While all seasons present risks for those who are interacting with dogs, heat is an irritating factor that can lead to higher risks for Connecticut dog bite injuries. As the temperatures begin to warm it is important to keep a close eye on our K9 friends who may be experiencing discomfort and irritability which could lead to being out of sorts and cause injuries or fatalities.
There are many reasons why a dog may get irritable in the warmer weather. The good news is there are a number of ways we can help dogs be more comfortable as the weather warms and keep them from getting into situations where they will cause harm to others around them.
As the dog owner you can do a number of the following things to make sure your dog is not presenting a risk.
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Keep your dog hydrated. As the weather warms dogs will require more water than usual. Your dog's water bowl around the house should be full of clean and fresh water. If you are taking a walk with your dog, make sure to bring water with you and stop frequently to allow your dog to get a drink of water. While you may be able to go a long time without water, your dog may not be able to keep up with you on that front. A well-hydrated dog is a happy dog.
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Protect your dog’s pads. Try to think about how you would feel if you were walking around with bare feet on hot pavement all day long with no break in between. Now you know how your dog is feeling as the temperatures warm. Your dog’s pads are directly touching hot pavement all day long and if you’re not careful with her/him you may end up causing burns on her/his pads and this could not only injure your pet it may also make her/him more likely to cause harm to others who are nearby.
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Give your dog a break. Dogs don’t always like to be around people. It is a common misconception that all dogs are “man’s best friend.” In fact, some dogs, especially ones that are uncomfortable are often more irritable and get increasingly so as the temperatures rise. If you sense your dog is uncomfortable make sure to pull her/him out of the situation and allow some time for rest and recharging away from other people.
Your dog may not always act like a human, but as the temperature rises she/he may exhibit human-like tendencies like becoming irritable with things that sometimes are not that irritating under normal circumstances. If, as a dog’s owner, you’re not paying attention to this irritability you may be setting your dog up for interactions that could lead to a Connecticut dog bite injury which could not only cause serious injury or death, but could also result in punishment for your furry friend.
Dog bite injuries can often be complicated and it is essential that you have an attorney with tremendous experience in dealing with this type of injury. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will reach out and speak with you about your particular situation and how you can work together to protect your long-term interests.
