A recent study showed that young children are most vulnerable to dog bites when temperatures outside are high. The study specifically found that there is a correlation between severe dog bites to the head and neck of children and rising temperatures. Out of the eighty-four dog bites that were evaluated, most occurred in the summer months when temperatures were the highest. The evaluation also found that 27% of the 84 bites were caused by family owned dogs. It was unknown why there was such a jump in the number of dog bites in the summer months but two suggestions were that children spend more time outside with dogs during the summer and/or that dogs are more uncomfortable and, therefore, more aggressive when it is hot outside.
Obviously, this study should concern all parents in South Florida (especially Miami and Fort Lauderdale) where it is hot all year round. As we have previously reported, it is extremely important that parents talk to their children about the correct ways to interact with dogs including staying away from them when they are eating and not pulling their ears or tails and provoking them into biting.
For a free consultation regarding your dog bite case, please contact The Citron Law Firm toll free at 877-550-4LAW.
