Fallen Over Your Dog or Cat Lately?

Seeing your pet first thing in the morning or right as you're coming in the door from work is one of the best parts of pet ownership. They run up, greet you excitedly. I look forward to it everyday. But in the excitement, have you ever fallen due to your pet? If so, you're not alone.

According to a report by the CDC, 240 people are seen in emergency department everyday for dog or cat related falls.

The study which examined 5 years of emergency room data revealed :

1. 88 percent of fall injuries involved dogs than cats.
2. Among injuries related to dogs:

• 31 percent of persons fell or tripped over dogs.
• 21 percent fell after being pushed or pulled by dogs.

3. For injuries related to cats, 66 percent fell or tripped over cats.

To reduce your risks for pet related falls, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends obedience training for dogs to reduce behaviors such as pushing and pulling that can cause falls.

Pet related items like toys and food dishes are also a fall hazard. These items should not be placed in walking paths and should be picked up when not in use.

Have you recently visited emergency room or urgent care center (as a patient or a visitor)? If so, please rate your rate health care experience now! The reviews take a few short minutes, but provide others in the community invaluable information when making their health care decision.

Is your home safe from falls?

Falls can happen anywhere, at home, at the store, and yes, even at a hospital or nursing home. According to the CDC, an older adult is treated in the ER every 18 seconds for a fall related injury. They can happen quickly and have tragic results.

Here are 10 tips to make your home safer for your family and visitors:

• Remove small throw rugs on smooth surfaces or tape down with carpet tape to insure lack of movement


• Install grab bars in the bathrooms to aid in mobility


• Keep items you use daily within reach to avoid overstretching and use a step stool for those items out of reach


• Choose footwear that provides the best traction for your surfaces


• Carpeting or carpet strips are great for your stairs


• Clean up spills as they happen


• Don't rush to answer a doorbell or phone call


• Keep shoes against the wall and out of the traffic zone


• Have adequate lighting throughout your house


• Tape down or bundle up extension cords, if possible relocate items needing cords next to electrical outlets.

Safety in your home is achievable with just a few minor changes. Please take the time today to make your home safer.