We often think of walking a dog as a leisurely, enjoyable activity. However, research shows that walking dogs accounts for many of the trip and fall accidents in the US. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injury in the United States. Shockingly, about 86,629 of those falls every year happen because of a pet. For every 100,000 people, the CDC averages that 29.7 will take a tumble because of a domestic animal. 88 percent of these trip and fall accidents are associated with dogs, and females are twice as likely to be injured as males are.

The CDC suggests that people should work on being aware of where their pets are at all times. Sometimes a dog may sneak up behind a person, causing them to fall backwards. Also, large dogs can jump up on their owners or visitors, causing that person to fall into something and injure his or herself. Even friendly dogs can create injuries by pushing or wriggling when with an owner. Walking a dog can present the possibility for injury, too. If a large dog sees a rabbit in the road, he or she may take off, dragging his or her owner into the street. This is not only painful, but can create the potential for a car accident. Dogs that are stronger than their owners have a dangerous amount of power when on a walk. Dogs can also wrap their leash around their owner in excitement, causing the walker to trip on the rope.

Cats are also a trip hazard. Felines have a tendency to plant themselves somewhere and not move. If you don’t see your cat, you could step on him or her when he or she is lying on the floor. The surprise of stepping on your animal could send you falling. Some dogs and cats enjoy lying at the top of a flight of stairs, creating a trip hazard when visibility is difficult. Pets are also a threat to your safety because they leave their toys throughout the house without regards to whether or not they will be a trip hazard. If Fido leaves his large bones in the hallway, then you or your children may catch their feet on them. 8.8 percent of all dog injuries happen when a person trips over their pet’s toy.

Admittedly, 7.5 times the amount of injuries occur with dogs, rather than cats. Most cats like to stay out of the way, while dogs tend to hover around people. Injuries with either animal are often serious. 51.8 percent of all slip and fall injuries regarding dogs affect an extremity. 47.6 percent of all injuries associated with cats also affect the extremities. 7.8 percent of all people who trip due to a dog are hospitalized each year, and 10.4 of all people associated with cats are hospitalized. About 61.6 percent of all of these falls occur within the home, and 16.4 percent happen on the street. 26 percent of all falls involving dogs happen while they are being walked. 21.2 percent of all dog walking accidents happen when the dog pulls the person.

According to the CDC, approximately 43 million U.S. citizens own a dog, and 37.5 million households include a cat. 64 percent of Americans who own pets have more than one. This means that there are many people at risk to a pet slip and fall injury. If you are injured due to someone else’s pet or their negligence in taking care of their animal and making sure that he or she did not get in your way, then you may be able to sue. If you had to spend time in the hospital for your injury, then the people responsible should be required to cover the bill. Talk to someone today for more information!