1. NICHOLE KAIN, OTR/L, MA & RHILEY Falling For Our Pets

2. PUBLISHED: CDC-MMWR, MARCH 27, 2009 J A STEVENS, T HAILEYESUS. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT. ATLANTA: MAR 27, 2009. VOL. 58, ISS. 11; P. 277 REPRINTED: JAMA, JUNE 17, 2009 JA STEVENS, SL TEH, T HAILEYESUS. JAMA. CHICAGO: JUN 17, 2009. VOL. 301, ISS. 23; P. 2436 Nonfatal Fall-related Injuries Associated with Dogs and Cats – United States, 2001-2006

3. Did you know?? Approximately 86,000 fall injuries each year involve dogs and cats. Women are two times more likely to be injured than men. The highest fracture rates, after a pet related fall, are among adults 75 and older.

4. Annual Estimates of Fall Injuries Graphic By: Karl Tate/Journal of Safety Research and Centers for Disease Control

5. General Older Adults The most common injuries were for fractures and contusions/abrasions Higher injury rates were associated with dogs compared with cats The highest fracture rates occurred among older persons aged 75-84 years and >85 years Rates of injuries associated with dogs & cats (both) increased more rapidly with age, especially after age 64 years Injury Summary

6. Activity Summary – Annual Average Falls related to dogs 26 % while walking the dog 31.3% falling or tripping over the dog 21.2% being pushed or pulled by the dog 8.8% falling over a dog item (food bowl or toy) 38.7% other or unknown circumstances Falls related to cats 66.4% falling or tripping over the cat 11.7% fall occurred while chasing the cat 29.2% other or unknown Graphic By: Karl Tate/Journal of Safety Research and Centers for Disease Control

7. Limitations of the Study Likely underestimated number of injuries  Due to data set gathered from treatment received in an ER  Study did not include treatment received in a physician’s office, outpatient setting, at home, or no treatment Incomplete information about the fall  Example: activity was unknown in 46.1% of dog-related injuries and 62.1% of cat related injuries Unavailable information about pet breed and size Only national estimates are available  NEISS-AIP can not provide state or local estimates

8. Prevention! The CDC recommends increasing public awareness on the following topics: - pets and pet items can cause falls - walking dogs and chasing pets can cause falls - obedience training for dogs can minimize behaviors associated with falls

9. Use a reacher to pick up pet toys in walking paths. Elevate pet dishes,& clean water spills right away. Practical Ideas for Older Adults

10. Place a bell on your pet’s collar to notify you of their location. Always check to see where your pet is before getting out of bed or a chair. Simple Solutions

11. Use a retractable leash to prevent LOB from unexpected movements. Consider using a pooper scooper instead of bags. Ideas for Outside the Home

12. Dogs Cats 26% while walking the dog 31.3% falling or tripping over the dog 21.2% being pushed or pulled by the dog 8.8% falling over a dog item (food bowl or toy) 66.4% falling or tripping over the cat 11.7% fall occurred while chasing the cat Other Solutions…