A 2009 study found that dogs are more likely to bite during the summer. Pediatricians from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences analyzed 84 cases of dog bites in children under 19 years of age. They found that dog bite incidents increase as the weather warms up.

Dogs being out in the sun and in hotter enviroments are one reason dog bites increase in summer. Another contributing factor is summer vacation. During the summer, children are out of school and routines change. A dog that is used to a quiet yard in the morning may become stressed by the intrusion of noisy children.

Young children are especially at risk of dog bites because they are unable to recognize the signs that a dog is losing patience.

Dog owners can take steps to prevent summer dog bites. Here are seven tips from the experienced team of lawyers at Hupy and Abraham:

  1. When you’re hot, assume your dog is hot. Give your dog plenty of water and provide shade where your dog can rest.
  2. Give your dog a safe place to hide from over-stimulation. Make that place off limit to children.
  3. Never leave your dog tied up in the hot sun.
  4. Children should not be left alone with a dog, even a family dog. Family dogs are responsible for 27 percent of dog bite injuries.
  5. Always make sure that a responsible adult supervises children who are playing near a dog.
  6. Do not allow children to walk a dog without an adult. Children who walk dogs should be supervised.
  7. Don't let your dog enter areas such as playgrounds that are specifically for children.
  8. If you are having a summer party, consider your dog's needs during the event.

Remember, young children often become dog bite victims because they are not capable of recognizing the signs of danger. If your son or daughter is injured by a dog, the child is not to blame. Dog owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of others. A dog owner who does not take proper steps to ensure public safety can be held liable for the injuries their canine causes to others. To learn more, or to discuss your own dog bite injury claim, contact Hupy and Abraham at 888-277-4879 and ask to schedule a free consultation with a Madison dog bite lawyer.

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.