It’s Spring: Birds Singing, Bees Buzzing, and Dogs Biting

Spring. It’s time to emerge from our houses, shake off the cold, and get down to enjoying time outdoors. We spent months cooped up in our houses trying to avoid inclement weather. Many of us have even come down with a case of cabin fever. The birds are singing and the bees are buzzing. Unfortunately, the dogs are biting.

What’s that you say? Dogs who bite don’t care what time of year it is. While that is true, statistics show that dog bites rise as the weather takes a turn for the better.

When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. When the weather turns warm again, more dogs are out and about. Not only are kept dogs being walked by their owners, but stray dogs are more active. People and dogs come into contact more during warm-weather months.

Loose dogs are among those that bite the most. Dogs become loose when people leave gates open, the animals jump fences in pursuit of smaller animals, and pets sneak out of doors, among other reasons.

It is important that anyone outside be aware of their surroundings. If a loose dog is approaching, seek shelter or higher ground whenever possible. Do not assume that any dog is friendly – you are quite simply putting yourself in harm’s way.

Dog owners should take care to make sure that their dogs are properly licensed. Vaccinations should be updated if they have been allowed to lapse. Pets should be kept contained in fences that are adequate. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, schedule the surgery with your veterinarian. Dogs who are “fixed” are less likely to roam.

Children are most at risk for dog bites. Teach your children to stop and freeze when approached by a strange dog. If a dog attacks, your child should curl into a ball and protect their head with their arms. Children are simply not able to outrun a dog.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you are entitled to compensation. This holds true whether you were on or off of your property. Contact our offices immediately so that we can review the details of your case. Our experienced attorneys are here to get you everything that you deserve, up to and including compensation for any medical expenses you incurred as a result of the bite. Call us now.