Do Dog Bites Increase During the Summer in LA?

Yes, dog bites do increase during the summer in Los Angeles. Long, sunny days mean more people outside walking their pets, gathering in parks, and visiting crowded community spaces. At the same time, dogs are more likely to become restless or irritable in the heat. These factors create a noticeable rise in dog bite incidents during warmer months.

A single bite can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, from painful puncture wounds to infections that may require medical treatment or even surgery. For victims, the experience is often frightening, overwhelming, and even life-disrupting. That’s why it’s important to know where to turn for help.

At The Barnes Firm, our experienced Los Angeles dog bite lawyers are committed to helping our clients get the best result possible after an attack. Contact our trusted San Diego personal injury lawyers to provide compassionate, accessible support 24/7 for dog bite victims and their families.

Why Summer Leads to More Dog Bite Incidents in Los Angeles

The rise of dog bites during summer is no coincidence. Warmer weather in Los Angeles brings together a mix of environmental and behavioral factors that increase the likelihood of unfortunate encounters. From packed parks to overheated pets, these conditions create an environment where dog bite incidents are more likely to occur.

• Increased Outdoor Activities: Longer days and sunny skies encourage families to spend more time outdoors. With more people and pets in shared spaces, the chance of unexpected interactions and bites increases.
• Heat Aggression: Just like people, dogs can become irritable in extreme heat. Elevated temperatures may heighten dogs’ stress levels and lower their tolerance, making them more prone to snapping when approached.
• Vacation Travel: Summer is a peak time for travel, meaning dogs are often introduced to new environments, such as a pet sitter’s home or crowded public spaces. These changes can trigger anxiety and unpredictable behavior.
• Children Out of School: With children home for the summer, there are more opportunities for kids to interact with unfamiliar pets. Children may not always recognize warning signs of canine discomfort, making them especially vulnerable to bites.
• Overcrowded Public Spaces: Summer festivals, beaches, and community events often bring large groups of people together with their pets. The overstimulation of noise, crowds, and other dogs can create a tense atmosphere that leads to aggressive behavior.

Taken together, these factors make summertime in Los Angeles a higher-risk season for dog bites. Staying alert and taking preventative measures is essential, but if you or a loved one has already been harmed, the attorneys at The Barnes Firm are here to help. Reach out to one of our numerous locations across California today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you feel in control after a dog bite incident.

Summer Dog Bite Statistics in Los Angeles County

Dog bites are a serious public health issue, especially during the high-risk summer season. According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, dog bite incidents peak in July and August, with approximately 20,000 people bitten by dogs each year in Los Angeles County.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the World Health Organization, roughly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs a year in the United States, accounting for 76% to 94% of animal bite injuries annually. Nearly 800,000 of these attacks require medical attention. Children are particularly vulnerable, accounting for about half of all reported dog bite cases.

How to Protect Yourself from Aggressive Dogs in Los Angeles

Though not always the case, there are usually some telltale signs of an agitated or aggressive dog. These signs may include:

• Hard stares
• Growling
• Raised hair
• Barking
• Lunging
• Pulling aggressively
• Charging

Aggression, distress, and violent propensities are not limited to specific dog breeds. Any dog may become stressed or provoked and show these warning signs.

It is worth noting that stray dogs are more likely to attack you than pets. Strays often lack regular socialization, may carry disease, and likely have no training. Thus, they are more unpredictable and likely to bite you out of fear or self-defense. If you see a stray dog in Los Angeles, it’s wise to avoid it and contact local animal control to report the stray.

Who is Most Likely to be Bitten by a Dog?

Certain individuals are more likely to be attacked by dogs. Those most likely to experience a dog attack are the following:

Children: Kids are at greater risk of dog attacks, especially those aged five to nine. They are also the most likely to suffer a fatal attack. This may be attributed to children’s small stature, lack of self-defense, and lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of how to properly interact with dogs.

Postal workers: Postal workers and delivery drivers are likely to be attacked or bitten by dogs. In 2022 alone, over 5,000 postal workers in the United States were attacked by dogs. Dogs, being territorial creatures by nature, may view delivery personnel as intruders on their territory, prompting them to attack.

Men: According to the National Library of Medicine, men are 8.6% more likely to be attacked by a dog than women. This is generally attributed to the idea that certain masculine features, like a deeper voice, may cause a dog to feel threatened and bite.

Common Dog Attack Injuries

Dog bites can result in a variety of injuries that may range in severity. Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers have identified the following injuries as the most common to result from dog attacks:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Wounds and lacerations
• Infections
• Permanent scarring
• Nerve damage
• Emotional trauma
• Psychological trauma
• Disfigurement
• And more…

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog attack in Los Angeles, call our team of dog bite lawyers at The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation.

What Should I Do After Being Bitten by a Dog?

After being bitten by a dog, you may be left injured and traumatized. However, there are measures you can take to protect yourself and give you a better chance at recovering a dog bite settlement if you decide to pursue legal action. Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers recommend that you:

• Get to Safety. If possible, get away from the aggressive dog and maintain a safe distance so it cannot bite or attack you again.
• Call Emergency Services. Dial 9-1-1 so local police and emergency responders can respond to the scene, document the incident, and evaluate your injuries.
• Collect Evidence. If you can, take pictures of your injuries, the dog, the property, and any other relevant factors of the attack. Additionally, get the dog owner’s contact information, the dog’s veterinary records, and witness statements from anyone who saw the attack.
• Report the Attack. Contact Los Angeles Animal Control to report the incident and describe the dog that attacked you.
• Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel fine, receiving medical attention is crucial for evaluating the extent of your injuries and determining if you may have an infection from the bite.
• Call The Barnes Firm. Have your dog attack case evaluated for FREE by our team of experienced Los Angeles dog bite lawyers at The Barnes Firm.

Call the Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyers at The Barnes Firm

If you have been attacked by a dog in Los Angeles, you’re likely traumatized and dealing with physical pain. While you focus on recovery, a Los Angeles dog bite attorney at The Barnes Firm can investigate your case, handle insurance adjusters on your behalf, and begin crafting a compelling case to help you get the best result possible.

Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation. It could be the best call you make.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes