Summer is a season of celebration. There are graduations, holidays and parties to attend, not to mention the carefree attitude of everyone once the temperature gets above 80 degrees. Unfortunately, though, summer is also the season of dog bites. Dog bites and attacks increase every summer like clockwork. Scientists still don’t have confirmation of why dog aggression increases in the summertime, but there are a few theories.
The Not So Great Outdoors
Like humans, dogs spend more time outside in the summer months. While the outdoors might be their natural habitat, dogs can become distracted, over excited or even aggressive when outside. Add in hot temperatures that can irritate pups, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. This is all exacerbated by the fact that children are more likely to be outside this time of year, too. The combination can be violent.
New Environments, New Challenges
Our society has become more and more accepting of dogs in places that are normally reserved for human patronage. Coffee shops, breweries and restaurants are just a few of the spots now considered to be dog-friendly. Warm weather brings folks out to these places in droves, and it’s natural to want to bring Fido along with you. Unfortunately, though, even the best trained dogs can become overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sights and smells in a new environment. Given that there may be other dogs nearby, it’s easy to understand how some canines become irritable and lash out violently.
Keep these in mind the next time you spot a dog out in public, especially during the summer!
Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has helped victims of personal injuries for over 30 years. If you were attacked by a dog because of someone else’s negligence, contact us for a free consultation.
