The Dog Days of Summer
How often I’ve heard this phrase, yet never knew that Dog Days were official. Turns out, the Dog Days of Summer run from July 3 to August 11.
This tends to be the hottest, muggiest, most sweltering stretch of the season. There are sometimes periods of drought and severe thunderstorms.
Why “Dog Days” and not cat or lion or some other animal? The timing aligns with the period when the star Sirius (the “Dog Star”) rises and sets with the sun. This naming began with the ancient Greeks and Romans.
(Next time you’re on a game show and this question pops up for the big bucks, you can thank me.)
Ways to Celebrate the Dog Days (instead of grumbling about them) 
🌞 Cool Down, Old-School Style:
Enjoy frozen treats like homemade popsicles, fruit sorbets, or even classic ice cream sandwiches. Check out my previous blog for healthy options. Click blog link here.
🐾 Honor the Dogs of Summer:
Pamper your pooch with a special outing—early morning walks, splash time in a kiddie pool, or a pup-friendly frozen treat.
🌿 Take It Slow:
Embrace the slower pace (even for a brief break in your workday) by lounging with a good book, a wide-brimmed hat, and a refreshing drink (think: cucumber-mint water or herbal iced tea). Go fishing, take a vacation, staycation, or weekend getaway. Stretch out in a hammock and take a nap.
🌅 Catch a Sunrise or Sunset:
Since midday can be sweltering, aim for early mornings or evenings to be outside—perfect times for gentle walks, bike rides, gardening, or stargazing. Go to an evening baseball game.
🎶 Throw a “Dog Days” Gathering:
Host a casual backyard gathering with easy summer fare—grilled veggies, chilled salads, and ice-cold lemonade. 
The Dog Days remind us to slow down, savor summer’s golden glow, and maybe take life just a little less seriously—because even the hottest days eventually give way to cooler ones.
Much love,
Health Coach Carol
“Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer/Those days of soda and pretzels and beer/Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer/You’ll wish that summer could always be here.” —Words & Music by Charles Tobias & Hans Carste