Dogs are dragging their leash-mates to Solomons this weekend.

At Maertens on the Island’s third annual Dog Day Afternoon two- and four-legged visitors enjoy refreshments, contests and fun all while browsing the store all weekend, from Friday. Aug. 22 through Sunday, Aug. 24. Guest jeweler David Grant shows some 150 lifelike dog charms in both 14- and 18-carat gold depicting in 3-D all AKC-recognized breeds.

Dogs get more recognition, with prizes for Best Dressed, Tiniest and Largest — and Dog with the Best Trick.

Sunday dogs and dog lovers brunch at Breakfast at Sniffany’s hosted by Maertens on the Island and Kim’s Key Lime Pies on Solomons Pier from 10am to 1pm. Proceeds benefit local animal rescue groups: 410-394-3990.

Every dog will have a day this fall, thanks to dogs’ best friends in Chesapeake Country.

In Anne Arundel County, keep Fido clean with the county SPCA’s Dog Wash on Sept. 6. Raise money for the shelter and avoid a splashing as SPCA volunteers scrub your dog between 11am and 4pm. Bring dog and towel to the shelter, 1815 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis: 410-268-4388; www.aacspca.org.

Later in the month, wish Anne Arundel’s SPCA a happy birthday at a two- and four-legged party at 1pm September 28. Mingle with shelter workers, meet members of purebred rescue groups and share pizza and birthday cake with your pooch.

Dust off your formal wear for the SPCA’s Puttin’ on the Dog Oct. 25 at Annapolis’ Westin Hotel. Join honorary chairs Bob and Kendel Ehrlich to raise money for the SPCA while feasting on a five-star dinner and dancing to Radio City.

In Calvert County, buy or sell at Calvert Animal Welfare League’s Aug. 30 yard sale, 1040 Theater Drive in Prince Frederick (across from the Maryland VEIP station): 410-535-9300; www.cawl.us. The sale benefits the League’s rescue and spay/neuter programs.

On the latter front, there’s big news, as the League joins with Patuxent Animal Welfare Society to open Calvert County Spay/Neuter Clinic at the beginning of next year. To be located in the League shelter, the Clinic has a long wish list. Needed people include paid office manager, volunteer techs, clerks and pet handlers. Construction projects: Building a surgery. Equipment: pet cages, an operating room table, light, autoclave, furniture.

Run for fun and furry friends at the Humane Society of Calvert County’s Sixth Annual Pet Day 5K Sept. 20. Dogs and their humans race through Solomons Island starting at 8:30am. Lazy dogs cheer from the sidelines and feast on people and dog food: 410-257-4908; www.humanesocietyofcalvertcounty.org.

To support the Humane Society in its work, raise a glass with your favorite canine at the annual Merlot 4 Mutts fundraiser Oct. 11 at Fridays Creek Winery.

It’s summer in October at the Tiki Bar in Solomons’ annual Halloween Bash 9pm Oct. 18, dedicated this year to Calvert’s Humane Society. Raising money for tri-county children’s charities, dogs and people arrive in costume to feast and shake their tails to live music. rsvp; $25: [email protected].

Like teen girls at a Hannah Montana concert, dogs are going wild for Songs to Make Dogs Happy! (www.petcds.com).

Created in L.A. by Laurel Canyon Animal Company (the first of pet-friendly record label), Songs to Make Dogs Happy! is the premiere musical CD for dogs.

Laurel Canyon teamed with Intuitive Animal Communicator Dr. Kim Ogden, who questioned over 250 dogs about their musical preferences in a two-year study.

The music and lyrics created for the album reflect the tunes pups responded to best.

Dogs’ ears perk up at the entertaining and rehabilitative tunes. The album claims it’s proven to help ease separation anxiety and is played in shelters to calm dogs, in cross-country rescue organizations and by veterinarians to alleviate stress of dogs recovering from surgery.

Inspired by Jimmy Buffett island-style music, songs like “Squeaky Deaky” and “I’m Your Doggie” include unconventional noises like barking and the squeak of a chew toy …

Almost three-fourths of American dog owners travel with their dogs, according to the Travel Industry Association of America.

For many four-legged travelers, dehydration is a serious risk. If you’d rather not share your water bottle with your traveling companion, try Wizard Industries’ Pocket Pet Oasis. The easy-to-inflate bowl collapses for storage and attaches to a dog leash or belt. The bowl sells for $9.24: www.pocketpetoasis.com …