Be Careful of Underfoot Pets!

Tuesday July 14, 2009

Would your loving companion try to harm you? Well, maybe it's unintentional, but your pet can cause you serious harm. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a study this week that estimates over 86,000 fall-related injuries are the result of spills over cats and dogs. Injuries include broken bones, contusions, sprains and strains.

Dogs and cats can be wonderful companions, provide emotional support, and even motivation for exercise. But be careful with your pets, especially individuals with osteoporosis who are at a high risk of sustaining an injury or fracture as a result of a fall. Make sure your home is safe, and make sure you are watching where you walk when you have pets on the run.

GK Hart / Vikki Hart / Getty Images

Sources: "Nonfatal Fall-Related Injuries Associated with Dogs and Cats" CDC: March 27, 2009 / 58(11);277-281.