What does the phrase “dog days of summer” mean and where did it originate?

When someone says the term “dog days of summer,” what does it mean?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

The dog in the phrase comes from the ancient Egyptians who named the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, after the god Osiris whose head was similar to a dog's. The Egyptians believed that the dog star Sirius added heat to the sun and was responsible for extreme hot weather. They also thought that the extreme heat caused the Nile River to flood. And so it was passed down generations to mean the very hot days in summer.
by

Related questions

Is it OK to get a large dog if you have small dogs?

Description : I have two small dogs, and I am thinking about getting a third dog. This time, I'd like to get a larger breed. Can I get a large dog, like a German Shepherd, when I have smaller dogs, like maltipoos.

Last Answer : The size of a dog really doesn't make much difference unless they are fighting. Of course in that case the larger dog may have the advantage and could inflict serious damage to the smaller ... The important thing is to introduce them properly. Please read our article about bringing another dog home.

Why is my dog afraid of water?

Description : I have a labrador retriever. I've heard that they love water. Why is mine afraid? He hates baths and doesn't go near the water when we go to lake.

Last Answer : Most labradors do love water, but every dog is different. It's possible that your dog had a bad experience with water - a near drowning or having water thrown or sprayed on him as a ... , dogs can develop fears for no apparent reasons. With patience and gentle training, fears can be overcome.

Why does my dog like to lick my feet?

Description : Every time I take my shoes off, my dog comes to lick my feet. What's up with that?

Last Answer : Licking is one form of a dog's communication. Your dog may be licking your feet to show love and respect for you as his leader. Your dog could be trying to assess your mood by "tasting" your smell. He could be helping by cleaning your feet. Or he could just like the salty taste of your feet.

Is my dog gay?

Description : My dog tries to hump other male dogs.Is this normal dog behavior? Is he gay?

Last Answer : When your dog mounts another dog of the same sex, it can be a show of dominance or excitement over something else happening. Animals engage in sex and procreate only with members of their opposite sex. But the debate continues and we will only know for sure when they can speak to us in our language.

How can I stop my neighbors dog from barking?

Description : My neighbors have a very sweet dog. The one thing that I really can't stand about her is that she barks all night. What can I do to get her to stop?

Last Answer : First try talking calmly and respectfully to your neighbor about the barking. If you're not on friendly terms, write a friendly note and leave it at their door. You can suggest that you would ... them to contact your neighbor. Don't discuss the barking with other neighbors to avoid more problems.

How can I protect my dog from loose dogs in the neighborhood?

Description : When I take my dog for a walk, the loose dogs in the neighborhood sometimes come out. They scare me. Is there anything that I can do to make the walk safe for me and my dog?

Last Answer : Train your dog to concentrate on you and your commands. Keep calm because your dog will know if you are tense or worried. You can carry a walk stick with you. Most of the time the sight ... control and report the loose dogs, giving as much information as to location and description of the dogs.

How can I get my dog to stop howling all night?

Description : We recently adopted a beagle. He's very cute, but he's also very loud. He howls all night and seems to sleep most of the day. There is nothing out there. How can we get him to keep it down?

Last Answer : Howling is sometimes in response to high-pitched sounds or sounds that you cannot hear. It's also a form of communication. Some dogs howl when they are stressed or in pain. First take your dog ... to consult with an animal behaviorist. Be patient, it could take time to change his unwanted behavior.

What can I do to prepare my dog for a new baby?

Description : We are about to have a new addition to the family. My dog has been the baby for years. What can I do to prepare my dog so that my dog will accept my baby after he's born.

Last Answer : Play videos of babies that include the sounds they make. Invite people with babies to visit. Let your dog explore the baby's room. Train your dog the way you want him/her to behave around the ... pets view the new baby as one to protect and love. Congratulations and best wishes on the coming event.

Is it normal that my dog never leaves my side?

Description : Ever since we adopted our pup from the shelter and he follows me wherever I go. Even when I go to the bathroom, he sits outside the door and waits for me to get out. Is this normal behavior?

Last Answer : It sounds as though your dog may have some separation anxiety issues. Having been adopted from a shelter, he feels the need to be close to you so that you won't leave him. Of course, all dogs love to ... take some time for him to realize he's in his forever home and that you will not abandon him.

Why does my dog lick the carpet?

Description : Whenever my dog lies down on the carpet, she starts licking it, Is it safe? How can I get her to stop?

Last Answer : Licking is a natural behavior in dogs whether they are grooming themselves or trying to get to something they consider tasty. Some dogs habitually lick something like the carpet. Check and see if there's ... your dog for unwanted behavior as it will only increase stress and make her fearful of you .

How can I get my dog to stop eating my couch?

Description : The couch pillows are a real mess and I've had to change them. What can I do to get my dog to stop eating the couch while I'm away at work?

Last Answer : It sounds like your dog may be experiencing separation anxiety. You can acclimate her to your leaving by stepping out for a few minutes, lengthening the time gradually each time you go out. Try ... the pillows and try not to leave anything chewable around the house. Hopefully, these tips will help.

How many times should my dog pee when I take him for a walk?

Description : When I take my dog for a walk, he seems to pee 20 times. He gives a sniff and then pees on practically everything. He's fine in the house and never has accidents. Should I be concerned? Is what he's doing normal?

Last Answer : Dogs seem to have an endless stream of urine when out walking. If the color is normal and the dog is healthy otherwise, I wouldn't be concerned. Dogs want to leave their scent in lots of ... territory, letting everyone else know they were there or covering the scent of another dog with their own.

Is it OK to let my dog lick me?

Description : My pitbull mix is a kisser and loves to lick me. Is this okay?

Last Answer : If you don't mind your dog licking you, it's okay. Just keep in mind where his/her mouth was last. It's always a good idea to wash the licked area afterwards, especially around the mouth area.

What can I do about my neighbors dog running around the neighborhood?

Description : The dog is a sweet do. He runs all over the neighborhood. I'm afraid for his safety. Is there anything that I can do to get his owners to keep him safe?

Last Answer : We all have neighbors like that. You can try talking to them reasonably. If that doesn't work perhaps a warning from animal control. Read Dealing with Bad Pet Neighbors for more ideas.

What can I do to stop one dog stealing treats from my other dog?

Description : I try as hard as I might to treat my animals fairly. I don't want to spoil any of my furbabies! When I give the dogs their treats, I give them both the same thing. It's not a problem when the ... find them with the one sneaky dog. Is there anything that I can do to make him stop stealing the bones?

Last Answer : Frankly, I stopped giving my dogs treats that will take a long time to consume. One suggestion would be to limit the amount of time they can chew on their bones and keeping them separate. To learn more about the best way to feed your pets, try reading Feeding Your Dog Dos and Don'ts.

Would a 11 month old male Golden Retriever get more aggressive because you're in his pen?

Description : Would a 11 month old male Golden Retriever get more aggressive because you're in his pen?

Last Answer : Aggressive behavior towards humans and other dogs is not regarded as normal behavior for Golden Retrievers. Something is wrong with the dog.

Do Shih Tzus attack guinea pigs?

Description : content:

Last Answer : Any dog, given the opportunity will attack a guinea pig. Guinea pigs are prey animals and dogs naturally go after prey. However a dog can be taught, with patience, not to bother or to attack the ... a good idea to leave them alone together - supervise whenever the guinea pig is out of the cage.

When will my puppy stop crying?

Description : We adopted a 10-week-old puppy from the pound a couple ofweeks ago. She cries a lot. I think it's because she misses her mother. When can I fo to make her ahppy and top wining all the time>

Last Answer : First have your puppy checked at the vet to make sure the cause is not medical. Then put your pup on a regular routine. When it's time for nap or bed, use a crate suitable for her size and keep ... for her size and age. A tired pup will only be too happy to fall right to sleep without any comments.

How can I stop food aggression?

Description : Lately my do is showing signs of food aggression. When I try to take away his dish, he growls. I don't think that he would do anything to me, but I really don't like it. What can I do to get him to stop?

Last Answer : First, teach your dog the down/stay position. When he does that well, prepare his food and place it down. Wait a moment and release him to eat. You can also try hand feeding him his ... If food aggression continues, see an animal behaviorist. Read our article "Fixing Food Aggression" for more tips.

Do dogs really kiss us?

Description : content:

Last Answer : A dog's version of kissing is licking and they lick for a number of reasons. Females lick their pups to start them breathing and clean them. All dogs lick to clean themselves. Dogs lick their lips when ... , and love is one of those emotions, I really believe they are kissing us when they lick us.

Why do mama dogs eat their puppies poop?

Description : content:

Last Answer : Mama dogs eat their pups' poop to keep the area they live in clean. The smell can also attract predators which is another reason mama cleans up. She also licks her pups' bottoms to help stimulate them to defecate and urinate. This is normal behavior. It stops once the puppies are weaned.

What does the phrase 'missing the woods for the trees' mean? How did it originate?

Description : What does the phrase 'missing the woods for the trees' mean? How did it originate?

Last Answer : answer:I think it means that we sometime's get caught in all the little, nitpicky, or pointless things in some situations and fail to see the bigger picture. ...sometimes people focus on ... they stepped back and observed the whole situation, they would find the forest they were looking for.

Where does the phrase “I Cross My Heart and Hope to Die” originate from?

Description : Where does the phrase “I Cross My Heart and Hope to Die” originate from?

Last Answer : answer:According to someone on yahoo, it comes from a long poem or prayer back in the 1900, https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100901201717AAUQnEi Wait, someone pointed out that it can't ... . Which is a more current term. Another person says it's just a childhood rhyme. Interesting.

It's common knowledge that 20/20 vision is as good as it gets. But where does this phrase originate?

Description : It's common knowledge that 20/20 vision is as good as it gets. But where does this phrase originate?

Last Answer : answer:20/20 vision 20/40 is worse than 20/20/

Where did the phrase "whatever suits your fancy" originate?

Description : Where did the phrase "whatever suits your fancy" originate?

Last Answer : answer:http://www.blurtit.com/q477317.html All the answer you need.

Where did the phrase we have the right to refuse service originate?

Description : Where did the phrase we have the right to refuse service originate?

Last Answer : Need answer

What do you do on those "dog days" of summer?

Description : What do you do on those "dog days" of summer?

Last Answer : Hanging at home with the dogs, cold drinks, cold food, good book. It’s a bit of a bear keeping the puppy from overplaying and over heating…

What are your favorite and preferably easiest meals during these dog days of summer?

Description : What are your favorite and preferably easiest meals during these dog days of summer?

Last Answer : What about home made pizza? You can buy the bases ready made and top with all sorts of lovely toppings.

What does your first and middle name mean and where did it originate from?

Description : What does your first and middle name mean and where did it originate from?

Last Answer : If you put my first name meaning and my middle name meaning – it’s “The White Cliff of Joy Stone.” Very, very, very English.

Where does it originate and what does the word Dollar mean?

Description : Where does it originate and what does the word Dollar mean?

Last Answer : In 16th c. daler, daller, a. LG. and early mod.Du. daler (mod.Du. daalder), = HG. taler, thaler, recorded by Alberus 1540, along with the full term Joachimstaler, lit. (gulden) of Joachimsthal' ( ... (Kluge). From LG. or HG. taken into other langs. In England before 1600 modified to dollar. (OED)

In 500 Days of Summer, were either of them in love?

Description : In 500 Days of Summer, were either of them in love?

Last Answer : answer:I think neither of them were really in love, and that's the point of the movie. Sam was infatuated with Summer, and in love with the idea of who she was, but he didn't really know her. ... couple falls in love at the end. Those are stories about how we want things to go, not real life.

Do you turn off your air conditioner in your home during the summer if you are going to be gone for a few days?

Description : Do you turn off your air conditioner in your home during the summer if you are going to be gone for a few days?

Last Answer : No. My house is like an oven too….just ask @Vunessuh. XD

Summer is (finally) over; what are the first days of Fall like where you live?

Description : Summer is (finally) over; what are the first days of Fall like where you live?

Last Answer : We’re in a heat wave here in Phoenix, Arizona. Nice Fall temperatures of 110 degrees yesterday and 107 degrees today.

I am really really hot (temperature wise, I'm not that conceited) and am constantly sweating. How can I lower my body heat throughout those toasty summer days?

Description : I am really really hot (temperature wise, I'm not that conceited) and am constantly sweating. How can I lower my body heat throughout those toasty summer days?

Last Answer : Go to the mall.

why during the hot days of summer my geraniums turn yellow and start dying?

Description : why during the hot days of summer my geraniums turn yellow and start dying?

Last Answer : when it got like 95 degrees the plants were dying off.

Jordan is leaving from a small town in Wyoming and hiking through the wilderness to a post where he will spend the summer. The hike will take Jordan six days. One man can only carry enough food and water for four days. Jordan cannot take a mule or any other animal to haul his food and water, because there will be insufficient food and supplies for the animals at his destination.How can Jordan make it to his destination? -Riddles

Description : Jordan is leaving from a small town in Wyoming and hiking through the wilderness to a post where he will spend the summer. The hike will take Jordan six days. One man can only carry enough ... food and supplies for the animals at his destination.How can Jordan make it to his destination? -Riddles

Last Answer : Jordan takes two other hikers with him. Each hiker starts out with a four day supply of food and water. After the first day, the first hiker gives a one day supply to each Jordan and the second ... gives Jordan a four day supply of food and water, and now he has enough to reach his destination.

Jordan is leaving from a small town in Wyoming and hiking through the wilderness to a post where he will spend the summer. The hike will take Jordan six days. One man can only carry enough food and water for four days. Jordan cannot take a mule or any other animal to haul his food and water, because there will be insufficient food and supplies for the animals at his destination. How can Jordan make it to his destination? -Riddles

Description : Jordan is leaving from a small town in Wyoming and hiking through the wilderness to a post where he will spend the summer. The hike will take Jordan six days. One man can only carry enough food ... and supplies for the animals at his destination. How can Jordan make it to his destination? -Riddles

Last Answer : Jordan takes two other hikers with him. Each hiker starts out with a four day supply of food and water. After the first day, the first hiker gives a one day supply to each Jordan and the second ... gives Jordan a four day supply of food and water, and now he has enough to reach his destination.

Why are summer days longer than winter days on earth?

Description : Why are summer days longer than winter days on earth?

Last Answer : This happens because the Earth is tilted 23.4 degrees.This tilt is the reason that days are longer in the summer and shorter in the winter. The hemisphere that's tilted closest to the Sun has the longest, brightest days because it gets more direct light from the Sun's rays.

How to cool your rooms at night in summer days?

Description : How to cool your rooms at night in summer days?

Last Answer : There are so many solutions to keep your room cool at night during summer days. Keep your windows open at day time or use exhaust fans which wash out the heat in the room.

What kind of complement is Strawberry Days in this sentence The city calls its summer festival Strawberry Days.?

Description : What kind of complement is Strawberry Days in this sentence The city calls its summer festival Strawberry Days.?

Last Answer : The longest running celebration in Utah! The festival includes parades, a carnival, pageants and other activities. Although no strawberries are currently grown…

Generally during summer and khurq’ seasons annual plants produce bloom in how many days ? (a) 60 — 70 days (b) 70 —— 80 days (c) 70 — 75 days (d) 50 – 60 days

Description : Generally during summer and khurq’ seasons annual plants produce bloom in how many days ? (a) 60 — 70 days (b) 70 —— 80 days (c) 70 — 75 days (d) 50 – 60 days

Last Answer : (c) 70 — 75 days

Do brussel sprouts originate from Brussels?

Description : Do brussel sprouts originate from Brussels?

Last Answer : Yes. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brussels_sprout

Where and when did the belief that Vikings wore horned helmets originate?

Description : Where and when did the belief that Vikings wore horned helmets originate?

Last Answer : answer:The closest thing to an actual horned helm that comes closest to the Viking area was probably the Vikso Helmet Unfortunately for fans of Hagar the Horrible, it predates the Viking age by over ... of people grow up thinking Vikings wear helmets while they sing about trying to kill the wabbit.

Where does the belief in karma originate from?

Description : Where does the belief in karma originate from?

Last Answer : I always think Buddism was the creator of such. Karma was the centre of their belief anyway. Or did they adapt it from another belief system?

Where did the meme of "the luck of the Irish" originate?

Description : Where did the meme of "the luck of the Irish" originate?

Last Answer : I think Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk was supposed to be Irish. (?) Maybe after being such a dimwit to trade the family cow for magic beans Jacks poor decision ended up bringing him lots of luck ... a wee bit o' the brew this afternoon, but no corned beef and cabbage, Meatloaf and squash. haha

Why do so many strains of bird flu originate in China?

Description : Why do so many strains of bird flu originate in China?

Last Answer : I would assume that it is because their are more chickens, crammed in tight spaces, in China than the rest of the world. Their are over 1 billion Chinese people that need to be fed.

Where does sadness originate?

Description : Where does sadness originate?

Last Answer : Sadness comes from emotional pain of any kind or cause.

Where does the generalization that true artistry arises from morose emotions originate from?

Description : Where does the generalization that true artistry arises from morose emotions originate from?

Last Answer : It’s quite a pretentious cliche isn’t it? True of certain artists certainly, Van Gogh/Beethoven/Dali, but in common with all generalizations, pretty wide of the mark. Conversely, a lot of my comedic heroes hid desolate demons behind the laughter & led a fairly dark existence.

Where did the expression "junk" originate?

Description : Where did the expression "junk" originate?

Last Answer : Junk is also a type of boat….I wonder if that is somehow involved.

Where did this saying originate? (see details)

Description : Where did this saying originate? (see details)

Last Answer : Hmm, I thought I had that answer right around here someplace.