As summer festivals, graduation parties and outdoor events fill local calendars, experts are encouraging pet owners to consider whether their furry friends are enjoying the experience as much as they are.
Melissa Miller, director of St. Clair County Animal Control in Michigan, said her organization recently saw an uptick in bite-related calls at community gatherings that often attract pets and their owners.
"People love the idea of taking their pets with them," Miller said.
Not every dog is a festival dog
While many dogs enjoy social activities, Miller said owners sometimes place unrealistic expectations on their pets.
"We have such high expectations of dogs," she said. "We want them to be social. We want them to do all the fun stuff."
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But not every dog enjoys crowded environments, loud noises or constant interaction.
"Not every dog has the temperament or personality where that's fun," Miller said.
She encourages owners to think about their pet's personality before bringing them to a large event. A dog that enjoys meeting a few visitors at home may not respond the same way to hundreds of people at a festival or an all-day family gathering.
Just as people need breaks, pets do, too.
"About every hour and a half to two hours, they should have about 20 to 30 minutes of downtime, because they need to reset just like we do," Miller said.
When bringing your dog to a gathering or event, experts recommend taking frequent breaks away from the crowds.
Understanding trigger stacking
One of the most common misconceptions Miller encounters is the belief that a dog bit someone "out of nowhere."
"Very rarely do dogs bite out of nowhere," she said.
Instead, she points to a concept known as trigger stacking, where multiple stressors build over time until a dog reaches its limit.
A delivery driver at the door, another dog, hot weather, dehydration, loud music or unfamiliar people all can add stress. While each event may seem minor on its own, the cumulative effect can change how a dog reacts to situations it would normally tolerate.
Miller compared it to a person having one frustrating thing happen after another until even a simple question becomes irritating.
For dogs, that can mean an interaction they would normally tolerate suddenly feels overwhelming.
Summer heat also can contribute to the problem. Miller said pavement and other dark surfaces can become dangerously hot during outdoor events, while loud environments such as concerts and festivals may be overstimulating.
Keep your pup cool and comfortable during the hot summer heat with these safety tips and two refreshing, pet-friendly mocktails.
Teaching children to interact safely
Children younger than 10 years old are among the groups most likely to be involved in dog bite incidents, Miller said.
Young children often struggle to interpret canine body language and are more likely to be at eye level with larger dogs.
To help reduce risk, Miller teaches children to "look, listen and ask permission."
Children should observe a dog, listen for warning sounds and ask a responsible adult before approaching.
"If there's no one to ask permission from, you don't go up to that dog," Miller said.
She also recommends allowing unfamiliar dogs to approach people rather than immediately reaching toward them.
What about adventure cats?
While much of the conversation around public outings focuses on dogs, Miller said many of the same principles apply to cats.
"Adventure cats are amazing," she said.
Cats that accompany their owners on hikes, walks and other outings should have a properly fitted harness and a secure safe space, such as a backpack or stroller, where they can retreat when they feel uncomfortable.
"If they do go to the backpack because they're uncomfortable, it's probably also a good time to leave with a cat," Miller said.
Unlike dogs, cats often feel more secure when elevated off the ground, making backpacks and other raised spaces especially helpful in unfamiliar environments.
When meeting an unfamiliar cat, Miller recommends what she calls a "kitty high five" — offering a finger several inches away and allowing the cat to decide whether it wants to investigate.
"If they want to, they'll sniff," Miller said.
Advocating for your pet
Miller said owners should pay attention to their pet's behavior at social gatherings and know when it's time to take a break or head home.
Pets cannot always communicate discomfort in ways people recognize, making it important for owners to watch for signs of stress and advocate for their animals.
Ultimately, Miller said the goal is to focus less on what owners want their pets to do and more on what the animals are comfortable doing.
