You've probably heard of the dog days of summer. The phrase refers to the hottest time of the summer season, and while it conjures images of panting dogs and heat haze, the term isn’t really related to dogs in the way that you might think. In ancient Greece, "dog days" indicated the period surrounding the time in which Sirius, or the Dog Star, would align with the sun. This is typically between early July and mid-August.
That being said, the dog days of summer are extremely hot, and you should take extra care to keep your dogs safe if they're traveling with you during the hottest part of the summer.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recently put out some safety tips for traveling with your dog this summer. Here’s what they recommend:
· Make sure your dog is ready for a long road trip. Don't plan a coast-to-coast with your canine if they've never been in the car before. Ease your way into a long trip by taking shorter trips with your dog and gradually increasing the distance.
· Make sure your dog is secure. A well-ventilated crate, carrier, or pet barrier will keep your pet safe. Just be sure that your pet has enough room to get comfortable.
· The hotter it is, more water your dog needs. Pack plenty of water for you and your pet. Do not let your dog drink from unknown bodies of water as they could be contaminated. Also, pack food for your dog, but avoid feeding your pet in a moving vehicle.
· Don't leave your dog sitting in a hot car. Cars can reach temperatures over 20 degrees hotter than the temperature outside in just a matter of minutes.
· Dogs love to poke their noses out of windows, but this can be dangerous. Flying objects or passing vehicles can harm your pet, so make sure that they are safe and secure.
· Rubber floor mats or cargo liners are a great investment if you’re looking to do lots of traveling with your furry friend.
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