The weeks from July 3rd to August 11th are commonly referred to as the dog days of summer, and the term has come to mean the hottest part of the season. To be more accurate, the period conforms to the rising and setting of Sirius (the dog star), which is visible at that time of year in the early morning before sunrise.

Whatever its origin, the term dog days serves as a reminder to responsible dog owners of the need to protect their pets from heat and sun.

Author(s): McLennan, Bardi
Publication: Dog Fancy
Issue Date: September 1994