Hi Steve; The dry foot pads I'm not sure, but Jergens vit. E lotion helped me recover from 2nd degree sunburn & sun poisioning without any pealing... As far as traveling, I've found they travel great, they scratch for a couple of minutes on the carrier, then fall asleep. Once they understand the drill, moving they sleep, let them out they play.. I personally would NOT use any sedative since when they do sleep it can be very deep without drugs. Seek the advise of a very ferret experienced vet. Have fun, Gary & the gang of fur -> Thru joining, their grief has been transmuted to joy, loneliness to celebration... ..Data, in "The Tin Man" episode, STNG. Info on Timmy's healing & holistic healing http://www.concentric.net/~Gferret/ [Posted in FML issue 1965]