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Welcome to the Dog Days of Summer!

Writer's picture: SLV Pet Care LLCSLV Pet Care LLC

Most pets like to take a siesta during the hottest part of the day!

If you’re like me, you’ve often wondered where we get the phrase “Dog Days of Summer”. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, it is a period of about 40 days during the summer (typically in July and August) when it is particularly hot and humid. This year, the Dog Days began July 3rd, and will last until August 11th. The dates vary from year to year and from source to source, but it generally starts and ends around the same time each year.


So how did we end up with the phrase “Dog Days” to describe this weather?

Like many things, its origins trace back to ancient times, where it was “believed to be a time of drought, bad luck, and unrest, when dogs and men alike would be driven mad by the extreme heat.” These extra hot and humid days coincided with the morning rising of Sirius (aka the “Dog Star”, aka “Alpha Canis Majoris”), which is part of the constellation Canis Majoris (the “Greater Dog”). Because Sirius is the brightest star in the sky after our Sun, the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans believed that the star contributed to a “combined heat” with the Sun, creating the extra-hot temperatures. The rising of the star also coincided with the Nile River’s flood season, so the Egyptians used it as a “watchdog” of sorts, although the star actually has no effect on our seasonal weather.


Swimming is a great way to cool off in the summer!

Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer responsibly with your pet by reviewing our tips on Summer Safety for Pets and Hitting the Trails with Your Dog. Stay safe out there!

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