The warmer summer temperatures in San Diego county make outdoor activity super inviting, but did you know that warmer temperatures also correlate to an increased incidence of dog bites?
According to a study published in the journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the incidence of dog bites increases with higher summer temperatures. The study was conducted over an 8 year period and evaluated the occurrence of dog bites in children.
While the exact reason is unknown, the study authors suggest that it may be a combination of two factors, an increased number of children playing outside, and an increase in the irritability of dogs due to heat.
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Spay or neuter your dog. This will help reduce your dog’s desire to roam and fight with other dogs.
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Socialize your dog. Introduce your pet to many different situations, people, and dogs. This will help reduce anxiety which can cause your dog to snap or bite.
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Keep your dog restrained. When in public, use a leash. Make sure your yard is well secured and take care when you open doors or gates so the dog does not escape.
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Get your dog trained. Dog training is a great way to learn techniques that will help you keep your dog under control and safe from harm. It will also help in high stress situations when a bite might be most likely to occur. It also helps by providing a time of socialization with other dogs and owners.
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Avoid putting your pet in a high stress situation. If your pet is afraid of loud noises, crowds, or small children, help by introducing it to those things under controlled circumstances or removing them from the situation if needed.
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Avoid temptations. Think of situations from your pet’s perspective. Normal outdoor human activities can look inviting to your pet and lead to confusion and frustration, and possibly a bite. Choose quieter places with less activity and work up to busy public places.
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Help your pet stay cool. It’s no secret that summer temperatures can get the best of anyone and cause some irritability, and the same could be true for your dog.
There is no way to guarantee that your dog will never bite. But you can reduce the risk of dog bites by following these simple steps in dog-bite prevention.
