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A furry friend can help:
The simple act of walking your dog several times a day boosts your activity level and adds exercise into your routine. Just as important, it offers a chance to socialize with dog owners and others along the way. A study by the University of St. Andrews in Scotland reported that dog owners over the age of 65:
For one, having a dog or any four-legged animal in the house leads to a greater risk for accidents.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that about 86,000 Americans go to the ER each year due to a fall linked to a pet — mostly dogs.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog or already have a furry companion, here are a few safety tips to help reduce your risk for falls:
Any fall should be taken seriously. Falls in older adults are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions and injury-related deaths. See a care provider if you:
Remember to tell your doctor about any fall, and if you felt faint or dizzy before the fall.
Originally published 11/22/2016; Revised 2019, 2021, 2024