We’ve complained about the heat as far back as clay tablets record. Long ago someone realized it got hot when Alpha Canis Majoris, the Star Sirius, rose in the sky and they blamed it on the Dog. How convenient. Dictionary.com has as good examples as any as to why it’s called the “Dog Days of Summer.”

There are ways to keep the Dog leashed to a degree. If you want some easy ways to cheat the heat, here are five tips to help you cool down your house Dog!  

1. Open the windows at night and close them in the morning.

Sounds easy and yeah free! These might not be secrets of the ages, but they can be "Oh Duh! Forgot that because I'm hot" helpful. Not every living abode in Missoula or Montana has air conditioning. Until fairly recently most were built without them.

 2. Pull the curtains closed.

Photo:Brian Lee
Photo: Brian Lee
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It’s easier to keep the sunlight’s heat out rather than trying to make it go away later. The darker the better, because sometimes you get a shade that makes the kid's dolls look creepy. Just saying.

3. Run all the electronic stuff early or late evening.

Washers & Dryers, TVs you aren't watching, and turn off unnecessary lighting. It cuts down the heat of course and helps with the power bills! Both Missoula Electric Cooperative and Ravalli Electric Quick Tips have some great info to help you live more efficiently and comfortably.

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4. Outdoor blinds. Of some kind.

Photo: Brian Lee
Photo: Brian Lee
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You can buy various examples from woven reed to plastic sailcloth. Bed sheets your roommate left on the floor or grab at the thrift store work too. Whatever blocks your rays, Kay! Make it work and fit the budget.

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5. Eat and drink cool things!

Photo: Brian Lee
Photo: Brian Lee
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OK, not a great choice, you could eat hot chili peppers and wear snow boots to trick yourself into thinking it’s not THAT warm out. See how many frozen treats you can down before you contract a Missoula Dog Days of Summer brain freeze.

EXTRA PRO TIP!

Watch sticking your hand into the mailbox when it's in full sun and 103 degrees.

Photo:Brian Lee
Photo: Brian Lee
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It smelled a bit like hotdogs for a second and I had to use some of the frozen treats to cool down the digits! I believe it is how early settlers baked bread before Dutch Ovens became all the rave. Well, fall is almost here.

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