The CDC just released a report estimating 86,000 falls a year are caused by dogs and cats. I wonder if they do a similar report on the number of falls caused by roller skates, weak ankles, wet floors, and banana peels.
The report seems to infer that the majority of injuries are to the elderly, caused by tripping over little dogs out on walks.
Interesting, but I can’t quite figure out what they want to happen. The benefits of having a pet are well documented. Are we going to place warning labels on dogs- “May pose obstacle hazard”? Tell the elderly not to have dogs? Tell them not to take their dogs on walks since that is when the majority of injuries occur?
Is there anyone out there with a dog or cat who hasn’t tripped over them at one point or another? I just don’t get the point of these studies sometimes.
On March 28, 2009 at 10:58pm, Kim said...
I wonder how many of those falls are with them racing you down the stairs and crossing over in front of you as you descend. You know, for science.
On March 29, 2009 at 2:48am, Dr. V said...
About 500 of them alone are from me, in that case.