Why Dog Bites Surge in the Summer – Ohio Dog Bite Injury Guide
Posted in Accident & Injury, Dog Bite on June 3, 2025
When the weather warms up in Ohio, people and their dogs head outside. Parks, patios, festivals, sidewalks, and even bars and restaurants fill up fast. But all that extra activity also leads to a spike in dog bite injuries. With more unfamiliar dogs in public spaces and more opportunities for stress or miscommunication, bites happen more often in the summer. Here is why it matters, what to watch for, and what Ohio law says if you or someone you love gets bitten.
Summer Dog Bite Statistics in Ohio
Dog bite incidents are not random. There is a noticeable spike in reports during summer.
Statewide trends: Local Ohio health departments respond to around 20,000 animal bite and exposure incidents annually, with many occurring between May and September
Children at highest risk: Kids under 14 make up over 50 percent of dog bite victims nationwide
Urban areas see more bites: Cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati regularly report high numbers of summer dog attacks
More people outside means more exposure to unfamiliar dogs and more chances for something to go wrong.
Attorney William J. Price breaks down how leash type, condition, and control can impact liability in dog bite lawsuits.
Why Dog Bites Happen More Often in Summer
1. Increased outdoor activity
More dog and human interactions happen on walks, at festivals, and in parks, often in unfamiliar or overstimulating environments.
2. Children are out of school
Summer break brings more unsupervised or high-energy play. Many children do not know how to safely interact with dogs.
3. Dogs get overheated too
Just like people, dogs can become irritable, anxious, or defensive in hot weather.
4. Travel, sitters, and disruption
When routines are off, whether dogs are traveling or being watched by someone new, they can become stressed or territorial.
5. Noise and chaos from fireworks
Loud noises and crowds can overwhelm dogs, sometimes triggering aggressive behavior even in well-trained pets.
6. Dogs at bars and restaurants
Dog-friendly patios are more popular than ever, but the mix of food, crowds, unfamiliar dogs, and alcohol can create a stressful and unpredictable environment. Even friendly dogs may react poorly in a tight or noisy space, especially if approached unexpectedly.
Do Certain Dog Breeds Bite More?
Breeds like Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are often mentioned in bite statistics. But breed alone does not determine behavior.
- Any dog can bite under stress, fear, or provocation
- Focusing only on breed can distract from more important factors like training, socialization, supervision, and the owner’s responsibility
- Under Ohio dog bite law, it does not matter what breed the dog is. Owners can be held strictly liable
Ohio Dog Bite Laws: What You Should Know
Ohio follows a strict liability law for dog bites. That means:
- You do not have to prove negligence
- If a dog bites you and causes injury, the owner can be held legally responsible, even if the dog had no history of aggression
Victims of dog bites in Ohio may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
When Dog Owners May Not Be Liable in Ohio
There are specific circumstances where a dog owner may not be legally liable for injuries their dog causes.
A dog owner in Ohio may have a valid defense if the person who was bitten was:
- Illegally entering or attempting to enter the property
- Committing a crime or trying to harm another person
- Provoking, teasing, or harming the dog
These exceptions are outlined in Ohio’s dog bite statute (Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28)
Preventing Dog Bites: Safety Tips for Summer
- Do not approach unfamiliar dogs without asking the owner
- Supervise kids around dogs, especially in busy environments
- Look for signs of stress or fear in dogs, such as tail tucked, stiff body, growling, or backing away
- Avoid rough play, especially in the heat or with a dog that is eating or sleeping
- Be cautious around dogs in restaurants or bars where space is tight and distractions are high
Injured by a Dog in Ohio? We Can Help
If you have suffered a dog bite injury, you do not have to navigate recovery and legal claims alone. Our Ohio dog bite lawyers are here to explain your rights, investigate the incident, and help you pursue fair compensation. Call 1-800-ELK-OHIO or contact us online for a free case review.
Schedule a free consultation today and get the help you need.