Chill Out in the Dog Days With Cool Patches

Chill Out in the Dog Days With Cool Patches

Published Jun 17, 2022 by Rick Cundiff

Wow, is it hot! Here at Custom-Patches4Less HQ, we’re averaging temperatures in the 90s this week, with even hotter days to come in July.

Yep, we’re headed into the dog days of summer, no doubt. Luckily, today’s dogs have discovered air conditioning. But did you ever wonder when exactly the “dog days" are, and where that phrase came from?

You might be surprised to learn that it has more to do with stars than canines. And yes, we’re serious.

Make that Sirius, actually. Thanks to the ancient Greeks and Romans, Sirius is known as the “Dog Star” because of its position in the Canis Major constellation. It forms the nose of the dog.

A Bright Dog Indeed

Sirius, like any good dog, is bright. In fact, it’s the brightest star visible to us. In July, it appears just before sunrise. To the ancient Romans, it was a signal of the coming of the hottest days of the year. So they called it the “days of the dog star,” which eventually just got shortened to “dog days.”

But when exactly are the dog days? For that, we have to turn to an authoritative source. The Farmer’s Almanac officially defines the term as meaning the 40-day period of July 3 to August 11.

Granted, there are plenty of hot days both before and after those dates, so I’m not sure we should consider them the hottest days of the year. But they surely do come close to it.

Cool Has More Than One Meaning

At Custom-Patches4Less, you know we’re all about being cool, whether that means patches on a jacket, vest, shirt or cap. We just want all our customers to keep their cool and stay safe this simmer, er, summer. If you need custom patches, we’re here in the dog days and beyond. And what’s cooler than that?

Staying Safe in the Dog Days

Keeping cool in the dog days isn’t easy. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially if you’re working outside. Take regular breaks to cool off. And watch out for others to ensure they do the same. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, which can include:

Heat exhaustion is a serious warning to get the person affect to a cool, shaded place, give them cool water or a sports drink, remove personal protective gear and apply cool compresses. If symptoms continue, call for emergency medical help.

Heat stroke is life-threatening medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention for someone exhibiting the following symptoms:

Call 911 immediately, then move the person to a cool, shaded place. Apply cool compresses and wet their clothing with water, then fan with a towel. Don’t give them anything to drink – It could be a choking hazard.

With a few simple precautions, you can make it past the dog days of summer. And if you’re interested in some really cool patches, check out our gallery.