Life with dogs Blog
Hop on, paws up: JSX makes dog travel easy
JSX lets dogs fly in the cabin on 30-seat jets with no security lines and no cargo holds. Pups up to 79 pounds ride beside you on routes connecting Burbank, Oakland, Napa and other California cities, making weekend getaways stress-free.
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Can the outdoors help your dog live longer?
New research from the Dog Aging Project suggests that regular outdoor activity may help dogs live longer, healthier lives. Scientists are finding that exercise, mental stimulation, and environmental variety all play a meaningful role in how dogs age.
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Pica in dogs: why they eat non-food items
Pica, the habit of eating non-food items, is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in dogs. Learn the warning signs like vomiting and lethargy, what causes this behavior, and why getting prompt veterinary attention is essential to your dog's safety.
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Kids and dogs: tips for safe California outings
When a child gets scared of your dog on a hike or at the beach, stay calm and take control. Use leash commands, communicate with parents, respect boundaries and reward your dog for good behavior around kids.
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Keeping your dog safe during a California heat wave
California’s outdoor lifestyle doesn’t have to stop when temperatures spike — it just needs a seasonal adjustment. With a little planning and awareness, you and your dog can still enjoy summer safely, from coastal escapes to mountain retreats.
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Dog-friendly spring getaway in coastal Mendocino
The Mendocino coast is a paradise for dogs and their people. Pedal railbikes through redwood groves, kayak Big River with your pup aboard, stroll the fragrant botanical gardens, and explore pristine beaches along one of California's most scenic and welcoming…
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Dog lover’s guide to California’s state parks and lakes
California's state parks offer lakeside romps and woodland strolls for leashed dogs. From splashing at Lake Tahoe and Folsom Lake to camping at Lake Oroville, here's your guide to trail etiquette, rules and the best pup-approved park adventures.
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Illness shuts down Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara
Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara closed indefinitely after multiple dogs fell severely ill and one died following visits. City officials are testing for toxins while pet owners share stories of sudden vomiting, seizures and emergency vet trips.
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Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue
Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue finds homes for Labs in need across the Bay Area and Sacramento region. Whether a dog was surrendered or abandoned, the all-volunteer group carefully matches each Lab with the right forever family.
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Traveling with a dog in Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach lives up to its reputation as one of California's most dog-friendly cities. Let your pup run free on the 1.5-mile Dog Beach, explore fenced dog runs in Central Park, and dine at pet-welcoming patios.
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Ticks and Lyme disease in California dogs
California reports roughly 1/200th the Lyme cases of New York — and our tick season peaks in fall and winter, not summer. Here's what California-specific CDC data, vet research, and CDPH surveillance actually show, and what it means for protecting…
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Which airlines allow large dogs in the cabin?
Most airlines have a firm rule: dogs over 20 pounds fly in the cargo hold or don’t fly at all. But a handful of carriers have quietly changed that, letting large dogs ride in the passenger cabin alongside their people…
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The best dog-friendly hotels in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe's clear blue water, miles of shoreline, and endless trails make it a top destination for dog owners. From the modern Basecamp Hotel to the luxury Landing Resort and the quiet Cedar Glen Lodge, these are the best dog-friendly…
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Heatstroke and hot pavement: California dog summer safety
Heatstroke kills 50–64% of affected dogs, and 3 out of 4 cases are caused by exercise — not hot weather alone. Here's what California dog owners need to know about hot pavement, warning signs, emergency cooling, and the state law…
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Personal access to best-in-show instructors
Wild Blue Dogs fall camp at Lake Tahoe features an all-star lineup of certified trainers and top dog professionals, including a national agility champion and certified behavior consultants who bring hands-on expertise to every activity.
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Sheepdog trials in California: Brilliant dogs, bewildered sheep
Sheepdog trials test outrun, fetch, drive, shed, and pen on a scored 100-point course. California hosts a deep trial tradition, and the USBCHA National Finals return to Alturas in 2026. Expect brilliant Border Collies and deeply unimpressed sheep.
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A day in the life of a guide dog
A guide dog's day runs on routine, intelligent disobedience, and hours of quiet focus in public. California has shaped the field since 1947, when Guide Dogs for the Blind opened its San Rafael campus. Here is what the work actually…
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Exploring dog-friendly Lake Tahoe: An adventurer’s guide
Lake Tahoe welcomes dogs at sandy beaches like Kiva and Lake Forest, on forested trails from easy loops to summit hikes, and at patio restaurants with treats at the ready. This guide covers everything you need for a Tahoe trip…
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Five most dangerous plants in your yard
Many popular California landscape plants can seriously harm dogs if chewed or swallowed. Sago palms, oleander, and other common ornamentals pose risks ranging from stomach upset to liver failure. Here are five of the most dangerous plants to keep out…
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Peninsula dog rescues: Where second chances begin
Peninsula dog rescues are giving dogs second chances through shelters and foster-based groups across San Mateo County. From the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA to small foster networks, these organizations invest in rehabilitation and thoughtful matching for lasting adoptions.
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Remembering Maya: DogTrekker’s beloved director of barketing
The DogTrekker team says goodbye to Maya, a rescue pup from Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue who became the heart of our journey as Director of Barketing. Her nine years of warmth and wagging reminded us that every pawprint tells…
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Bark and Meow Around the Block
Berkeley Humane's Bark and Meow Around the Block street fair returns August 23 at 2700 Ninth Street in Berkeley. Hundreds of adoptable dogs from more than two dozen Bay Area shelters will be on hand, alongside live music, food trucks…
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New home for Family Dog Rescue
Family Dog Rescue has moved from San Francisco to Sonoma, expanding its mission to give homeless dogs a second chance. The nonprofit welcomes dogs of all kinds and uses a personalized adoption process to match each pet with the right…
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Hiking Horsetail Falls near Lake Tahoe with your dog
The hike to Horsetail Falls near Twin Bridges is a Tahoe-area classic, but hot granite slabs can scorch paws on summer days. The Pyramid Creek Loop offers a shady alternative with granite-rimmed swimming pools and dense pine forest along the…
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