Sure they’re cute. Yes they’re cuddly. But man’s best friends can also be downright dangerous, according to new statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

An average of 240 people are treated for injuries caused by pets each day, the nationwide survey found. More than 86,000 people end up in emergency rooms each year after falling over or being knocked down by their four-legged pals. A few of the culprits are cats, but the overwhelming majority of accidents are caused by dogs. Many take place during dog walks.

Most at risk, not surprisingly, are older people, for whom falls and broken bones can be serious. Women are more than two times more likely than men to be injured with a pet, the findings show.

No one’s saying people should avoid having dogs. Especially for older people, they can provide companionship and a real purpose in life. But the research suggests dog owners should be especially careful about tripping over or being knocked or pulled down by their four-legged friends.

© 2009 PDQhealth

Tags: pet-related injuries