These are the dog days of summer. We know this because Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest is today at Coney Island, N.Y.

This gluttonous pastime makes no sense. Never has. But I’ll watch once again in horrific fascination (noon, ESPN3; 3 p.m. tape delay ESPN).

Why anyone would want to stuff a truckload of wienies into their belly is beyond belief. I’m usually good for two. Maybe three if sliced and mixed with baked beans.

Joey “Jaws” Chestnut can do 68 dogs — and buns — in 10 minutes. Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas has wolfed 41. Those are world-record numbers.

They’re also on top of Nathan’s leaderboard. Chestnut is a five-time winner, Thomas the defending women’s champ.

Just as amazing, “Jaws” weighs 210 pounds. The Korean-born “Widow” is a svelte 100. That doesn’t make sense, either.

An estimated 40,000 spectators will relish the opportunity to witness a long shot pushing these favorites to their wacky limits. I am not alone in my interest.

In the grand scheme of pretend sporting events, this ranks somewhere below a pregame warm-up. Yet, it endures. This will be the 97th version of Nathan’s most guilty pleasure.

We’re big on tradition. We love to be entertained. But this likely comes with a cost. I wouldn’t wish a stomachache like these participants probably endure on anyone.

I’m guessing they all practice, too.

Gulp.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton@coxohio.com.