The History Behind Dog Days of Summer

We often hear people refer to “the dog days of summer”, but does anyone really know what that means? Here at Ollie, we consider ourselves experts on all things dogs, but we didn’t have much knowledge about the real meaning behind the turn of phrase, its origins, and what dogs have to do with any of it. So we did some digging so you too can celebrate the dog days of summer and impress all of your barbeque guests with a little history lesson.

What are the Dog Days of Summer?

There is some debate about this, but the time period generally refers to the hottest days of summer. You know, when the sun is scorching hot and the humidity levels are on the rise, giving you (and your dog) the feeling of stepping into a bowl of thick soup when you walk out the door.

Some say that the name dog days comes from the fact that these days can be unsuitable weather for dogs. Others say the heat can drive dogs crazy.

According to Farmer’s Almanac, “The phrase is actually a reference to the fact that, during this time, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth and part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog. This is why Sirius is sometimes called the Dog Star.

In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the Sun. On July 23rd, specifically, it is in conjunction with the Sun, and because the star is so bright, the ancient Romans believed it actually gave off heat and added to the sun’s warmth, accounting for the long stretch of sultry weather. They referred to this time as diēs caniculārēs, or dog days.”

The dog days run about 20 days before to 20 days after this phenomenon occurs each year; thus, this year we observe the Dog Days from July 3rd to August 11th.

The Dog Days of Summer in Pop Culture

If hearing someone reference the Dog Days alone is enough to make you start sweating and panting, you’re not alone. The ancient Greeks and Romans were not fans of the Dog Days and saw them as a time prone to drought, bad luck, and unrest. 

Others have been artistically inspired by the Dog Days. Musicians Florence and the Machine, Taylor Swift, Bon Iver, and Atlanta Rhythm Section all have written songs about or referencing the Dog Days of Summer, so if you need a playlist for your own celebration, you can start here!

How to celebrate the Dog Days of Summer

While there are no formal ways to celebrate the Dog Days, you and your pup can enjoy the time together, finding clever and entertaining ways to stay cool and enjoy the outdoors. Some of our favorite suggestions include:

1. Take a dip in the pool (safely)
2. Enjoy a cool, refreshing  treat
3. Have an after-dark picnic and enjoy the night sky — bonus points if you find Sirius, the Dog Star
4. Take a long walk at dusk while listening to a dog-themed playlist. Create your own using the artists mentioned above, or take this soundtrack for a spin. 

On these hot days, even if you aren’t actively celebrating, it is important to make sure they don’t overheat. This means ensuring your dog has access to fresh, cool water at all times and shady spots (indoors or out) they can easily retreat to whenever they need breaks from the sun.

If you walk your pup on hot concrete, check the roads with your bare feet or the back of your hand. If you can’t rest comfortably on the street, it’s too hot for your dog’s delicate paw pads, especially for puppies and seniors.

Next time you hear someone talk about the Dog Days of Summer, you’ll now be able to tell them about why it’s called that. And even though it has nothing to do with your dog, it’s okay, you can still make this time all about your pup. We know we will!The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.