2023-06-17 09:45:00
Dogs
According to a recently published article in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’, dogs bite more when it’s hot and air pollution levels are high. Bites increase by up to 11%, as warmer weather and higher air pollution levels are associated with increased aggression.
Why do dogs bite more when it’s hot?
To carry out the study, researchers at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston (United States) analyzed data on dog bites in eight US cities (New York, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Louisville, Dallas, and Houston) between 2009 and 2018. In total, they studied 69,525 reported dog bites, with an average of three bites a day for ten years.
The authors examined the relationship between daily levels of fine particles, ozone and temperature and rates of dog bites. They also analyzed the levels of precipitation and UV. This is how they found that dog bites increased by 11% on days with higher UV levels, 4% on days with high temperatures, and 3% on days with higher ozone levels.
While, the incidence of dog bites decreased by 1% on days with more precipitation. However, the researchers point out that the bite records did not include information such as race or gender. In addition, they did not have information on what had been the previous interactions between the animal and the victim of the bite.
Based on these data, the authors indicate that they broaden the Association between temperatures and higher levels of air pollution and aggressiveness. However, more research is needed in this regard.
Causes
It is also interesting to analyze what are the reasons why dogs bite. The first thing to keep in mind is that these can have serious consequences due to the transmission of zoonotic diseases such as rabies.
In regards to the danger of the biteIt largely depends on the size of the animal. Large dogs have more developed jaws and more musculature in the neck, plus stronger teeth.
Dogs don’t usually attack for no reason., but it is a very clear sign that something is not right. It is essential to understand their language to know what is happening. Before biting, dogs tend to be tense, with their hair standing on end and their teeth bared. Then they growl and finally bite.
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