Heat is a real challenge for most living things. However, the fact that it also causes measurable changes in the behavior of dogs is new. A study by the elite Harvard University has explored the connections.
A recent behavioral study by the elite Harvard University has found a connection between increased ozone levels and the aggressiveness of dogs. It suggests that various environmental influences such as the atmospheric trace gas ozone, a higher daytime temperature and increased UV radiation are directly related to an equally increased aggressiveness of dogs. This is reported by the reportage magazine GEO online.
Heat can make dogs aggressive, according to study
A recent behavioral study by Harvard University found that dogs bite more often in the heat. (Symbolic image) © Pond5/Imago
About 80 percent of the approximately 30,000 to 50,000 animal bites in Germany each year can be traced back to dogs. In the education of dogs, there are numerous factors that influence the behavior of four-legged friends. But apparently not only breed, gender and education play an important role in the behavior of dogs - some variables of the environment also have their fingers in the game. Scientists at Harvard University recently found that increased levels of ozone, temperature and ultraviolet radiation increase the four-legged friends' desire to attack. This can also manifest itself in the form of an increased number of bites.
Evaluation of data shows clear result
For their study, which was published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports, the researchers analyzed the data of eight American cities (Dallas, Houston, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Louisville, Los Angeles and New York City) with a focus on dog attacks. The average value was three reported attacks per day. In order to be able to make a comparison, the Harvard scientists also evaluated the associated maximum daily temperatures, the amount of precipitation as well as the ozone, UV and particulate matter values.
A comparison of the respective data over a period of ten years finally led to the assumption that the latter three values have a significant influence on the behavior of dogs. On sunny days with elevated UV levels, eleven percent more dog bites were reported, on hot days four percent and on days with high ozone concentrations, three percent more bites by dogs were passed on to the authorities. An increased concentration of particulate matter in the cities, on the other hand, had no effect.
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The reason for aggressiveness is known to scientists
The researchers can already explain the observed increase in dog attacks on hot days: It would be about chemical reactions in the carcasses. Studies on rats and mice, but also on humans, had shown similar results. It was found that ozone, for example, triggers oxidative stress in the respiratory tract and impairs lung function. These relationships cause stress reactions in humans. Due to the similarity of the neural circuits for aggression among mammals, the researchers assume that the same applies to dogs.
The authors emphasize that the data for the study were not based on any other factors, such as breed or gender, that could influence the risk of a dog bite. The scientists are therefore in favour of a further study to support the current findings.