Hot, sticky summers on the East Coast are more than uncomfortable. They also increase your risk of dog bites. We explore why there are more dog bites on hot days and what to do if you or someone you know is attacked by a dog.
Environmental Impact On Dog Behavior
Recent research from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School shows that dogs are more likely to bite in certain environments.
For example, the study revealed that dog bites increased:
- 3% on days with high ozone pollution
- 4% on days with higher temps
- 11% on days with more UV radiation
This means that the more ozone and UV exposure there is, the higher the chances are that a dog will bite. While not exclusive to warm weather, these conditions often occur together in the summer.
Why Heat Affects Dogs Differently
Dogs are affected by extreme temperatures just like humans are. However, they have fewer ways to cool themselves down.
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs only sweat in some areas of their bodies. While they can sweat through their paw pads via the merocrine glands, their primary method of cooling down is by panting.
Due to the inability to manage high internal body temperatures easily, excessive heat can lower a dog’s threshold for stress. This likely explains why dog bites are more common on hotter days.
How To Protect Against Summer Dog Bites
The most important predictor of dog bites isn’t the weather – it’s behavior. Health status also plays a role. Dogs that are poorly trained or sick are more likely to attack, especially if provoked. Here are some easy ways to help protect yourself against summer dog bites:
- Avoid stray and unrestrained dogs. This is a good rule to follow regardless, but it’s particularly important in the summer when dogs are more likely to be hot and grumpy.
- If you have a dog, keep them inside on hot days. Even family dogs can bite or attack when they are uncomfortable. If your dog needs to be outdoors, they should have access to lots of shade and plenty of water. Keep time outside on very hot or sunny days as limited as possible.
- Be aware of stress signals. Dogs almost always display signs of stress before they attack. Learning to recognize these signals can help you defuse the situation before the dog bites. For example, a dog that yawns and looks away probably isn’t tired – it’s likely an indication they’re uncomfortable.
- Don’t make eye contact. This challenges a dog and invites them to fight. When you’re the one to break eye contact, it shows the animal that you’re not a threat and reduces the odds of an attack. Then, you can begin to back away slowly and disengage with the dog.
- Teach children not to approach or touch dogs they don’t know. Children are more vulnerable to serious injury when bitten, so it’s crucial to spend time showing them how to safely interact. Never leave a child alone with a dog, even if it’s your own pet. This significantly increases the risk that an attack will happen, regardless of whether or not the dog knows the child.
What to Do If You Or Someone You Know Is Attacked by a Dog
If you or someone you know is attacked by a dog, the next steps you take are critical. Getting medical care right away is key for several reasons.
Not only do you need to make sure the wound isn’t serious or infected, you need to establish medical records as soon as possible after the attack. These can help prove your case if you decide to pursue a dog bite claim. You should also get preventative rabies treatment if you don’t know the status of the animal that bit you.
Next, you’ll want to gather evidence of what happened. If the attack occurred in a public space, ask nearby shop owners or witnesses for copies of any video that may have been recorded. It’s also important to get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the attack and is willing to offer a statement.
In both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, dog owners have strict liability for the actions of their pets. You don’t have to prove that the owner knew the dog was violent or was negligent in its care to hold them responsible for the harm their animal caused. If a dog bites someone, their owner is automatically on the hook.
When to Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer
Being bitten by a dog can turn your life upside down in moments. That’s why the experienced personal injury attorneys at Mazow | McCullough, PC are dedicated to helping dog bite victims and their families get the justice they deserve after a dog attack.
Call today at (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084 to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more about your legal options. Or, contact us using our quick online form and we’ll get back to you right away.
