Heather Ainsley
news@greenepublishing.com
The “Dog Days of Summer” are nearly upon us. But what does that actually mean, “dog days”? Likely, you've heard the phrase, and never thought much about it, assuming it was just some old country saying that never really meant anything at all, but in all actuality, the term, “Dog Days of Summer” is a tangible event, and it's almost here.
Starting Saturday, July 3, and lasting until Wednesday, August 11, the Dog Days of Summer, 2021 will begin. The phrase is actually a reference to an astrological event that occurs in the summertime each year. Every summer, for a span of a couple of weeks, to a little over a month, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, which is the brightest star visible from anywhere on Earth. Sirius is often called the “Dog Star”, because it is a part of the constellation Canis Major, The Greater Dog.
In the summertime, there is a day where the Sun and Sirius align, and the coined, “Dog Days” refer to the 20 days before and the 20 days after this celestial alignment. This coincides with the tilt of the Earth creating the hottest time of the year, resulting in the longest, hottest days of summer, often the final hot stretch before autumn cools things down.
On July 23 specifically, Sirius rises and falls with the sun, in perfect conjunction. The ancient Romans believed that, due to the sheer brightness of the star, Sirius must also give off heat, adding to the sun's rays of warmth, and making the days extra-long and hot. This is not true, as the star adds no additional heat to our planet, but this belief fueled much speculation back then, that the star was forever connected to and blamed for, the annual end-of-summer heat wave.
Fun facts aside, what does this mean for your actual dog? The Dog Days of Summer are often depicted with images of dogs driven mad by long hours of unrelenting heat, and hint at connections of the phrase to the fact that these long, oppressively warm days are “unfit for dogs”. While the origins of the phrase don't have any specific connections to your furry best friend, it cannot be denied that the Dog Days of summer are “ruff” on your pooch.
Here are some tips to help the “Dog Days of Summer” be the best days of summer for your dog.
1. Install a cheap kiddie pool full of fresh, cool water they can drink and lie in when they get overheated. Many dogs love to play in the refreshing water, and what better way to keep cool and have a little fun? Plenty of fresh water must be provided at all times for your dog, especially in the summer.
2. Did you know that a dog house can function like an oven if not properly set up and maintained? Much like being left in a hot car, dog houses can retain heat, making it hotter inside the doghouse than in the surrounding area. An enclosed doghouse with no ventilation can actually add to your dog's discomfort, rather than help alleviate it. On a 90 degree day, your doghouse can reach 110 degrees in 10 minutes and 130 degrees in 30 minutes and this can be fatal. Keep any dog shelters well ventilated, and elevated off the ground to help release trapped-in heat. Provide cooling mats, cotton bedding and fans rather than wood shavings or soft, wooly beds. Keep any shelter in the shade!
3. Take your daily walks later or earlier in the day, rather than in the middle of the afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day. Remember to touch your hand to the sidewalk: If it is hot to the back of your hand, it is too hot for their bare feet! Avoid serious and painful burns on your pet's paws by monitoring the surface temperature that you are having them walk on. If you wouldn't walk barefoot on the hot ground, don't ask them to!
4. If your pet is older, or is very young, take them on shorter walks. Young puppies and older dogs are more at risk of overheating. Plan your walks during cooler times of the day and keep them brief.
How to recognize heat stroke or exhaustion in your dog: watch carefully; the signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, drooling and vomiting. Your dog may not be acting normal, or they may seem uncoordinated or unable to walk. If you notice your dog exhibiting signs of heat stress, immediate action can save their life.
Move the animal into the shade or inside. Place a wet towel underneath, and gently wet them down with cool water, NOT cold water. Cold water may shock their system. Encourage them to drink, if they can, but only a little at a time. If a dog is overheating and unresponsive, try to cool them down with cool water and a fan, and contact your local vet immediately. This is life-threatening.
Keeping your canine cool during the hottest summer weeks is just one of the many ways dog owners can give back to their furry companions. They give us unconditional love and connection, as well as hours of endless fun. They are so often our un-yielding support network, ever-present best friend, protector and loving family member.
As the days grow longer and the sun gets hotter, it is our duty to provide a comfortable and safe living arrangement for Man's Best Friend. So, let's not forget that the “Dog Days of Summer” are a Sirius matter for your little star at home.