you can have an expedited exit.
- Dogs or any other pets are not allowed to travel with unaccompanied minors on flights.
EditThings You'll Need - Pet carrier that fits regulations
- Leash & collar
- Recent picture of your dog
- Dog food
- Towels for the inside of your dog's carrier
- Two bowls for the inside of your carrier
- Health certificate from your veterinarian
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Practice Hygge Posted: 27 Jun 2018 09:00 AM PDT Hygge (hue-gah) is a Danish concept representing a level of comfortability and feeling of content with the simple things in life. It is also described as the coziness of the soul.[1] Hygge is an easy and free way to let your mind go free and savor the little things. By designing a comfortable relaxation space and taking care of your mind and body, you can start the hygge lifestyle yourself. EditDesigning a Comforting Space - Remove clutter from your home. Having a cleaner space will also help clear your mind throughout the day. Find clever storage solutions that are out of sight, like closed shelves or hidden containers. Keep the items you love and get rid of anything that may only be taking up space.[2]
- Making your bed every morning is a great way to make a bedroom seem less cluttered.
- Clean your home at least once a week. Split different chores and organize different rooms each day of the week so it does not become overwhelming.
- Before purchasing something, ask yourself if you're going to use it more than once. If the answer is no, it will only become clutter in your home.
- Create a cozy nook to relax if you have extra space. Part of hygge is finding a space in your home that you can relax in every day. Find a quiet space next to a window where you can sit with a coffee, tea, or book for an afternoon to unwind.[3]
- Fill the area with blankets and pillows for added levels of comfort and coziness.
- Keep a book rack near your nook so you have easy access to your favorite reading materials.
- Light candles around the room to use as natural lighting. Candlelight is soothing as well gives your space a less artificial feeling. The soft light of multiple candles is enough to light a relaxing room..[4]
- Use natural-scented candles, like pine or cinnamon, to give your space a relaxing and cozy feeling.
- Electric votive candles make a safer and easier replacement if you do not have multiple candles.
- Lamps in the corners of rooms rather than overhead lights can be enough to invoke hygge.
- Keep fluffy blankets in the room. A big blanket can offer visual accents to your room as well as add comfort. Even when you're not under the blanket, you'll feel like there's more warmth in the room that you would've before.[5]
- Keep a basket of blankets made from different materials to have a wide selection to choose from.
- Decorate your home with plants and natural decor. Houseplants and natural wood can help keep you relaxed. Imagine as bringing the serenity of the outdoors inside your home. For example, you could fill a bowl with branches and pinecones and use it as a centerpiece.[6]
- Find practical room accessories like fur blankets to add a different texture to the room.
- Avoid using plastic or glass materials. Try to find decor made of metal or wood to make the feeling of the room cohesive.
- Dry pinecones and branches that you find outside to decorate your space without spending a dime!
EditDoing Hygge Activities - Drink warm drinks from your favorite mug. Hot drinks, like tea or hot chocolate, give you a warm feeling inside that will help relax your body. Drink through it slowly and enjoy the flavor and moment for as long as you can.[7]
- Take the time during your day to savor the process of brewing tea or coffee. Think of it as a daily ritual that makes you comfortable.[8]
- Read a book in a cozy chair. Keep a selection of your favorite books on a shelf next to your relaxing chair or nook. Find an area near a window or fireplace so you have a place to unwind. Give yourself a place to put your feet up and wrap yourself in a blanket.[9]
- If you can read from natural light rather than keeping an overhead lamp on, opt for reading near a window or by candlelight.
- If reading isn't your thing, cuddle up in the chair and enjoy your favorite movie or TV show.
- Take up a new hobby or resume an old one. Making handmade crafts gives you a chance to slow down and appreciate the things you make. If you're able to, start the projects in your relaxing nook so you're comfortable while you're learning.[10]
- Knitting is slow and rhythmic, making it a great activity to learn if you want to practice hygge.
- Other hygge activities can be painting, quilting, or making a collage for a scrapbook. Ultimately, find an activity that is calming and relaxing for you.
- Eat hearty meals of comfort food. A happy stomach makes a happy mind. Now is the time to indulge in sweets or meal that fills you up. Pick a family recipe that you have fond memories of and cook it.[11]
- Make a meal from scratch! Not only will you warm your tummy with delicious food, but you'll feel warm knowing you made it yourself.
- Perform household tasks with joy. Putting off tasks that need to be done will only make you anxious to do them later. Give yourself time to relax by doing them right away. Get absorbed in the task and find the details that make you happy. For example, watch the soap bubbles as you do dishes to relax.[12]
- Turn your chores into a game and reward yourself with a cup of coffee or tea or sweets afterward.
EditTaking Care of Yourself - Build a self-care "emergency" kit. Fill a container with candles, your favorite hot drink, a book you enjoy, and a big blanket. If you have a rough day at work, come home and open your kit to wind down and ease into relaxation.[13]
- The items in your kit could be whatever helps you relax. If crafting helps, fill your box with craft materials. Puzzles and games can also help you slow down and make you calmer.
- Take a relaxing bath. Sometimes at the end of the day, the best way to relax is a hot bubble bath. Keep the lights low and keep a few candles in the bathroom for extra ambiance. Soak in the tub until you feel a deep sense of calm.[14]
- If you can, read a book while laying in the tub for additional ease of mind.
- Epsom salts help relieve aches and pains on top of being aromatherapeutic. Use a eucalyptus or lavender scented Epsom in your bath for total comfort.
- Wear comfortable clothes like sweatpants and loose shirts. One of the most important aspects of hygge is feeling warm and cozy. Wear clothes that are too big for you that store heat or thick wool socks that make walking a comfort.[15]
- If you live in an area too warm to bundle up, wear loose-fitting clothes so you can relax without feeling restricted.
- Slow down and avoid rushing. A main concept of hygge is taking the time to focus on the 'now' rather than what will happen in the future. If you take an extra 10 minutes when you're relaxing, you'll savor the moments and melt the stresses away.[16]
- Wake up earlier to enjoy time drinking coffee or doing a crossword in your nook.
- Eat your food slower to enjoy the flavor and spend more time with your delicious meal.
- Hygge is just as much about the mindset as it is the space you're in. Slow down and enjoy the moments instead of letting them pass you by.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Get Over a Stomach Ache Posted: 27 Jun 2018 01:00 AM PDT Stomach aches can be unpleasant, but there are many ways to ease the pain. Over-the-counter medications and natural remedies like ginger and peppermint can ease pain and cramping right away. You can prevent stomach aches with a few dietary changes, such as eating healing foods and avoiding spicy or stomach-irritating dishes. If you have recurring stomach aches, consult your doctor about possible causes and solutions. Activities like yoga, meditation, and aerobic exercise may provide you relief and prevent future pain. EditTreating a Stomach Ache Quickly - Take an over-the-counter antacid if you have acid indigestion. Stomach aches may be beat by neutralizing the acid in the stomach with different medicines. Antacids like Pepto-Bismol, Maalox, Tums, or Rolaids help to coat the stomach and counteract the negative effects of stomach acids. Take these treatments in tablet or liquid form, as directed by a pharmacist or physician.[1]
- To prevent stomach aches, take a stomach-acid blocker like Pepcid Complete about 30 minutes before eating.
- Stomach aches caused by indigestion may be accompanied by heartburn, another symptom of indigestion.
- Antacids can help manage indigestion, but they don't treat the root cause. Work with your doctor to manage the causes of your indigestion and keep stomach aches away long-term.
- Take a laxative to ease pain caused by constipation. If constipation is causing your stomach ache, ask your pharmacist or doctor about taking a laxative to stimulate bowel movement. Mild over-the-counter laxatives may take 2-3 days to work, while stimulant laxatives will work faster with possible side effects like cramping. Take the medication exactly as directed and do not exceed the approved dose.[2]
- Do not use laxatives for more than 2 weeks at a time as your body may become dependant on them.
- Your stomach ache is likely to be caused by constipation if you are also experiencing bloating, fatigue, or loss of appetite.
- Take an over-the-counter gas relief medication to ease gas pains. Overeating, consuming high-fiber foods, and eating too fast can all cause gas. Ease stomach pain caused by excess gas by taking an over-the-counter medication that contains simethicone. This ingredient will help to break up the bubbles in gas allowing it to pass through your digestive tract more easily.[3]
- Your stomach ache is likely caused by excess gas if you are burping, passing gas, and have a bloated and distended stomach.
- For gas-related stomach aches, you can also get digestive enzymes. These help reduce symptoms such as pain, indigestion, bloating, and gas.
- Consume ginger to ease indigestion. Ginger is know for being a digestive aid and easing upset stomachs. Drink ginger tea or water infused with natural ginger to ease your stomach ache. Avoid commercial ginger ales, as they do not contain much actual ginger and are very high in sugar.[4]
- To make ginger water, peel and chop a ginger root that is approximately long and add it to of filtered water. Add lemon if desired to round out the ginger taste. Let it sit overnight in the fridge and enjoy.[5]
- Drink chamomile tea to relax stomach muscles. Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease stomach irritation. It can also help to relax the muscle of the upper digestive tract to relieve stomach aches and mild constipation. Add 1 chamomile teabag to of boiling water and steep for 3-4 minutes before drinking it.[6]
- Chamomile also has sedative properties that can help ease digestive problems.
- Reach for peppermint tea or candy to reduce stomach pains. Peppermint helps to improve the flow of bile in the body, which helps digestion and prevents stomach issues. For a potent dose of peppermint, drink a cup of peppermint tea. Alternatively, opt for peppermint candy, which is less potent but will still benefit your stomach.[7]
- Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your stomach for additional relief. Heat can increase blood flow to the surface of your skin. When applied to your abdomen, a heat source may make your stomach ache more bearable and relax your muscles. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen for 10-20 minutes to see if your pain improves.[8]
- Avoid placing the heat source directly on your skin to prevent damage.
- If your skin gets red or sore, remove the heat source immediately.
EditEating to Prevent Stomach Aches - Eat fermented foods to aid digestion. Fermented foods and drinks contain beneficial bacteria that help your body digest food easily. Aim to introduce 2-3 servings of these products to your diet per week to benefit your digestive system. They include:[9]
- Kefir, a fermented milk product
- Kombucha, a fermented tea
- Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage mixture
- Miso, a paste made from fermented soy
- Choose simple, complex carbohydrates that are easy for the body to digest. Eating foods that your body has to work hard to digest may result in a worsened stomach ache when you are trying to recover. Stick to simple, complex carbohydrates like bread and rice. Bananas and applesauce are also known to be easy on your stomach.[10]
- For instance, steer clear of hearty foods like whole grain bread and spinach while your stomach recovers.
- Avoid spicy foods that may irritate your stomach lining. Stomach aches are usually caused by an inflamed stomach lining so its important to be gentle to your digestive system as you recover. Choose mild foods that are relatively free of spice and seasonings. To avoid any unwanted ingredients in your food, opt to cook your own meals while you get over a stomach ache.[11]
- Bland meal options like a plain turkey sandwich or an unseasoned chicken breast with rice are good examples.
- Eat yogurt to improve digestion and soothe your stomach. Yogurt that is labeled as having "active cultures" will increase the number of healthy bacteria in your stomach, which will improve your digestion. It can also soothe a sore stomach and help reduce bloating. Opt for plain yogurt, as certain fruits or additives may irritate your stomach further. [12]
- If possible, choose organic yogurt to avoid additives.
EditDealing With Recurring Stomach Aches - See your doctor if you experience recurring stomach aches. If you regularly experience stomach aches, see your doctor as soon as possible. Abdominal pain can be a symptom of numerous medical issues that may require immediate treatment, medication, or surgery. Tell your doctor about any other symptoms you may be experiencing to help narrow down the cause of your pain.[13]
- Inform your doctor about any recent changes in diet or lifestyle that may be playing a part in your stomach trouble.
- Your doctor will likely do a physical examination, and may do laboratory, radiological, or endoscopic testing.
- Try meditation to ease stomach pain due to stress. Doing meditation every day can lower your overall stress level and curb the physical symptoms associated with it. Regular meditation may also reduce stomach issues caused by inflammation and gut disorders. For at least 15-20 minutes each day, meditate by sitting quietly and focusing on breathing in slow, purposeful intervals.[14]
- Choose a place and time to meditate where you will not be interrupted.
- Exercise in 30-minute sessions to improve your metabolism. Exercise can help ease and prevent stomach aches by reducing stress and improving your metabolism. To get the full benefit of moderate exercise, do at least 30 minutes of cardio 4-5 times a week. Try activities like:[15]
- Jogging
- Biking
- Swimming
- Rollerblading
- Speed walking
- Rowing
- Dancing
- Do yoga poses that help to improve digestion. Doing yoga has many benefits, including stress relief and better digestion. Take a beginner's yoga class in your area to learn the basics and practice different poses. Alternatively, attempt a few basic poses on your own such as:[16]
- "Apanasana", where you lie on your back and hug your knees to your chest for 5-10 counts.
- The "bridge pose," where you lie on the floor, bend your knees, and move your hips up to stretch your body.
- The "child's pose," where you sit on your knees, lean forward, and stretch your arms out in front of you.
- Stomach aches can be caused by a number of conditions from indigestion, stress, and menstrual cramps to complex issues that require medical intervention. If your stomach ache is severe or does not have a conspicuous cause, you may need medical attention.
- While there is little research to back up the claims, many people report that bone broth has helped manage their stomach aches.
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