The Dog Days of Summer

We know them as those muggy days during the hottest part of the summer but have you ever wondered just where we got the term, “Dog Days of Summer?” In ancient times, before the invention of the neon light tube, astronomers looked up into the sky and connected the “dots” to form pictures – constellations — and tell stories.

Different cultures formed different pictures so they all had varying stories. The brightest star in the sky was Sirius in the constellation of Canis Major, the big dog. Ancient Romans believed that the star actually gave off enough heat to warm the earth. Although Sirius is highly visible during the winter months in the northern hemisphere, during the summer its position in the sky is different. Sirius rises and sets in conjunction with the sun and is visible only near the horizon while the sky is relatively dark.

Ancient Romans believed that Sirius’ heat added to that of the sun and caused the summer months to be warmer. They named this period of time, from 20 days before Sirius’ conjunction with the sun to 20 days after the conjunction, the “dog days” after the dog star.

These days, thanks to air conditioning and swimming pools, it’s fairly easily to find relief from the dog days of summer. However, when it is necessary to venture into the outdoor oven, please don’t make the all too common mistake of bringing along your dog. Dogs lack the necessary sweat glands that aid in eliminating body heat and can only get rid of their own body heat by “sweating” through the pads of their feet or panting.

On hot summer days, the temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees in a matter of seconds. Even on days that are fairly mild, your car acts like an oven when it’s parked in the sun and the inside temperature can become stifling. Imagine being trapped inside a car with the windows rolled up. You probably wouldn’t be able to breath after about 15 minutes. Well, neither can your dog.

One of the most common dangers for you dog in the summertime is heatstroke, which can result in brain damage or even death. The sad thing is, it’s preventable. So remember, when the thermostat begins to inch up above 70 degrees outside, follow these important safety tips to keep your dog cool and comfortable all summer long:

• NEVER leave your dog in a car for any length of time, even with the windows rolled up. The inside temperature in the car on a mild day can reach 120 degrees in 30 minutes.
• Don’t let your dog ride in the bed of a pick-up truck. Exposure to the hot sun can be dangerous and the heat caused by the sun’s rays on the bed of the truck can cause the bottom of your dog’s feet to burn.
• Don’t take your dog jogging during the hottest part of the day. Exercise your dog on the morning or evening after the sun has begun to set.
• Keep your dog’s hair trimmed to a comfortable length but not shorter than one inch. Short hair, especially around eyes and ears, will allow your dog’s skin to burn.
• Keep your dog indoors as much as possible during the hottest part of the day. If you dog must be outside, make sure there is plenty of shade available, and water that’s in an anchored container so it can’t be tipped over.

Now that the dog days of summer are about to descend upon us, remember to keep yourself and your dog cool and comfortable all summer long. And most of all, have fun together and enjoy those warm, sunny days because they’ll be gone before you know it. – Julie Diamond