Tammy's Tidbits
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Dog Days Of Summer
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Dog Days Of Summer
Ever hear the saying “Dog Days of Summer”? Is it just a random saying or does it actually mean something? Believe it or not, it means something.
It means it is the hottest and most uncomfortable part of the summer! Historically, it was the period following a star system known as Sirius, which also is known as the Dog Star. This saying is not something new but has been around for a long time!
In Hellenistic astrology, this time is associated with drought, heat, sudden thunderstorms, mad dogs and bad luck. Not a particularly popular time of the year.
When can you expect the ‘Dog Days of Summer’? Anywhere from the beginning of July to late August. It can range from 30 to 61 days. Whew! That’s enough time to make anyone dog tired of summer!
Speaking of dogs, we need to be aware of the dangers this time can cause our dogs. We need to make sure our best friends have plenty of cool water at all times!
Certain breeds of dogs cannot handle heat as well as others. Take my two, Edgar & Grayson. French Bulldogs are known not to be able to handle the heat. They have a hard time regulating their temperature.
I am fortunate to have a setup where they can venture out of the central air into a fenced area any time they wish. However, even then, I have to monitor their play time as well. Making sure they have plenty of shade, for they love to be outside!
Unfortunately, this year I lost a lot of big trees that was their natural shade. To rectify this, I put up a canopy for them. Which actually worked out well for their little kiddie pool. It not only stays cleaner but also cooler.
Grayson loves his kiddie pool! Sometimes, all you see are his little ears perked up while he is lying completely in the water. Edgar tolerates it but prefers the AC.
Another important thing to remember for our little guys is the pads of their feet! Too often we do not realize how hot a surface is for we have shoes on! A nice rule to remember is to place your hand on the surface you are going to walk them on. If it’s hot for you, it’s hot for them!
And water, did I mention water??? No matter what kind of dog you have, give them plenty of water during your walks and at home! Dogs pant to cool themselves down, they do not sweat like a human. When a dog pants, they rapidly inhale, humidify, then exhale the air which increases evaporation of water from their nose and lungs. So, having plenty of water re-hydrates them!
You may have noticed earlier I mentioned “cool” water. Where it may be tempting to give them ice cold water to cool them down quickly, be careful! Ice cold water can trigger blood vessel constriction and even lead to hypothermic shock if you cool them too quickly.
But that’s not to say they can’t enjoy a nice cold treat, as mine do, once in a while. Whether it be ice cream, popsicles, or yogurt, they love it just like we do.
One trick I have used for years is taking gravy from their soft dog food and mixing it with half water into ice cube trays. A treat that lasts a little longer than most and they love it!
‘Dog Days of Summer’ may instantly remind you of a hot time in the summer, but I also want it to remind you of our dogs and how they look to us to help them get through this difficult time.
With August here, what types of National Dog Days can we expect? Here’s a couple…
August 23rd - National Ride The Wind Day - Take a page out of a dog’s life and enjoy the wind in your face! Whether it be on a boat, on a motorcycle or simply hanging your head out the window. Sometimes feeling the wind lifts you on those hot days!
August 26th - National Dog Day - Convenient that this happens in this month. A perfect excuse to pamper your best friend. Take them to the lake, beach, or nearest garden hose and enjoy the water with them! They are always there for us, make sure we are there for them.
While this could be the most miserable time of the summer, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it simply challenges us to make the best of a bad situation.
Try to slow down during this time, pace yourself. Be kind to yourself and know your limits. Also try to know the limits of others around you, whether it be human or animal.
I guess I missed the memo about being miserable during ‘Dog Days of Summer’. I always thought the saying meant spending more time with your dogs! Enjoying lazy days, spoiling them (and me) with frozen treats and playing in the water with them.
Perhaps it still can be, since they need us more during this difficult time. Take care, enjoy your babies, and make the most out of ‘Dog Days of Summer’!
It means it is the hottest and most uncomfortable part of the summer! Historically, it was the period following a star system known as Sirius, which also is known as the Dog Star. This saying is not something new but has been around for a long time!
In Hellenistic astrology, this time is associated with drought, heat, sudden thunderstorms, mad dogs and bad luck. Not a particularly popular time of the year.
When can you expect the ‘Dog Days of Summer’? Anywhere from the beginning of July to late August. It can range from 30 to 61 days. Whew! That’s enough time to make anyone dog tired of summer!
Speaking of dogs, we need to be aware of the dangers this time can cause our dogs. We need to make sure our best friends have plenty of cool water at all times!
Certain breeds of dogs cannot handle heat as well as others. Take my two, Edgar & Grayson. French Bulldogs are known not to be able to handle the heat. They have a hard time regulating their temperature.
I am fortunate to have a setup where they can venture out of the central air into a fenced area any time they wish. However, even then, I have to monitor their play time as well. Making sure they have plenty of shade, for they love to be outside!
Unfortunately, this year I lost a lot of big trees that was their natural shade. To rectify this, I put up a canopy for them. Which actually worked out well for their little kiddie pool. It not only stays cleaner but also cooler.
Grayson loves his kiddie pool! Sometimes, all you see are his little ears perked up while he is lying completely in the water. Edgar tolerates it but prefers the AC.
Another important thing to remember for our little guys is the pads of their feet! Too often we do not realize how hot a surface is for we have shoes on! A nice rule to remember is to place your hand on the surface you are going to walk them on. If it’s hot for you, it’s hot for them!
And water, did I mention water??? No matter what kind of dog you have, give them plenty of water during your walks and at home! Dogs pant to cool themselves down, they do not sweat like a human. When a dog pants, they rapidly inhale, humidify, then exhale the air which increases evaporation of water from their nose and lungs. So, having plenty of water re-hydrates them!
You may have noticed earlier I mentioned “cool” water. Where it may be tempting to give them ice cold water to cool them down quickly, be careful! Ice cold water can trigger blood vessel constriction and even lead to hypothermic shock if you cool them too quickly.
But that’s not to say they can’t enjoy a nice cold treat, as mine do, once in a while. Whether it be ice cream, popsicles, or yogurt, they love it just like we do.
One trick I have used for years is taking gravy from their soft dog food and mixing it with half water into ice cube trays. A treat that lasts a little longer than most and they love it!
‘Dog Days of Summer’ may instantly remind you of a hot time in the summer, but I also want it to remind you of our dogs and how they look to us to help them get through this difficult time.
With August here, what types of National Dog Days can we expect? Here’s a couple…
August 23rd - National Ride The Wind Day - Take a page out of a dog’s life and enjoy the wind in your face! Whether it be on a boat, on a motorcycle or simply hanging your head out the window. Sometimes feeling the wind lifts you on those hot days!
August 26th - National Dog Day - Convenient that this happens in this month. A perfect excuse to pamper your best friend. Take them to the lake, beach, or nearest garden hose and enjoy the water with them! They are always there for us, make sure we are there for them.
While this could be the most miserable time of the summer, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it simply challenges us to make the best of a bad situation.
Try to slow down during this time, pace yourself. Be kind to yourself and know your limits. Also try to know the limits of others around you, whether it be human or animal.
I guess I missed the memo about being miserable during ‘Dog Days of Summer’. I always thought the saying meant spending more time with your dogs! Enjoying lazy days, spoiling them (and me) with frozen treats and playing in the water with them.
Perhaps it still can be, since they need us more during this difficult time. Take care, enjoy your babies, and make the most out of ‘Dog Days of Summer’!
