The Pet Situation May Be Worse Than We Thought ...

A report released today by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that, on average, an estimated 86,629 Americans receive emergency room treatment each year for fall-related injuries associated with a pet dog or cat.

All told, the number represents a small fraction of the more than 8 million patients treated in emergency rooms in the United States each year. Still, such injuries represent a significant problem for some people, particularly the elderly.

"The analysis showed that the highest rates of injuries occurred among persons aged >75 years, and the most common diagnosis was fracture," the authors noted in the report, adding that some of these fractures could be in the hip. "Among older adults, hip fractures can result in serious health consequences, such as long-term functional impairments, nursing home admission, and increased mortality."

You read that right folks ... your pets are here to kill you, and they're starting with your grandparents. Anyone doubting my fears of our own little puppy trying to snuff us out are gravely mistaken ...