Well, Southeast Michigan has finally put together a string of days where the weather didn’t go from great to ugly in a span of 5 minutes. We are entering what is known as “The Dog Days of Summer.” But, what does that term really mean? And does it really relate to our dogs? Continue reading to find out…
The Dog Days of Summer!
“The “dog days of summer” occur during the hottest and muggiest part of the season. Webster defines “dog days” as The period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere.
Why do we call the hot, sultry days of summer “dog days”?
The Term dog days has an interesting origin. In ancient times, when the night sky was unobscured by artificial lights and smog different groups of peoples in different parts of the world drew images in the sky by “connecting the dots” of stars. The images drawn were dependent upon the culture: The Chinese saw different images than the Native Americans, who saw different pictures than the Europeans. These star pictures are now called constellations, and the constellations that are now mapped out in the sky come from our European ancestors.
They saw images of bears, (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), twins, (Gemini), a bull, (Taurus), and others, including dogs, (Canis Major and Canis Minor).
The brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius, which also happens to be the brightest star in the night sky. In fact, it is so bright that the ancient Romans thought that the earth received heat from it. Look for it in the southern sky (viewed from northern latitudes) during January.
In the summer, however, Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. During late July Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, “dog days” after the dog star.
The conjunction of Sirius with the sun varies somewhat with latitude. And the “precession of the equinoxes” (a gradual drifting of the constellations over time) means that the constellations today are not in exactly the same place in the sky as they were in ancient Rome. Today, dog days occur during the period between July 3 and August 11. Although it is certainly the warmest period of the summer, the heat is not due to the added radiation from a far-away star, regardless of its brightness. No, the heat of summer is a direct result of the earth’s tilt.”
Article courtesy of: http://www.wilstar.com/dog-days-of-summer/
Image courtesy of: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dog_Days_Of_Summer,_Featuring_Miss_Oreo.JPG
The Dog Days of Summer Can Be Dangerous For Your Pets!
““Many people enjoy the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with their furry friends, but take care to not get overheated,” Giedt said. “Just as you take precautions for yourself, do the same for your pets. Although you enjoy being outdoors, keep in mind heat and humidity can take a toll on people and animals.”
When a pet gets overheated it can cause hyperthermia, which can lead to heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Because dogs do not sweat like humans do, this can be extremely dangerous for an animal. Dogs rely on panting to cool themselves. Brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, English bulldogs and Persian cats, are specifically prone to problems during the summertime because their panting is not as effective.
Giedt said symptoms of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke in pets includes excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, bright red tongue and gums, drooling, weakness, stupor or even collapse, as well as vomiting, bloody diarrhea and an elevated body temperature of more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because pets can get dehydrated very quickly, it is vital to ensure they have a continuous supply of fresh, cool water in a container that cannot be tipped over. If possible put ice cubes or small containers of ice in the pet’s water bowl every morning. This will help the water stay cool longer.
“Many people like to take their pets with them while they run errands. Unfortunately, this can be extremely dangerous when the weather is warm,” she said. “The inside of a vehicle will heat up to deadly temperatures very quickly, even if you park in the shade and leave the windows cracked.”
At home, shade is an absolute must for pets that live confined to the yard. Do not tether your animals because the leash or rope can become tangled and the animal could get stranded in the sun.
“Providing a shady and well-ventilated spot for outdoor pets will keep them cooler. You can even place some cold, wet towels in your pet’s sleeping area,” Giedt said. “If your pet sleeps in a dog house, wet towels are especially good because the temperature inside the house can get quite hot.”
If you have space for it, a small kiddie pool filled with clean water is another great option for keeping your pets cool in the hot summer months. Make sure to clean it out on a regular basis and refill with clean water.
Pet owners who are fitness-minded may enjoy jogging with their animals, but it is imperative to keep in mind over exertion in hot weather can easily cause the pet to overheat quickly, especially long hair breeds. Humid weather makes pets even more susceptible to heat exhaustion, even if the dog jogs with you every day in cooler weather and is in excellent shape.
“Not only do you need to keep the air temperature in mind, but also be mindful of asphalt and concrete temperatures,” Giedt said. “You’re wearing shoes to protect your feet while you jog or walk. The temperature of the surfaces on which you’re exercising can be extremely hot and cause burns to your pet’s paws.”
If you suspect your pet is suffering from a heat-related illness, emergency treatment includes sponging the animal’s neck and groin area with cool water till its body temperature is lowered. Contact your veterinarian immediately because the pet may require further treatment to prevent serious complications. Heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.
Some pet owners believe clipping a dog’s hair coat will help pets stay cool during the summer months. While it can help, Giedt said some hair left on the dog serves as a natural protectant. If the hair is clipped too short, the skin can burn, just as human skin does.
“It’s always a good idea to keep your pet’s fur trimmed, if necessary, and this is especially true for animals with thick, heavy coats. Talk to your veterinarian about what kind of clip would be beneficial,” she said. “Your veterinarian is a great source of information about keeping your pet safe during the summer heat. Remember, your pet depends on you to provide the very best care possible.”
Article courtesy of: http://www.tulsaworld.com/communities/skiatook/news/communitynews/dog-days-of-summer-can-be-dangerous-for-your-pets/article_599c0164-ddfa-555e-a0b6-076d7ad982f9.html