“Dog Days” (Latin: di?s canicul?r?s) are the hottest, most sultry days of summer. Typically, that means the hot stretch between early July and early September. We’re in them right now! We know it, and our pets know it. I’ve got two little kittens who pant so much when they play, they think they’re puppies. It almost makes me want to buy them dog insurance instead of cat insurance!

Now, I don’t mean to be northern hemisphere-centric. After all, this is the internet! There are searchers for dog insurance all over the world who might stumble upon this blog. You friends in the southern hemisphere experience dog days between January and early March. And you walk around upside down! Just kidding about that. I’m dying to go to Australia someday.

Dog Days can also be used more loosely to define any time period or event that is very hot or stagnant, or marked by dull lack of progress. The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, was somehow responsible for the hot weather.

If your dog is especially sensitive to heat, as many of our furry friends are, take extra special care of him or her during these dog days. Consider dog insurance as a way to save not only on vet bills, but other doggie treats that will help pull them through till the delicious cool of fall sets in.