Dog stories
Our DogTrekker writers know dog-friendly California like your pup knows the treat jar—intimately and enthusiastically. Whether sniffing out beaches in San Diego, dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma, hiking trails in the Sierra, or cozy mountain cabins near Big Bear Lake, we're your trusted guides for dog travel. From bustling cities to hidden wilderness gems, we fetch reliable tips, insights, and local secrets to make traveling with your four-legged friend effortless. Trust DogTrekker to lead you and your pup to tail-wagging dog travel adventures across dog-friendly California.
Woof it up at little Yosemite
Sunol Regional Wilderness in the East Bay comes alive in spring with wildflowers and rushing waterfalls in the Little Yosemite gorge. The Canyon View Trail offers a scenic 3-mile round trip along Alameda Creek.
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Liquid treasure in Gold Country
Hidden Falls Regional Park in Placer County rewards hikers with a thundering 50-foot waterfall on an easy 5.6-mile loop through wildflower-dotted hills. Nearby Cronan Ranch adds 12 miles of trails leading to the raging American River.
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Cataract Falls: A California classic
The hike to Cataract Falls on Mount Tamalpais is a Marin County classic, with nine cascades tumbling along a wooded ravine. The 2.5-mile round trip is strenuous but hugely popular with dogs and their people, especially after winter rains.
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Leptospirosis and your dog
Leptospirosis cases are on the rise in the Bay Area, and this bacterial disease found in standing water can cause serious liver and kidney damage in dogs. A veterinarian explains vaccination options, warning signs and why early treatment is critical.
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Waggin’ trails 2017
Waggin' Trails Rescue pulls overlooked dogs from overcrowded rural California shelters, addresses their medical needs, and transports them to rescue groups where they're in high demand. Dogs like Carl have found happy homes as far away as Canada.
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Pawsome places to spoil your pup
Huntington Beach has no shortage of places to spoil your pup. From Posh Pooch's stress-free grooming to Animalia's self-serve dog wash and high-quality treats, these Surf City shops keep tails wagging long after the beach day ends.
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Chow for your chow chow (or any other breed)
Huntington Beach is a paradise for dining out with your dog. From Doggy Date Night at Fred's Mexican Cafe to the Canine Cuisine menu at Park Bench Cafe, Surf City serves up tail-wagging meals for pups and their people.
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Every walk in Surf City is special
Beyond its famous Dog Beach, Huntington Beach offers great walks through 350-acre Central Park, a hidden gem along the Bolsa Chica wetlands on the Brightwater trail, and a quiet path along Edinger Avenue that local dogs love.
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HB Collection: Dog-passionate hotels
The HB Collection brings together four premier oceanfront resorts in Huntington Beach, and all of them welcome dogs. From the Shorebreak's nightly wine reception to the Waterfront's doggie reader board, these hotels go above and beyond for pups.
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Central coasting in winter
The California Central Coast is wonderfully moody in late winter, and dog-friendly cabin rentals make it easy to settle in. From vintage motels in Pacific Grove to cozy inns in Carmel, these hideouts put you steps from dramatic scenery.
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Winter splendor at Yosemite
Yosemite in winter is spectacular and uncrowded. Tenaya Lodge near the south entrance offers a pampered pet package, while vacation rentals inside the park put you steps from Lower Yosemite Fall, roaring at full force after heavy rains.
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Common questions about senior dogs
Senior dogs face changes that can puzzle their owners. A veterinarian answers common questions about weight loss, when to switch to senior food, how to tell aging from illness, and whether adding a puppy helps an older dog.
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Muttville senior dog rescue 2017
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue saved 912 older dogs in 2016 and earned founder Sherri Franklin a Top 10 CNN Heroes nomination. Their Cuddle Club connects dog-deprived San Franciscans with senior pups for some mutually rewarding quality time.
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Canine dental health
Good dental care keeps your dog healthy for years. A veterinarian explains why professional cleanings require anesthesia, how retained baby teeth cause problems, and what you can do at home with dental food, treats and dog-friendly toothpaste.
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All paws welcome on the Napa Valley Vine Trail
The Napa Valley Vine Trail offers a paved 12.5-mile path from Kennedy Park to Yountville, passing dog-friendly wineries like Laird Family Estate and Domaine Chandon. Combine a morning walk with wine tasting and a patio lunch in restaurant-rich Yountville.
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Gourmet chow-downs with your pup
Napa Valley's dog-friendly dining scene goes well beyond picnic tables. Michelin-starred Bouchon, farm-to-fork Farmstead, and acclaimed Morimoto all welcome diners with leashed companions on their outdoor patios, alongside local favorites like Gott's Roadside and Napa General Store.
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Weatherproof wine tasting with your dog
Rain or shine, dozens of Napa Valley wineries welcome dogs right into their tasting rooms. From Calistoga to Carneros, you'll find treat jars on counters, water bowls at the ready, and even a dog suite at Frenchie Winery.
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Napa Humane 2017
Napa Humane supports local pets through low-cost spay and neuter clinics, vaccination services and humane education for kids. Their annual Pawsport Napa Valley event pairs dog-friendly wine tasting with fundraising for animal welfare programs.
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