7 things to think about when hiking with your dog #PinnacleHealthyPets #sponsored

Fall is so close we can almost taste it, and here in Phoenix, AZ, that's a big deal. You leave the cocoon of your air-conditioned home that has sheltered you from the scorching temps and venture out into nature for the first time in months. Every summer, we ask ourselves why we live here, and then paradise comes as the seasons change, and we remember. Our family loves to be active outdoors in the fall, and one of our favorite activities to do together is hiking. We live in the desert foothills, just steps from a maze of fantastic hiking trails. Whether we want to go straight up the mountain or take a leisurely stroll at the base, we have options. Our dog, N.A.S.H.A., loves to hike with us.

7 Things to Think About When Hiking With Your Dog

This post is sponsored by Pinnale and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping create awareness about Pinnacle's Newly Formulated Grain Free Dog Food, but Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Pinnacle is not responsible for the content of this article.

Before embarking on a hike, we all fuel our bodies with nutritious food that will sustain our efforts. This is especially important when it comes to N.A.S.H.A. Though large as a lion in spirit, her body is a mere eleven pounds, so I estimate she takes at least eight steps to each of ours when we hike. It's important to us that she eat healthy food without artificial additives. Proper pet nutrition is essential to a healthy, active pooch. 

So what do we feed her?

I'm a big fan of rotational feeding (would you want to eat the same thing every day for years?), so we feed her several types. That being said, it is essential that the food have high quality ingredients. We prefer grain-free varieties with limited ingredients. As with the food I put into my children's bodies, if I can't pronounce it, we don't let the dog consume it. 

Pinnacle® is a great example

Pinnacle® Pet Food is top-notch. As part of our overall approach to holistic health, Pinnacle fits in beautifully. Why is Pinnacle pet food so great?

Pinnacle Pet Food is an excellent choice for holistic canine nutrition.

• high-quality ingredients that are great fuel for your pooch such as quinoa, sweet potato, pumpkin, sea kelp, and cottage cheese

• natural, healthy recipes

• high-quality proteins 

• antioxidants that support a healthy immune system

• fiber to promote healthy digestion and stool

• helps with joint health and overall muscle tone (great for those long hikes)

Pinnacle Pet Food is made right in their California plant, which eases my mind. I'm that overprotective doggy mama who stresses about where N.A.S.H.A.'s food comes from. Don't judge. I still kiss my kids in front of their friends, too.

Proper canine nutrition is one of the most important things so sustain N.A.S.H.A. on our fall hikes, but there are several other things to consider when venturing out with your pooch.

top 7 things to think about when hiking with your dog

We always make sure N.A.S.H.A. gets plenty of water to drink before, during, and after our hikes.

1. Proper Hydration. It is essential that your dog drink plenty of water before, during, and after your hike. There are collapsable bowls that can fit into your backpack or pocket, and there are even water bottles with built-in bowls or drinking attachments just for dogs.

2. Pause and think of the paws. You have hiking boots, but your dog doesn't. What is the weather like? If it's too hot, your pet's paws may burn. If it's too cold, your pet's paws could freeze. Also, consider the terrain. Paw protection such as booties are a great idea, but may make it difficult for your dog to hike over rocky or uneven surfaces. Make sure nails are properly trimmed, as well. Consider all factors, and always take your pooch's paws into consideration.

3. Always keep your pet leashed. I know, this one is a bummer, but it's so important. Especially when venturing in the great outdoors. You may encounter other dogs on the trail, or your dog may be tempted to stray off the trail after a rabbit or other enticement. No matter how well you think your dog responds to commands, still, use a leash.

4. Patrol the poo. Always bring poo bags on a hike. Biodegradable ones are best. On our local trail, there are a lot of dogs, and most of them poop within minutes of the start of the hike (so we can enjoy carrying their droppings all day, I presume). We often place our poo bags just off the trail so we don't have to hike with them, but can pick them up on the way out. There are also poo carriers your dog can wear, but I think that's kinda mean. In any case, don't be a jerk and leave your dog's poop on the trail.

Always keep your pet leashed when hiking.

5. First aid first. You don't think anything will happen, but that's just when something happens. A basic pet first aid kit can be a lifesaver, and many of the items can be used for both humans and dogs. Throw it in your hiking backpack before you depart. 

6. Phone with GPS. I know...the point is to look up from your phone and get in touch with nature, but keep your phone with you in case of emergency. And your phone's GPS can help you if you get lost. Take a couple of selfies with your pooch, while you're at it.

7. Proper Nutrition. I can't stress this one enough. As I mentioned, Pinnacle Pet Food is a great one to try if you are interested in holistic nutrition for your active pooch. Set your dog up for a successful grand adventure by providing him the proper fuel.

Proper nutrition helps N.A.S.H.A. feel great during our family hikes.

Do you hike with your dog? What outdoor fall adventures do you enjoy together?

Next month we'll be checking out Pinnacle Pet Food in detail and sharing the findings with you, so be sure to check back! 

Check out Pinnacle's web site for more information on holistic pet nutrition and food varieties.

Connect with Pinnacle on Facebook and Twitter.

10 activities to keep your kid and dog occupied this summer

Has summer boredom set in, yet? Are your kid and dog staring at each other looking for something to do? Look no further. Summer is a great time for kids and dogs to play together, and we've come up with some  activity suggestions!

10 activities to keep your kid and dog occupied this summer

1. Enjoy outdoor dining. Whether you choose an at-home BBQ or a pet-friendly restaurant, summer is a great time to take advantage of outdoor dining. Most restaurants that accommodate pets will bring your pooch a bowl of water, and some even have doggie menus! Kids have a great time eating out with their dogs. They can provide each other with entertainment while you wait for your food.

Dogs and kids love to eat out.

2. Paint with water. Painting with water is cheap and easy and can provide hours of fun. All you need is a cup of water and a paintbrush. Your kid can go to town on the patio or sidewalk, and your pooch can cool his paws and make footprints. My daughter absolutely loves this activity. And it doesn't make a mess like paints! 

3. Do crafts. Get your dog involved in summer crafts. Decorate a collar with felt flowers or buttons (make sure they are secure). Press your pooch's paw into a clay piece that your child can paint. Decorate a dog bowl with food-safe paints. If you're feeling really brave, roll out a long sheet of paper or poster board, let your kid and dog walk in paint, then make footprints across the paper. You may end up with a framable masterpiece!

4. Make frozen treats. Make popsicles AND pupsicles. Juice and fruit chunks work great for the kids. For your pooch, you can use a regular popsicle mold, a bowl, or even a kong. As for flavors? Chicken broth with kibble chips, plain yogurt with peanut butter, or even water with chicken bits frozen inside make great pupsicles! Your child will have fun making them and reaping the rewards with your pooch.

5. Go hiking or geocaching. In most parts of the country, summer is a great time to enjoy nature. Explore local hiking trails or take up geocaching, GPS-guided "treasure hunts." Your kids and your dog will love the adventure!

Go hiking or geocaching.

6. Go swimming or wading. Kids love swimming, and many dogs do, too! Make sure dogs and kids are both comfortable in the water before allowing them to swim together and aways keep safety first. No pool? Get yourself an inexpensive wading pool and let your kids and fur kids splash around to cool off. 

Chillin' poolside.

7. Run through the sprinklers. As long as you aren't in a drought zone, running through the sprinklers is an awesome way for kids and pets to cool off together and can provide great exercise, too. Here in Arizona, most of us don't have sprinklers, so we use the garden hose as an alternative. There are even hose attachments specifically designed for this purpose to make things more fun.

8. Find a dog-friendly beach or park. Pet-friendly beaches can be hard to find, but they're out there. Play time by the lake is also a good option. No water nearby? Hit a dog-friendly park. Bring your frisbee and a picnic lunch, and don't forget your doo-doo bags!

Find a dog-friendly beach or park.

9. Go camping. Kids and pets love the adventure of camping, and many campsites are pet friendly. Enjoy day hikes or just hanging out together enjoying the outdoors. Be sure to remember bowls and food for your pet, as well as a place for him to lay both during the day and for sleeping at night. 

10. Vacation at a pet-friendly hotel. More and more hotels are now accommodating pets, some even making special provisions for them such as pet beds and doggie room service menus. Your kids will love being able to vacation with Fido. You'll need to research policies, because some accommodations do not allow a pet to be left unattended in the room, and some have size restrictions. You may incur an additional fee, but living the high life with your pooch is worth it, right?

Here in Phoenix, we have to be careful with ourselves and our pets during the summer months. Temps can rise up to 120° during the hottest part of the day, so we tend to limit outdoor activities to the early mornings or evenings. In other parts of the country, there may be other conditions to think about. Consider your climate when making activity choices, and consider safety. 

safety tips

Always make sure your kids and dogs are well hydrated. Even when swimming, your dog can become dehydrated, so be sure to provide a fresh bowl of water before, during, and after any activity.

Avoid the hottest part of the day, and keep in mind that your dog's paws are sensitive to the hot ground. If it's too hot for you to walk barefoot, then your pet shouldn't, either. 

Wear sunscreen! Kids AND dogs should wear sunscreen when outdoors for a prolonged period. Light-colored and short-haired breeds especially need protection. Special attention should be paid to areas of the skin not covered in fur. Use a pet-safe sunscreen in case your pooch decides to lick the area where it is applied.

Dogs with sort muzzles such as pugs and bulldogs are more prone to heatstroke due to the fact that it is harder for them to breathe. This can be made worse by hot temperatures, so take special caution not to overexert these dogs.

Always supervise children and pets around water.

Please pick up after your pooch. Aside from just being gross, poo left behind is unhealthy. Plus, when people leave their dog's "presents" behind, places are less-likely remain be pet-friendly.

Above all, have a blast summering it up!! How to you plan to keep your kid and dog occupied this summer?

This article, written by me, originally appeared on Brie Brie Blooms and is reposted here with minor changes with permission.

exercising with your dog: basics, breeds, and beliefs

With the new year often comes the resolve to be more active, lose weight, and become healthier. Hopefully we haven't given up on our new year's resolutions already! In our quest to exercise more, it often helps to have a friend along, and what better buddy and motivation than a dog?

Exercise is just as important for the health of your dog as it is for you. Dogs who exercise regularly are less likely to be obese. When your dog maintains a healthy weight, he is less likely to suffer from ailments such as:

• heart disease

• diabetes

• respiratory disease

• arthritis

• joint pain

• hip displasia

In addition, a sufficient amount of exercise will help with behavior problems such as excessive barking and being destructive. People often surrender their animals because, despite training, they still tear up the couch, go through the trash, or chew on your new fancy shoes. These unwanted behaviors are not a sign of malice, but evidence that your dog is not being physically or mentally challenged. He's bored and restless! 

And did you know that dog owners typically get more exercise than non-dog owners? Dog owners are a step ahead of the pack, when it comes to being physically active!

All dogs need exercise. The type and amount of exercise depends on the age, breed, and health of your dog. Dogs are as individual as we are, so there is no magic formula, but there are some loose guidelines to consider:

• Most dogs need between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise each day.

• Active breeds need more intense aerobic exercise such as running or swimming, preferably at least 30 minutes each day.

• Inactive dogs still need exercise. Playing fetch several times a day or going for a 30 minute walk works well.

• Small dogs are often thought to get enough exercise on their own around the house, but this is usually not the case. For this reason, small dogs are most often obese. Make sure your tiny pooch gets his fair share of activity. 

The good news is that dogs enjoy most physical activities that humans enjoy. So whatever your pleasure, chances are, your dog can do it with you. A good off-leash romp in the dog park is a great way for your dog to get physical, as long as he's the social type and won't crash the party. The dog park can also be a great place for you to get social with other pet parents. Some other activities that people and dogs can enjoy together are:

• running

• walking and hiking

• swimming

• roller blading, skating, or skateboarding

• cycling

• dancing

• frisbee or catch

• surfing

• flyball

• sledding

Before embarking on any new fitness activity, it's important to consult with your doctor and with your pet's vet. The veterinarian can help determine the intensity level that is best for your pooch and can monitor your dog, physically, as he gets in shape. If your pooch is more active, you can even up the ante by adding a weighted vest. This can be particularly helpful if your pooch can outlast you on your walk or run. 

If you don't already have a pooch and you're looking to choose one whose activity level will match the time and physical commitment that works best for you, it's helpful to understand the history of the breed your are considering and what their strengths are. 

Sporting Dogs require a lot of physical activity and are usually the best runners and swimmers. Their workouts can be intense, and they usually have considerable endurance.

Working Dogs are happiest when given a job or specific task that requires physical activity. Sled-pulling and flyball are examples. These dogs are quite physical and do best with a purpose in mind.

Herding Dogs need to be challenged mentally and are also require the highest activity level. Herding, of course, is phenomenal, if you happen to live on a sheep farm, but these dogs will also try to herd groups of children or cats. Talk about frustrating! Finding an activity that stimulates these smart, active animals is key.

Small and Toy Breeds don't typically require quite as much activity as other canine types (but still need a daily romp), with the exception of terriers, who are usually quite active and capable of going the distance. Terriers often like to dig, so providing your little guy with an appropriate digging outlet (or enough physical activity so that he's too tired to dig) will keep him out of your flower bed. 

According to pawnation.com, the dog breeds most prone to obesity who can be helped tremendously by exercising regularly are:

Beagle

Bulldog

Boxer

Dachshund

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Newfoundland

Pug

Rottweiler

Ironically, many of these dogs do quite will with high levels of physical activity. If you're looking for a real physical challenge and are the outdoorsy, athletic type, Animal Planet outlines the following breeds as most active:

Australian Shepherd

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Shiba Inu

Alaskan Malamute

Miniature Schnauzer

German Shorthaired Pointer

Since most of these great activities you and your pooch can do together are outside, weather must be considered. Some climates can be extremely cold or extremely hot during certain times of year, and it can be unsafe to exercise outdoors for any length of time. Since I am a professional pet sitter in Phoenix, we deal with extremely high summer temperatures. I to not walk dogs when temps are over 100 degrees, so I most often exercise them just before dawn. It's still quite warm, often in the upper 80s or low 90s, but we don't have the intense sun to deal with and after the night, the sidewalk isn't as hot as it would be in the evening. The opposite holds true in extremely cold climates. The best time to exercise your dog would be when the temps are at their highest, usually in the late afternoon. A good guideline is not to do any form of prolonged outdoor exercise with your dog in temps below 32° F or above 85° F. Dogs are most comfortable exercising when the temperature is between 32° F and 70° F. Breed and coat must also be considered. Smaller dogs are not able to handle cold well, and dogs with shorter hair are also less tolerant of cold temperatures. The case is the opposite in the heat. Larger dogs with more hair are the least heat-tolerant. 

When considering adopting a dog, it's important to be realistic about the activity level that animal requires. If you're a marathoner who wants a running buddy, an English Bulldog is not a good choice. If you already have a pooch whose energy level surpasses yours, maybe use that as motivation to become a bit more active, yourself. 

Do you and your pooch exercise together? What are some of your favorite activities?

ten things to do with your dog in phoenix

Phoenix consistently ranks in the top ten cities to travel with your dog. The city boasts over fifty pet-friendly hotels and several dog parks dotting the map as well as a variety of restaurants that will welcome your pooch with open arms. You'll also find some truly unique pet-friendly events. Here are ten favorites: 

1. Take a hike at South Mountain Park/Preserve. Leashed dogs are welcome to hike on these trails, and there are options for all ability and endurance levels. Be sure to be responsible and pick up after your dog! And be sure to bring enough water for yourself and Fido. Trailhead areas and entrances are open 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Trails remain open until 11:00 p.m. Main Entrance–10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85042. Pima Canyon Entrance–9904 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044. 602.262.7393.

2. Uncle Bear's Brewhouse Grill is a great place to enjoy some grub on the pet-friendly patio. The restaurant is named after the owners' late Labrador, Bear, and the decor and canine-themed menu is perfect for dogs and their parents. Pub fare with a canine-themed twist is served, and the servers are happy to help with vegan options. Uncle Bears offers a great happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-7 p.m. and reverse happy hour from 10 p.m.-close. Uncle Bear's Brewhouse Grill–4921 E. Ray Road #103, Phoenix, AZ 85044. 480.961.2374

Sprinkles Cupcakes. Photo source: sprinkles.com.

3. Indulge together at Sprinkles Cupcakes! Not only does this bakery have amazing treats for humans, they also offer doggie cupcakes made with eggs, honey, vanilla and yogurt frosting. Are you drooling, yet? Sprinkles Cupcakes–4501 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. 480.970.4321.

4. You and your pooch can have a relaxing break together at the Duck and Decanter, an espresso and wine bar as well as café with a Fido-friendly patio. Check their event calendar for a schedule of live music and pet-friendly events, including adoptions and fund raisers. Duck and Decanter–1651 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016. 602.274.5429.

5. For a good romp, head to Cosmo Dog Park. This off-leash dog park boasts four acres of fenced play areas, including a separate area for small or shy dogs. There are pet drinking fountains and wash areas, as well as trash receptacles and lighting for nighttime fun. The best part is the man-made lake, which pooches are welcome to swim in. Cosmo Dog Park–2502 E. Ray Road, Gilbert, AZ  85296. 480.503.6200. See a map of Phoenix-area dog parks here.

Morning Glory Café. Photo source: thefarmatsouthmountain.com

6. Spend some time exploring The Farm at South Mountain. The grounds are beautiful for a relaxing stroll and include a mix of gardens, restaurants, and markets. There are three restaurants on the farm, and the Morning Glory Café and The Farm Kitchen are both dog-friendly. The Farm at South Mountain–6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85042. 602.276.6360.

7. If shopping is your thing, pet-friendly Biltmore Fashion Park will please you and your pooch. The shopping center has a wide variety of stores and restaurants, some of which will provide your pooch with water and invite him in. There is even a Humane Society Adoption Center, if you're looking to pick up a new friend. Biltmore Fashion Park–2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016. 602.955.8400.

Partners Aquatic Center for Dogs. Photo source: partnersdogtraining.com.

8. Especially if you're visiting in the summer, you'll want to keep your pooch cool in the desert. Try Partners Aquatic Center for Dogs. This training facility offers the only full size dock-jumping pool in Phoenix for both competitive pooches and for those just having fun. The fenced-in pool is competition size, and the dock has safety rails and stairs. The facility even offers swim lessons for dogs who don't know how. Partners Aquatic Center for Dogs–4640 E. Forest Pleasant Place, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. 480.595.6700.

9. The Phoenix Pet Expo only happens once a year, but it's a must. It's free to attend, and you and your pooch can enjoy contests, entertainment, and tons of product samples and information. Browse for a new friend in the giant adoption area. There are even grassy "potty" areas for the canine variety. Water is provided for the pups. Phoenix Pet Expo. Locations and dates vary. Check web site for current information. 800.977.3609.

Bark in the Park. Photo source: arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com.

10. Sports fan? One Sunday each season, Chase Field and the Arizona Diamondbacks open their doors to pups and their parents for a baseball game coined Bark in the Park. If you come early, you can participate in the pre-game Puppy Parade around the warning track. The entrance for dogs is shaded, and water is provided. Registration is required. Bark in the Park, Chase Field–401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. 602.462.6500.

Looking for more? Check out our pet-friendly events page.

Don't live in Phoenix? More bloggers will be adding post sharing fun things to do, so keep checking back!

moving with pets. we just did that.

I apologize for being a bit absent over the past couple of weeks. It's not just about my blog, but I feel like I've missed out on your blogs, too, so I have some catching up to do. My excuse? Our family moved. Between the boxes and the bitching and our week-long lack of internet service (gasp!), life had to give here and there.

I rediscovered the suckage of moving. And it's even worse with young kids. And what's worse than that? Moving with pets. They are more underfoot than kids and don't understand why you can't play just now. And even more so than the kids, they don't understand why you can't find the food or a particular toy. 

And then there's the moping. All the boxes must mean something–but what? "And am I going, too, or being left behind with the dust bunnies?" We try our best to reassure, but, frankly, as much as I think my pets understand me, they "get it" even less than the human littles. I know they knew something was up. 

The drama with N.A.S.H.A. began when the first box came out. Stuff was getting packed. Like a vacation, but worse. More and more packing. As her environment became more sparse, she became more clingy. She'd greet us after a trip to the grocery store as if we'd been gone for a month. "You came BACK! THANK DOG! I knew for sure, this time was it. You were leaving me for good with all those boxes and never ever ever coming back and I'd be alone in this blank house with only a small scoop of food and half a bowl of water FOREVER" is what she'd express. She's doing the same, now that we're in the new house, but she's found her favorite toys and a cozy spot atop the back of the couch right in the sunny spot of the window. She's all set, mostly. 

Though the fish and the tortoise showed curiosity about the boxes parading by their tanks, they seemed much less affected by the packing process. It was the actual moving that got them. 

Our Sulcata Tortoise, Fluffy, has been completely depressed. He finally ate yesterday–whew! He seems to like the new back yard. There are fewer hiding places, so he has more freedom to roam. But every time he goes back in his tank, he retreats to his burrow. Sigh. I've told him all about how great the new house is, and how as soon as we get all the boxes unpacked, he can roam around downstairs (all tile, easy to clean if he decides to let something loose), but he's not convinced. We got some gorgeous organic strawberries yesterday, so I'll try to coax him with the lush greens from those today. Is there such a thing as tortoise Prozac?

And, then, the fish. My littles each have a Beta. The fish are about a year-and-a-half old and seem to weather just about anything. We transported them in their usual tanks, secure in a cardboard box, semi-secure on the lap of our teen thing. Plantie (Po's fish) did just fine, as anticipated. Plantie is a wild child, and smart, I swear. He always swims to greet us when we feed him, and I've had to rescue him from several suicide attempts as he plays dolphin and jumps the bowl when we open the cover. We have to watch that one. He didn't mind the sloshing transportation at all. Goldie (Cam's fish), on the other hand...we didn't think she was going to make it. When she arrived at the new house, she was laying on her side on the bottom of her tank. I tapped the side a little, and she sprung to life, thankfully. Over the past week, she goes from swimming fine to laying on the bottom. Perhaps she's just protesting the change in our lives. Cam cried a little, too.

Mind you, we only moved five miles away. No one changed schools or friends, and we are still feeding the same beloved pet food. So even a tiny move can cause major drama with our furry, feathered, and scaly friends. But we're in. We're finally in.

Have you moved with pets before? How did it go?