Summer should be a time of fun and relaxation, but unfortunately, it’s also when dog bite injuries happen most often. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog during summer vacation, you’re not alone. Understanding why these attacks increase during warmer months can help you stay safe and know your legal rights if an incident occurs.
Statistics show that dog bites spike dramatically during summer vacation months, with children being the most common victims. The combination of school breaks, outdoor activities, and increased interaction between people and pets creates the perfect storm for these preventable accidents.
More Time Outdoors Means More Encounters
Summer vacation brings families outside for longer periods, increasing the chances of encountering dogs in neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. Children spend more time playing in yards, walking to friends’ houses, and participating in outdoor activities where they might meet unfamiliar dogs. This increased exposure naturally leads to more opportunities for dog bite incidents.
The warm weather also means more dogs are outside with their owners, whether on walks, at dog parks, or in backyards. When dogs spend more time outdoors, they may become more territorial about their space or more reactive to strangers passing by. This combination of more people and more dogs sharing outdoor spaces creates situations where bites are more likely to happen.
Dogs Experience More Stress During Summer
The summer heat affects dogs just like it affects people, often making them more irritable and prone to aggressive behavior. Dogs can become overheated, dehydrated, and uncomfortable, which may cause them to snap or bite when they normally wouldn’t. Hot pavement, crowded spaces, and disrupted routines during family vacations can all contribute to a dog’s stress levels.
Summer also brings fireworks, thunderstorms, and other loud noises that can frighten dogs and make them more unpredictable. A normally calm dog might become aggressive when scared or anxious. Additionally, many families travel with their pets during summer, placing dogs in unfamiliar environments where they may feel the need to protect their territory or family members more aggressively.
Increased Social Gatherings and Parties
Summer is the peak season for backyard barbecues, pool parties, and family gatherings where dogs and unfamiliar people mix together. These social events can overwhelm dogs who aren’t used to crowds or strangers in their territory. Food, excitement, and multiple conversations can create chaotic environments that stress even well-trained dogs.
Children at these gatherings often run around, play games, and make sudden movements that can trigger a dog’s prey drive or startle them into defensive behavior. When dogs feel cornered or overwhelmed by too many people, especially excited children, they may bite as their way of creating space and feeling safe again.
What to Do If a Dog Bites You or Your Child
If a dog bite occurs, your immediate priority should be getting medical attention, even for what seems like a minor injury. Dog bites can cause serious infections, nerve damage, and scarring that may not be apparent right away. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek professional medical care to prevent complications.
Document everything about the incident, including taking photos of the injuries, getting the dog owner’s contact information, and finding out if the dog’s vaccinations are current. Report the bite to local animal control authorities, as this creates an official record that may be important later. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses related to the injury.
Understanding Legal Responsibility
In New Mexico, dog owners are generally responsible for injuries their pets cause, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggressive behavior before. This means you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, missed work, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from a dog bite attack.
Property owners can also be held responsible if they knew a dangerous dog was on their property and failed to take reasonable steps to protect visitors. This is especially important during summer gatherings where homeowners invite guests to their property where aggressive dogs might be present.
Why Children’s Cases Are Different
Dog bite cases involving children often result in more serious injuries and higher compensation amounts. Children’s smaller size makes them more vulnerable to severe injuries, especially to the face and head area. These injuries may require multiple surgeries, leave permanent scarring, or cause lasting psychological trauma.
Courts recognize that dog bite injuries can affect a child’s development, self-esteem, and future opportunities. Compensation in children’s cases often includes money for future medical care, therapy to address emotional trauma, and the long-term impact of scarring or disfigurement on the child’s life.
Preventing Summer Dog Bite Injuries
The best way to avoid dog bite injuries is prevention through education and awareness. Teach children never to approach unfamiliar dogs, even if they seem friendly, and always ask the owner’s permission before petting any dog. Children should avoid running past dogs, making sudden movements, or disturbing dogs while they’re eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
If confronted by an aggressive dog, teach children to remain calm, avoid eye contact, and back away slowly without turning their back on the animal. They should never run, scream, or make sudden movements that might trigger the dog’s chase instinct.
Getting Help After a Dog Bite
Dog bite injuries can result in expensive medical bills, time off work for parents, and lasting emotional trauma for victims. Insurance companies often try to minimize these claims or blame the victim for provoking the attack. Having experienced legal representation ensures your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
Don’t let a dog bite incident ruin your family’s summer or create financial hardship on top of physical and emotional injuries. Contact Dominguez Law today for your free consultation. Call us at (505) 850-5854 or fill out our online contact form. We’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve – and you don’t pay unless we win your case.
