Well we know what it means. It means it is excruciatingly hot! But why do we call it that? Here in Denver it seems like every season is the “Dog Days” because everyone has a dog (I love dogs, by the way).
Fun Fact: Some summer days are called dog days due to the intense heat that occurs on those days. It is compared to how dogs act sluggish and tired on such days thus giving it the term dog days of summer.
Dogs commonly bite more often in the summer too. Dog bites can be prevented and we need to make sure that we keep our children educated and aware of the animals we share our spaces with.
Dog Safety for children:
information provided by: Best Friends Animal Society
- Always ask permission before petting or touching someone else’s dog.
- Most of the time, we encounter friendly, wiggly dogs in public. But you should be cautious if a dog goes still, becomes stiff, and/or is not wagging in a loose and friendly way.
- Don’t corner a dog. All dogs have a sense of personal space, so watch their body language as you get closer (or the dog gets closer to you).
- When approached by a strange dog, stand quietly, hands at your sides and avoid eye contact. A dog’s natural instinct is to chase, so if you run, a dog may chase. Watch the dog out of the corner of your eye and don’t turn your back.
- Do not approach dogs in cars or on chains or ropes. Dogs can be protective about their territory and may feel a bit more vulnerable or defensive than usual. When dogs are tied up, they know they can’t run away so their only defense will be to fight.
- To avoid startling dogs, don’t approach or touch them while they’re sleeping, fixated on something, or with their puppies.
- Never get between dogs who are fighting and keep your hands away from their heads.
- Leave dogs alone when they are eating, whether the dog is eating from a bowl or chewing a treat or any other high-value item. Like people, dogs don’t like it when people get between them and their food.
- Don’t reach over or through fences or barriers to pet or touch a dog.
- Never tease, chase or harass a dog.
- Don’t enter a property containing a dog if you’re not accompanied by the dog’s person. Dogs can be protective of their family and territory and think it’s their job to protect them.
Good luck and happy 4th of July! Enjoy your summer….woooohoooo!
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