Keeping Your Holiday Gatherings Safe From Dog Bites

It’s always nice to have friends and family around for the holidays; beloved pets are no exception. Dogs are family, too. But for them, the holiday hustle and bustle—new people, strange dogs, unfamiliar decorations, and tempting food—can be stressful. Even the most well-behaved dogs can feel overwhelmed, sometimes leading to aggressive behavior.

Understanding why dogs bite more during the chaos of the holidays can help you avoid these very preventable injuries.

Why Do Dog Bites Increase During the Holidays?

The holiday season is often quite stressful, and dogs are not immune. Family events at home or elsewhere can expose them to high-stress situations.

Unfamiliar Dogs

Dogs meeting for the first time often jump straight to guarding territory, even if it isn’t their home turf. Even the most well-socialized dog can suddenly launch into aggression if they feel threatened by a newcomer.

Overstimulation

Your dog may be hypersensitive to even slight changes to the normal environment. They may get stressed if your kitchen is suddenly crammed with noise and unfamiliar smells, or a Christmas tree is now where their bed usually sits. The unpredictability and volume of fireworks can make dogs downright terrified. All of these sudden stimuli can overwhelm your dog, provoking aggressive behavior even if they appear calm.

Resource Guarding

Like a young child who may not understand why he has to share his toys, dogs often display possessive behavior towards their food, toys, and even humans. Their natural instinct is to guard those things at all costs.

Unwanted Attention

Everyone wants to pet a cute dog, but your dog may not want the attention. Certain breeds are wary of strangers, while others may be eager for a new friend. Dogs don’t like being forced into social interaction any more than humans and will bite if provoked for too long.

Changes in Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Changes to their feeding, walking, or play schedules during the holidays can cause stress and irritability, especially in high-energy dogs. Lack of sleep is another risk factor; adult dogs need at least 12 hours of sleep every day.

Children

It’s no wonder most dog bite victims are children; they often aren’t taught how to interact safely with dogs. Some little ones may be eager to hug and grab your dog; others may scream or cry out of fear. Even dogs who are normally good with children can lunge or bite if they’re stressed. 

Preventing Dog Bites During the Holidays 

Dog bites are a largely preventable problem. There are several ways to reduce the risk of dog bite injuries, during the holidays and all year long.

• Put up new decorations a little at a time so your dog can get used to them, and keep furniture rearranging at a minimum.
• Try to introduce new guests to your dog ahead of time outside the house, at a dog park, or on other neutral grounds.
• Don’t let anyone – especially children – approach a nervous or unsure dog. If your dog doesn’t want to interact, respect their boundaries.
• Set up a quiet space for your dog in a crate or separate room, including their favorite bedding, toys, and treats.
• Don’t punish a barking or growling dog, as this only makes it worse. Remove them from the situation and reward them for settling down.
• Try to walk and feed your dog at normal times, and give extra cuddles and attention whenever possible.
• Try calming treats, compression clothing, and background noise to help your dog cope with fireworks. Ask neighbors for a heads-up if they’re planning to set them off. 
• If you’ll be gone longer than usual, use lick mats or treat-filled Kongs to keep your dog occupied and reduce separation anxiety.
• Have an extra-long walk or play session shortly before guests arrive; a tired dog is a calmer, happier dog.

These simple preventative dog bite measures can ensure a safe, injury-free holiday for dogs and their humans.

Someone Was Bitten – Now What?

Unfortunately, tragedy can sometimes strike even if you’ve taken every precaution. It’s important to know what to do in the case of a dog bite; as with any serious injury, seconds and minutes can make a difference.

If dogs are fighting amongst themselves, never try to separate them physically. Instead, try to distract them from afar, such as with loud noises. Seek immediate medical attention for any dog bite injuries, as even minor bites can quickly succumb to infection. Document the incident as best you can, especially if it involves another dog owner. 

North Carolina follows the one-bite rule, which means that if a dog has no history of biting or aggression, the owner may not be liable. But this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule; there are several criteria that can rule a dog dangerous, opening owners to serious legal and financial consequences. Not to mention the heartbreak involved on both sides. An owner may have a beloved dog taken from them and possibly euthanized; a victim may suffer life-altering or even fatal injury.

Your best course of action is always to contact a North Carolina dog bite attorney who is familiar with the statutes and has experience in these delicate cases. 

At the Whitley Law Firm, we can help determine liability in a dog bite case, protect your rights, and secure the proper compensation for injuries. Contact us anytime for a free consultation or call (919) 785-5000 to get started.