Welcome to the Dog Days of Summer! But, just what does that mean? The Dog Days extend from July 3 to August 11, and are generally the hottest and most humid days of the season. The name, Dog Days, has been around since Greek and Roman times and actually has nothing to do with our furry friends. It refers to the dates from July 3 through August 11, which is 20 days prior and 20 days after the star Sirius rises and falls in conjunction with the sun. Sirius was known as the “Dog Star,” because it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog). The ancients believed that this bright star, when moving in conjunction with the sun, caused the heat associated with summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Learn more about the astronomical facts of Dog Days here, thanks to EarthSky.org.
Want the quick and fun version? Enjoy this video with the Dog Days explained… with Dogs!
So while the actual Dog Days of Summer really has nothing to do with dogs, we do know that summer heat can be both fun and dangerous for our canine companions. We all know how quickly the inside of a vehicle heats up even though the outdoor temperature is not that hot, and there is lots of information about the temperature of pavement easily scorching a dog’s feet. It seems like there are plenty of dangers out there – including toxic algae in lakes, ponds and rivers, heat stroke and heat exhaustion, foxtails, and staying hydrated. But, there is also much to enjoy in the summertime with our pets. Dogs love a trip to the beach, or to splash in a pool (Rainbow has wading pools, perfect for a backyard dip!) Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on July 21. Rainbow has fun frozen treats for our pups and kitties! Just check out the freezer section for tasty “ice cream” for both dogs and cats, and save 20% on Boss Dog and Dog-O treats with this month’s Subscriber Coupon! Some dogs love having a mister to cool off on a hot afternoon, and if your dog accompanies you on your kayak or boat, check out the flotation vests to keep them safe and supported in the water. So enjoy the Dog Days of Summer and remember, even it they aren’t named for our dogs, we can celebrate them with our pups and nothing is better than that!
When it is really hot out and we are all sheltering somewhere cool in the afternoons, keep your pup occupied with a Pupsicle puzzle treat. New at Rainbow, these long-lasting and easy-to-clean, reusable toys last 20 to 40 minutes and can be refilled with the available refill package or you can make your own! The refills come in regular and Calming formulas.
As we head into August, many of our young FFA and 4H exhibitors are busy with the final preparations for the local Fairs, and Rainbow is supporting them all the way, with expert advice to new “Whites,” show supplies to educational seminars. And Rainbow will be there when the final event of the Fairs takes place – the Auctions. The Rainbow team will be bidding on auction lots from meat chicken pens to Champion swine! Give the Rainbow team a wave if you see them at the Fair!
Trivia! Enter to win a $15.00 Rainbow Coupon. All correct entries go into a random drawing.
The June question was, What did the Lakeport store win? A silver Kong! Along with the sparkly Kong, the Lakeport store will have extra Kong products on sale on Kong Day, August 10th at all Rainbow stores. The winner is Michele Briggs.
The July question is, Who or what is the Dog Star?