Research from Harvard Medical School has indicated that dogs are 4 per cent more likely to bite on hot days and 11 per cent more likely if there’s a high UV index.
Led by assistant professor Clas Linnman, researchers analysed 69,524 dog attacks in eight US cities between 2009 and 2018.
Though the old adage that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners remains well founded, Harvard Medical School wanted to examine whether sunshine and temperature can have an impact on a dogs temperament.
Researchers said: "We conclude that dogs, or the interactions between humans and dogs, are more hostile on hot, sunny, and smoggy days, indicating that the societal burden of extreme heat and air pollution also includes the costs of animal aggression."
Dog breeds banned in the UK are the Pit Bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentinp and Fila Brasileiro
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Much like humans and other animals, sunshine and hot temperature can cause dogs to feel a discomfort that expresses itself in irritation and violence.
Scientists have long known that hot weather leads to an increase in violent crime, with heatwaves also recently attributed to more hate speech on Twitter.
Owners need to know the tell-tale signs of discomfort in dogs in order to avoid aggression.
Debby Luckner, founder of Kids Around Dogs, told the Sun: "Learning the language of dogs is essential.
The Duchess of Edinburgh takes part in a puppy class at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Training Centre in Reading last month
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"Dogs communicate with us all the time. They tell us whether they are happy, sad, angry and more, just like us, but it's vital to remember they don't communicate in the same way we do.
"Everyone, including children, should be able to recognise some canine body language to make sure their dogs are not getting too stressed out and uncomfortable so that dog-related injuries can be prevented.”
The canine behaviourist told dogs owners to look out for inexplicable lip-licking, yawning, body shaking, extensive scratching and in some cases overly affectionate actions as possible signs of discontent.
Should these signs be ignored, Bear Grylls has outlined ways to avoid confrontation.
A police dog in training
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Writing in GQ Grylls said: “If it's growling or baring its teeth, that's a sign of aggression. But also pay attention to the head: if it's above the body or lower than the body, the dog is more likely to be relaxed.
“If the head is in line with the body, it's a sign that the dog is preparing to attack.”
Should the dog come across very aggressive, Grylls cautions to not look the animal in the eye for this might be perceived as a challenge, nor smile for this could be interpreted as baring your teeth.
Instead, the adventurer and tv personality recommends standing sideways to “present less of a threat” before “slowly backing away and out of the dog’s line of sight.”
If worst comes to worst, Grylls implores you to stand your ground.
Grylls said: “If the dog keeps coming, its primary weapon will be its bite. Do what you can to get something between you and that bite - a stick, a jacket or a rucksack.
“If it's unavoidable, you need to think about which part of your body you would prefer the dog to attack.”
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