Dog Days Have Begun

It's official: The Dog Days of summer started Sunday, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. These hot and sultry days in midsummer are apparently named after Sirius, the Dog Star.

The Old Farmer's Almanac says the Dog Days, which run from July 3 to Aug. 11, coincide with the period when Sirius rises at sunrise.

Though the star's appearance doesn't directly affect the weather, the ancient Egyptians kept an eye on it because it would appear before the Nile's annual flood season.

Because some of the summer's hottest days come after the Dog Days' end, make sure your pet dogs (and cats and other animals) are safe from the heat throughout the season.

Keep your pets (and children, of course) out of parked cars, advises the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles.

Temperatures can rise to 160 degrees inside a parked car on a hot day, which can cause heat stroke and permanent brain damage.

Because animals' body temperatures are higher than humans', keeping them confined in a car, yard or dog run without shade or ventilation can make them more susceptible to heat stroke, according to the society.

Obese animals, dogs with flat faces—such as pugs or English bulldogs—or pets with heavy coats are most susceptible, said society President Madeline Bernstein.

"Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat," Bernstein said. "Instead, they lose heat through their tongues, nose and footpads, so it's important to take extra precautions on hot days."

Additionally, the society recommends that pet owners keep plenty of cool, clean drinking water available in a tip-proof bowl at all times so animals don't become dehydrated. 

Keeping pets groomed can also keep them cooler, according to the organization. Clip animals' ears short, but don't shave them—animals can get sunburned, too.

Light-colored pets are especially vulnerable to sunburn; to protect your animal from harmful UV rays, apply animal-safe sunscreen to their ears and nose.

Dogs' footpads can burn easily, so avoid surfaces that absorb heat on hot days, such as asphalt, the society said. Instead, take your dog for walks during the morning or evening. Make sure you check for foxtails and other burrs when the walk is over.

If your pet starts panting excessively, salivating heavily and becomes immobile, this could be a sign of heat stroke. Immerse your animal slowly in cool water—avoid ice water because it may cause shock—to lower its body temperature before heading to a veterinarian.