"Dog days" typically refers to the hottest and most humid days of summer, usually occurring in July and August in the Northern Hemisphere. The term comes from the ancient belief that the hot weather was caused by the Dog Star (Sirius) rising with the sun.

Some common uses and associations with "dog days" include:

1. The period from early July to mid-August in the summer months

2. A time of lethargy or inactivity due to the heat

3. A phase in a process when things seem to slow down or become less productive

4. In some contexts, it can refer to a period of decline or difficulty for an organization or industry

5. In astronomy, the period when Sirius (the Dog Star) rises and sets with the Sun

The phrase is often used colloquially to describe the sweltering heat of mid-summer, especially in regions with hot summers. It's worth noting that the exact dates can vary depending on latitude and local climate conditions.