FROM THE CALIFORNIA COAST

Salt Hound Journal

Stories about surf, dogs, coastal towns, rescue culture and the places that keep pulling us back to the water.

9 stories and counting.

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Journal Archive

Every Salt Hound Journal entry, newest first. Browse the full archive or follow a thread through the coast.

Viewing: California Dog Safety

October 2026

Leashed mixed-breed dog walking with its person at a safe distance from a newt on a damp Tilden park road

October 27, 2026•California Dog Safety

Can You Walk Your Dog on Tilden’s South Park Drive During Newt Season?

South Park Drive closes to vehicles for Tilden’s newt migration but remains open to dog walkers. Here are the dates, park rules and precautions to take.

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Leashed dog walking on a paved East Bay shoreline path with waterfowl at a distance

October 26, 2026•Alameda

Can You Walk Your Dog at Crown Beach After Bird Flu Was Found?

Bird flu was confirmed in geese collected at Crown Beach. Here is where dogs are allowed, how to keep distance from birds and what to do after possible...

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A leashed dog and handler walking on a marked coastal trail well back from Fort Funston's bluff edge

October 25, 2026•California Dog Hazards

What Should You Do If Your Dog Goes Over a Cliff at Fort Funston?

A dog and its person were rescued uninjured from a Fort Funston cliff. Here is the park’s exact warning, who to call and how to reduce the risk.

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Leashed black dog walking with its person on a dry Monterey Bay coastal path

October 23, 2026•California Dog Guide

Can You Bring Your Dog to Marina State Beach During the Shark Advisory?

Dogs are not allowed at Marina State Beach, even while this week’s shark advisory draws attention. Here are the current rule and nearby leashed alternatives.

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Leashed dog being guided past wild mushrooms on a wet Monterey Bay coastal trail

October 21, 2026•California Coast

Are Wild Mushrooms Dangerous to Dogs After Central Coast Rain?

Central Coast rain can bring fast-growing wild mushrooms. Here is the immediate, veterinarian-guided response if your dog may have eaten one—and how to lower the risk on damp...

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Mixed-breed dog resting indoors beside a rainy Monterey Bay window, with a leash and collar nearby

October 20, 2026•California dog safety

What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Afraid of Thunder?

Thunderstorms are only a small possibility on the southern Central Coast this week, but noise-sensitive dogs benefit from a plan made before the first rumble. Here is what...

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Black mixed-breed dog resting indoors as its owner checks air quality before a Bay Area walk.

October 05, 2026•Air Quality

Should You Walk Your Dog During a Spare the Air Alert?

A Spare the Air Alert changes the dog-walk plan. Learn when to shorten, reschedule or skip exercise—and which breathing signs need a veterinarian.

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Black mixed-breed dog resting on cool tile beside water and a fan in a shaded California coastal home.

October 04, 2026•California Coast

No Air Conditioning? How to Keep Your Dog Cool at Home

No air conditioning? Build a cooler room for your dog, know when a fan is not enough and make a safe backup plan before heat becomes an emergency.

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September 2026

Black dog resting beside an emergency kit in a quiet California coastal home.

September 19, 2026•California Dog Safety

How to Shelter in Place With Your Dog

After a Moss Landing shelter-in-place alert, here is the practical plan every dog household should know: get indoors, choose the right room, keep critical supplies ready and follow...

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