Dog bites may seem like they’ll only happen in the summer or when strays might be on the loose, but the reality is that they can happen at any time. In fact, many dog bites happen during holidays.
There are a few reasons why dogs are more prone to bite during holidays. For instance, on Halloween, people dress up and may not look the same to a pet. Their scents may be masked, which also changes what the pet perceives. This can lead to fear, aggression and a bite. Additionally, trick-or-treating children come onto the property, so a dog that is territorial may be prone to biting.
Another holiday that could end with a dog-bite incident is Thanksgiving. During this day, there is a lot of food present. Some dogs are food aggressive, so they could lash out at anyone who tries to take any form of food from them.
These are just two examples of how holidays can change the behaviors of your pet or the pets others own. To be safe, it is always a good idea to put the pet in a separate room or area of the home while eating or visiting with new guests. Once you know how your pet reacts in these situations, it’s safer to allow them to be present.
If a pet attacks you, remember that you can seek a claim against the owner. There is no excuse for allowing a pet to attack another person; there are ways to prevent it, and homeowners need to be sure to protect their guests.