NBC 5 Meteorologist Rick Mitchell explains where the phrase “Dog Days of Summer” originates.
It’s officially the “dog days of summer.”
Here in North Texas, that usually means triple-digit heat and a truckload of viewer photos of pooches in the pool (we love those, by the way). While it’s common to associate the “dog days” with the lazy, hazy days of summer, the origin doesn’t have anything to do with weather, but rather astronomy.
David Kauffman
Jojo - Irish setter showing off Setter enjoying the pool on a hot day
Erin Shydlinski
Bea loves keeping cool in the pool Bea loves swimming and keeping cool!
tr@ritterrealty.com
untitled I'll leave likes to spend her day on the lake to keep cool with her mom Bonnie
Debbie Rockett
Wiener loves to get wet My Hardie, a young female dachshund loves the sprinklers and anything that sprays water from it she gets so soaking wet and drinks so much water she almost makes herself sick but she keeps coming back for more. she didn't even like to take a bath was totally scared of it for months ago and look at her now . I have several shots of her in action this is how my weiner enjoys the dog days of summer!
Debbie Rockett
One wet wiener dog My Hardie, a young female dachshund loves the sprinklers and anything that sprays water from it she gets so soaking wet and drinks so much water she almost makes herself sick but she keeps coming back for more. she didn't even like to take a bath was totally scared of it for months ago and look at her now . I have several shots of her in action this is how my weiner enjoys the dog days of summer!
Debbie Rockett
One wet wiener dog My Hardie, a young female dachshund loves the sprinklers and anything that sprays water from it she gets so soaking wet and drinks so much water she almost makes herself sick but she keeps coming back for more. she didn't even like to take a bath was totally scared of it for months ago and look at her now . I have several shots of her in action this is how my weiner enjoys the dog days of summer!
Debbie Rockett
One wet wiener dog My Hardie, a young female dachshund loves the sprinklers and anything that sprays water from it she gets so soaking wet and drinks so much water she almost makes herself sick but she keeps coming back for more. she didn't even like to take a bath was totally scared of it for months ago and look at her now . I have several shots of her in action this is how my weiner enjoys the dog days of summer!
Debbie Rockett
Hardie gets wet My Hardie, a young female dachshund loves the sprinklers and anything that sprays water from it she gets so soaking wet and drinks so much water she almost makes herself sick but she keeps coming back for more. she didn't even like to take a bath was totally scared of it for months ago and look at her now . I have several shots of her in action this is how my weiner enjoys the dog days of summer!
Debbie Rockett
One wet wiener dog My Hardie, a young female dachshund loves the sprinklers and anything that sprays water from it she gets so soaking wet and drinks so much water she almost makes herself sick but she keeps coming back for more. she didn't even like to take a bath was totally scared of it for months ago and look at her now . I have several shots of her in action this is how my weiner enjoys the dog days of summer!
Joanna hehir
The white whale Gandollff swims with little Stacy Doggie swim
Kerry White
How Holly Beats the Heat Our 3 month old German Shepherd puppy avoids the outside heat and seeks relief in front of a fan
john Giglio
Bella relaxing in the shade
Larry Campbell
Colton Rowdy Larry & Brenda Campbell love to swim with water dog Colton.
Glenn Caldwell
Dog Days Blossom enjoying her pool.
Joy Clark
Draco Draco is napping inside by the fan on this 100 degree day
Lori Krueger
Dog Days of Summer Sonny and Maddie are 12 year old dachshunds that love to be outside and lounge poolside! Maddie loves to float on the rafts but Sonny just smiles from the patio.
Dog days Here's my dog Wally trying to stay cool. From Patricia Simmons in Ennis, TX.
Alyssa
ROYALTY Giving the fish kisses :)
Richard
Dog days of summer Louie bell (a corgi ) after a great hair cut and a c no swimming for an old man Katie bell euless
Lauren Leone
Dog Days Happy Friday! Oskar Cook catching some rays at lake Cypress Springs! Lauren Cook
Beverly Hicks
Bo This is our rescue Bo, enjoying the dog days of summer. He loves to roll in the grass and sunbath.
Jeri Lynn
Dog days Ah, Summer and Hot Dogs! Miss Doobie Doo is in front. Her pups, D.O.G.(deeyogee) is left and Miss Sable is right. They are 8 months old. Mama is 5 years old. All 3 are service Chihuahuas . The pups are still in training. Chihuahuas make great hearing dogs.
Jeri Lynn
Dog days Ah, Summer and Hot Dogs! Miss Doobie Doo is in front. Her pups, D.O.G.(deeyogee) is left and Miss Sable is right. They are 8 months old. Mama is 5 years old. All 3 are service Chihuahuas . The pups are still in training. Chihuahuas make great hearing dogs.
Jeri Lynn
Dog days Ah, Summer and Hot Dogs! Miss Doobie Doo is in front. Her pups, D.O.G.(deeyogee) is left and Miss Sable is right. They are 8 months old. Mama is 5 years old. All 3 are service Chihuahuas . The pups are still in training. Chihuahuas make great hearing dogs.
Carlotta Schmittgen
Boxers Roxie and Rex cooling off from the heat Boxer Roxie cooling off from the heat pic at the low end 3193Boxer Rex finishes his dog paddle Carlotta Schmittgen/Argyle
Sarina Underwood
Dog Days of Summer Mayla's Dog Days of Summer pic!! It's a little early & she's still sleepy but nothing will keep her from going fishing on the boat. Sarina & Larry Sachse, Tx
Carlotta Schmittgen
Boxers Roxie and Rex cooling off from the heat Boxer Roxie cooling off from the heat pic at the low end 3193Boxer Rex finishes his dog paddle Carlotta Schmittgen/Argyle
Tiphoni McDiwill
Dog days of summer Cararra is our 11mo. Blue brindle American pocket bully. She's been spending her summer as a "lifeguard" and going to the Snowcone stand to get her cream Snowcone. Cooper, TX
Shawn Stokes
Sierra and cheddar bob playing with Shadow(jumping) and Kya in the water hose! Shadow just had a suc
Huy
Dogs pictures
Huy
Dogs pictures
dog days of summer this is my pup honey, she's a boxer mix who is just over 11 weeks old and enjoyed her weekend at lake Bridgeport and her first time in the water :)
dog days of summer this is my pup honey, she's a boxer mix who is just over 11 weeks old and enjoyed her weekend at lake Bridgeport and her first time in the water :)
Kim Baucher
Dog Days of Summer This is Moose. German Shepherd, 2 year old. Moose is obsessed with swimming and takes ball playing very seriously. Kim Baucher
Claire James
Freds Flamingo Fred loves floating on my flamingo! Fred is a 12 week old Australian shepherd
dog days of summer this is my pup honey, she's a boxer mix who is just over 11 weeks old and enjoyed her weekend at lake Bridgeport and her first time in the water :)
dog days of summer this is my pup honey, she's a boxer mix who is just over 11 weeks old and enjoyed her weekend at lake Bridgeport and her first time in the water :)
dog days of summer this is my pup honey, she's a boxer mix who is just over 11 weeks old and enjoyed her weekend at lake Bridgeport and her first time in the water :)
dog days of summer this is my pup honey, she's a boxer mix who is just over 11 weeks old and enjoyed her weekend at lake Bridgeport and her first time in the water :)
Kelly Hall
Dog Days of Summer My dog Mudduck at Lake Tawakoni State Park
Meg Brawner
Harvey Harvey enjoying the cool grass in the heat of summer!
Amy Young
Dog days chilling in the pool
Robert McCann
Dog Days of Summer Sisters Mucho & Mazzy cooling off after a long, hot walk.
Grady Bailey
Dog days of summer This is Stinker and she loves the pool.
Stella Ballard
Dog days of summer This is sadie! She has recenlty showed me she loves this game... you featured her before in your bluebonnets photos! She is the best reason to adopt from a shelter!! Stella Ballard Saginaw Tx "never put the keys to happyness in somone elses pocket...."
Hannah Beam
Lincoln swimming Lincoln LOVES the pool but since he is only 8 months old, he hasn't mastered it yet and enjoys staying safe on the float with his mom.
J Steele
Valentina Here's our 135 lb lap puppy Valentina squeezing into the water tub at the doggy park in Trophy Club. Cool Girl!!!
Jamie Santiago
Missy Missy poolside in Lewisville
Debby JPA
Willie a blue heeler rescue enjoying lake ray Hubbard
Nikki Steitle
Lifegaurd Duty Our 120 lb German Shephard cooling down while on lifegaurd duty with our three year old Austin. He swims along side our son to watch him. He also will "correct" and bark at Austin if he tries to jump in the pool.
Jamie Santiago
Duke Duke checking to see if the ladies need a refill
Marcia King
Buster and new friend Buster, my 3 year old rescued Decker Rat Terrier, enjoys playing with his new friend inside where it is cool!
Linda and Robert Duvall
My pool! No, my pool! playing in the baby pool!
Renee Thorsen
Dog Days of Summer...Bandit won't go IN the pool, but will hang off the beach entry!! from Renee Th
Megan Bush
enjoy the little things Milo loves his summer evening walks!
Brian leflore
Scooter My wife sherry and scooter
Brian leflore
Scooter My wife sherry,s yorkie
Irene Aleman
Bella Dog days of summer Bella cha-cha the chow chow Irene & Dave Moody Plano Texas
Renee Norton
Ozzie Ready For Summer How about Cat's day of Summer. Ozzie loves his flip flops.
James Pinto
Landon and DeeDee Not going to the pool today. It is porch day!
Marcia King
Buster enjoying his new home Buster, my 3 year old rescued Decker Rat Terrier, enjoys being lazy on the den sofa!
Tina
Dog days of summer Underwater Blunder the Wonder loves diving for balls.
Tina Fields
Coolest Pug Maddie cooling off in Wylie!!
Morgan Carter
Too cool for school Bebe the bull dog sporting merica
Cheryl Clark
Dog days Oliver chilling at the beach at South Padre Island. Submitted by Cheryl Clark, Dallas Tx
Cheryl Clark
Dog days Oliver chilling at the beach at South Padre Island. Submitted by Cheryl Clark, Dallas Tx
Cheryl Clark
Dog days Oliver chilling at the beach at South Padre Island.
Melissa Sheehan
dog days of summer Rumour touching down at the dock diving pool Melissa Sheehan
Lisa Wilder
Dog days of summer Jax Wilder on lake Lewisville
Ann Seabolt
Dog days You've had Weenie Dog Wednesday how about Terrier Tuesday? This Molly the Cairn Terrier owned by Glenn & Ann Seabolt of Waxahachie. Molly loves riding her boogie board in the pool. She's watched over by Freddie the flamingo.
Greg Johnson
Sammy Our golden doodle loves the pool. He finally took a break.
doris
georgie girl
Linda
Dog Days Linda from Fort Worth Brody loves to cool off in the sprinklers after his walks.
Rockin' R Boutique
Star and Sky Australian Cattle Dogs aka Red Heelers. After herding cattle and needing to cool off. Rodrick Ranch Itasca, TX
charlene.norris
Lovey on her fav pool raft
charlene.norris
Lovey on her fav pool raft
Deb Dallas
Dog days of summer - Bear from Flower Mound Please post out picture of Bear enjoying the dog days of summer. Thanks, The Dallas Family
Joe Lisowski
Fwd: Coco and Jasmine in their new car! Jasmine and Coco in their New Car!
Paula Wilhelm
Dog Days Of Summer - Sofie and Molly Sofie and Molly chilling by the pool.
Channa Hobbs
Abby Dog Days
Duke
Is that bird in my pool? Duke loper Bedford Texas "Lexington"
Sir Charles relaxing he loves his float
Steven Citty
Dog days of summer... Maddie the English Mastiff
Debbie Boudreaux
Enjoying the sun Tres a 4 yo Boston Terrier
Randy Routh
Boat Doc Holiday chilling in the heat while changing A/C in room at Lake Cabin hooked up a.c. on patio. Doc loved it lol!
Ted Carrington
Dog days of summer BJ keeping cool inside!
Shiloh ..5 years old Garland, TX. Her attempt at synchronized swimming.
Andrea Richardson
Pool life Charlie sharing a float with his daddy
Marty Otero
Dog days of summer It's summer and we must all protect our eyes from the sun just like Denali. Marty
Kelley Dawn Agee
Abby getting cool After morning ride
Wendy Stark
Dog days of summer Seely Jane, rescued poodle mix, 5 years old Owners: Wendy and Dennis Stark, McKinney
Wendy Stark
Dog days of summer Tiggy, 11 year old rescued Bichon, she's special in so many ways, even though she is blind she LOVES to swim and float! Owners: Wendy and Dennis Stark, McKinney
Marty Mayfield
Thirsty Donks Hot days make Stella & Sadie thirsty
Linda
Brody-Dog Days of Summer Brody cooling off in the sprinklers
Kristy Wages
Dog days of summer My dog, Travis and husband, Randy Wages of Palestine, Tx. Enjoying the summer evenings! Kristy Wages
Lisa Lanahan
Dog days of summer My sweet Penny and her friend Brynlee.From Lisa Lanahan
Julie Wiggins
Dog day afternoon Jazz at Lake Weatherford. Wandered up here 6 years ago and never left. Guess you can see why. Posted found posters for weeks with no luck. Turned out to be lucky for me
Taylar Wineman
Dog Days of Summer Sig visiting the beaches of Mustang Island
DawButler of North Richland Hills
Totaro enjoyingdogdaysofsummer 15 week old Husky...first summer
Wendy Stark
Dog days of summer Morti, 13 years young, pekingese mix. Getting some much needed rest on the pool lounger.Owners: Wendy and Dennis Stark, McKinney
Dog days gets its origin from the “dog star,” Sirius, which makes its return in the pre-dawn sky this time of year. Late July marks the star’s return over the Mediterranean region after a two month absence.
It was first noted by ancient Greek and Egyptian astronomers as a precursor to the hottest time of year in the northern hemisphere. These astronomers attributed the intense heat of late summer to the brightness of the star. Since Sirius is observed in the eastern sky coinciding with sunrise, one can see how they came to the conclusion that the brightness of the star combined with the rising sun to make conditions even hotter.
Here in North Texas, Sirius is currently blocked by the sun’s glare. It won’t reappear until early August when the star’s heliacal rising occurs. This will allow it to become visible on the eastern horizon just before sunrise. It is easier to spot in the winter and spring months as the brightest star in the evening sky.
