Dog Days of Summer

Cover image of a dog snoozing on a brightly colored towel with white text "dog days"

“Dog Days of Summer” describes the excessively hot and humid period of summer, between July 3rd and August 11th each year. It’s important to be careful with both the heat and humidity.

All I can say is… It’s the middle of July and it’s doggone hot out there!

Summer can be the best time of the year to get outdoors to do all kinds of fun activities such as exercising, picnics, swimming, gardening, and so much more. However, the combination of both heat and humidity can also bring many risks. There are a few serious health concerns that can happen if we don’t play it safe in the sun.

Photosensitivity

First, did you know that some medications can cause extra sensitivity to the sun? Some medicines contain ingredients that may cause photosensitivity (a chemically induced change in the skin). Listed below are just a few medications that cause this sensitivity to the sun. Always be sure to check with your physician or pharmacist about the medications prescribed for you.

Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim)
Antifungals (flucytosine, griseofulvin, voriconazole)
Antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, promethazine, cyproheptadine)
Cholesterol lowering drugs (simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin)
Diuretics (thiazide diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide.; other diuretics: furosemide and triamterene)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, piroxicam, ketoprofen)

Heat Exhaustion

Second, there is the risk of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can be the result of your body overheating from high weather temperatures. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion may develop suddenly or over time. These can include:

Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
Heavy sweating
Faintness
Dizziness
Fatigue
Weak, rapid pulse
Low blood pressure upon standing
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Headache

Photo of a young Caucasian woman wearing a yellow shirt. She is out in the glaring sunlight holding a towel over her head like she doesn't feel good, a red caution symbol is next to her on the image.

Heat Stroke

Thirdly, heat stroke can be the most serious of health concerns. It requires immediate medical care. Heat stroke, also called sun stroke, is a serious, potentially life-threatening form of heat illness. It results from prolonged exposure to, or physical exertion in, high temperatures. The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat stroke symptoms can include:

Confusion, agitation, and slurred speech
Irritability, delirium, and seizures
Your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch
You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit
Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases
Rapid breathing
Headache

Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Act fast. Call 911
It could mean the difference between life and death.

Photo of an elderly Caucasian man with gray hair and beard wearing a yellow shirt. He is out in the glaring sunlight with a towel around his neck and his hand is on his head and chest like he doesn't feel good, a red caution symbol is next to him on the image.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are preventable!

Helpful Tips

Check out these tips that will help you enjoy summer and stay safe:

Protect yourself against sunburn. Always apply sunscreen. Sunburn can affect your body’s ability to cool itself.

Stay hydrated. It will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.

Check with doctor or pharmacist about the medications prescribed for you. Some prescribed medications can affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

Never sit in a hot car. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes.

Avoid strenuous activity in hot weather. If you must go out, try to plan activities in early morning or evening when it is cooler outside. Limit your sun time, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

An elderly man spraying sunscreen on with a graphic that shows a bottle of sunscreen "Don't skimp on sunscreen."

The CDC developed a helpful resource on Heat Related Illnesses, what to look for and what to do. Click here to view and/or download the poster.

Summer is such a beautiful time of the year and gives us so many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Let’s be sure we’re taking precautions to make the most of summer while beating the heat.