Should You Take Your Dog to a Halloween Event?
A costume and a leash are not enough. Use organizer rules and your dog’s comfort to decide whether a Halloween event—or a quiet night home—is safer.
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Salt Hound Journal
Stories about surf, dogs, coastal towns, rescue culture and the places that keep pulling us back to the water.
14 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: Dog Safety
October 2026
Should Your Dog Swim in Monterey Bay After This Week’s Rain?
Rain is forecast for Monterey Bay Tuesday through Thursday. Here’s when to keep your dog out of the water and where to check current advisories.
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What Should Dog Owners Do During Central Coast Fire Weather?
Near-critical fire weather will affect higher Central Coast elevations through Saturday. Here is how dog owners can plan walks, check smoke and prepare to leave safely.
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What Should You Do If a Wave Sweeps Your Dog Into the Ocean?
If a wave sweeps your dog into the ocean, do not go in after them. Call 911, alert trained responders, keep visual contact and know what veterinary follow-up...
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Is It Safe to Walk Your Dog in Dense Fog?
Dense coastal fog can hide traffic, trail edges and the way home. Here is how to decide whether to take, shorten, reroute or postpone a dog walk.
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Are Dogs Allowed on Restaurant Patios in California?
California permits pet dogs on some outdoor restaurant patios, but the business still decides. Here’s what the law requires and how to decide whether the setting is right...
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Are Dogs Allowed Off Leash at Carmel Beach?
Dogs may be off leash on Carmel Beach only when they meet Carmel’s full voice-control standard. Here is the 25-foot, recall and leash rule to know before you...
Read the storySeptember 2026
Can Dogs Get Leptospirosis at the Beach?
Carmel’s Poodle Day posted a timely beach warning. Here’s how leptospirosis exposure happens, what to avoid and when to call your veterinarian.
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Can You Walk Your Dog During a Coastal Flood Advisory?
A Coastal Flood Advisory is not automatically a beach closure. Here’s how to decide whether today’s dog walk needs a higher, drier route.
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What Should You Do If Your Dog Finds a Bat in California?
If your dog finds or mouths a bat in California, create distance, avoid touching the bat, and call the professionals who can assess the exposure.
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California Declared an El Niño Emergency. What Should Dog Owners Do Now?
California’s El Niño emergency is a preparedness move—not an evacuation order. Here is the calm, practical plan Monterey Bay dog households can make now.
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When Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog in California?
There is no single safe temperature for every dog. Use the weather, route, surface and your dog’s individual risk to decide when to move, shorten or skip a...
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When Should You Cancel a Coastal Outing With Your Dog?
A Small Craft Advisory is not automatically a beach closure. Here’s how to decide when boating, paddling or walking the coast with your dog should wait.
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Can You Bring Your Dog to Coastal Cleanup Day?
Dogs may join some Monterey Bay cleanups, but only at dog-friendly sites and on leash. Here’s how to verify the rules and decide whether bringing your dog is...
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