There is no set time of the year that a Connecticut dog bite may occur because pets, like dogs, are unpredictable and can strike at any time. However, there are certain circumstances that may lead a dog to be less forgiving and present a greater chance that you may get bitten unexpectedly and wind up being injured.
Like humans, dogs have all different kinds of personalities and some love the cold weather and others can’t wait to get out and run on a warm summer day. It is for this reason that you should always be aware of the conditions surrounding the dog you are interacting with and be sure that you are taking safety precautions to avoid any unexpected advances by the dog that may lead to a bite or an injury for you as the human.
One thing you can be aware of is how the changes in weather can affect a dog in certain ways. While these changes will not affect all dogs, they are likely to have an impact on most dogs and if you are aware of them you will be able to avoid putting yourself in a situation where a dog is already struggling with discomfort and by approaching the animal you can exacerbate the situation and put both you and the dog in a precarious situation.
The winter months with extreme weather conditions can lead dogs to experience a certain level of discomfort. Some of the discomforts that come from dogs experiencing the winter weather include things like the following;
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Just like a human who can experience cracking and splitting skin due to the dryness in the air during the winter months, so can dogs. Many dogs experience pain in their paws due to this dryness and splitting of their skin and pads around their paws. This discomfort can lead to dogs being more sensitive to touch around those areas and also to dogs becoming more aggressive in protecting themselves against any other perceived dangers that could put them in more pain.
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Energy can also become an issue for dogs when the weather gets cold. Often dogs who are faced with extreme temperatures will feel a sense of decreased mobility which can leave them vulnerable to advances from human beings. This vulnerability can make them react in a more defensive manner than they otherwise would under normal temperatures.
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It can be difficult for humans to get their dogs out in the winter time to get exercise and those dogs that need an abundance of exercise may feel this pent up energy and convert it into a sort of rage. When the energy is released in a non-productive way a dog may be more likely to get aggressive with any humans within reach.
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Being in a confined space during the winter months can lead to increased anxiety and defensiveness by a dog. These behaviors are a recipe for a dog lashing out and biting a human who is nearby. While it can be challenging during the winter months to get dogs out of the house it is important so they do not begin to feel closed in.
The winter months can be challenging for people and dogs. Just like humans dogs can experience changes in moods and behaviors as a result of the weather conditions that we are experiencing. It is for this reason that you should continue to be cautious around these animals so you can make sure to avoid experiencing a Connecticut dog bite injury as the result of your interactions with a cooped up dog.
As is the case with many injuries that result from an accident, these types of injuries vary in significance and severity. In order to have your long-term interests protected you will need to speak with an attorney who has experience with these types of injuries. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will speak with you about your particular situation.
