Why your dog might be grumpy on hot, sunny days

Does it surprise you to know that the risk of being bitten by a dog is higher on hot, sunny, and smoggy days?

We all know that heat can make anyone a little irritable, in fact humans commit more violent crimes when temperature and air pollution is higher. But new research suggests that our furry friends might also be feeling the heat more than we thought.

A recent study analysed 69,525 dog bite incidents reported to U.S. authorities and found that higher ozone levels, temperatures, and UV radiation were associated with an increase in dog bite rates. It seems that when the temperature rises, so does the potential for trouble.

But why? While we can’t definitively say, there are a few theories.

Heat stress can make both humans and animals more agitated and irritable. Dogs, like us, can become uncomfortable and stressed in extreme weather conditions. When it's scorching outside, their bodies work hard to cool down. This can lead to dehydration, discomfort, and aggression. Overheated dogs may be more likely to snap if they feel threatened or provoked.

Sunlight, too, plays a role. While we humans might enjoy basking in the sun, it can be overwhelming for dogs. Intense UV rays can irritate their eyes and skin, making them more sensitive and prone to overreaction.

Finally, air pollution, particularly ozone, has been linked to increased dog bite incidents. While the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, it's possible that pollutants irritate dogs' respiratory systems, affect the brain chemistry of dogs and triggering an instinctual response to behave defensively.

Additionally, as more people tend to be outdoors on pleasant days, this increases the chances of interactions between dogs and humans, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

So, what can we do to prevent dog bites? According to prior studies, most dog bites arise from a dog known to the victim, and most bites are related to interacting or attempting to interact with the dog. So, first and foremost, always respect a dog’s personal space.

On hot days, keep dogs hydrated and avoid overexerting them. And if you see signs of aggression in a dog, give them plenty of space.

It's important to remember that not all dogs will react negatively to these conditions. Other things like breed, training, and individual temperament also play a role in a dog’s behaviour. However, the data suggests that these factors can increase the overall risk of dog bites.

As dog bites represent 0.3% of all emergency department visits in the U.S., and are a source of cosmetic disfigurement, trauma, finger amputation and occasional severe facial injury and fatality, understanding how environmental conditions can influence canine aggression, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our furry friends.

Better to be safe than sorry.

Source:

Dey, T., Zanobetti, A., and Linnman, C. (2023). The risk of being bitten by a dog is higher on hot, sunny, and smoggy days. Scientific Reports, 13(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-35115-6.

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