“Dog is man’s best friend” is a saying that every pet owner has likely heard. However, such close contact over extended periods of time is bound to raise some issues. Of course, shedding and muddy paw prints don’t hurt anyone in particular; however, there are some actions that can hurt an owner and their pet. As a pet owner, it’s important to know these things to proactively prevent them before they occur. So before you and your pet need stem cell therapy from the medical professionals at ThriveMD, here are some common owner-pet injuries that can be avoided.

Tripping

“I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there!” The fact is, we are much bigger than our pets (unless you’re raising an Irish Wolfhound). Sometimes, they can sneak up on us and get under our feet without us even realizing it. Although both parties usually receive a slight shock, sometimes worse results can occur. Tripping to the ground, twisting an ankle, and bruising yourself can happen as you try to avoid hurting your pet. Likewise, a pet can suffer sprains and broken bones if worse comes to worst. If your pet likes to sit under you while you’re cooking, you can buy a pet barrier to use while cooking or teach them to stay in another room for the time being. Also, adding any jingling, sound-producing items like a bell or chimes can make you more aware of your pet’s location easier.

Biting

Other common pet-owner injuries can come from biting. Cats and dogs use their mouths and their teeth for many things. Eating food, gathering information, teething, and many other things for example. However, accidental biting can occur when a pet is upset or excited — eating food or playing with a toy. A stray bite from your pet can puncture your skin or chip a pet’s tooth. It’s important to recognize a pet’s most likely times for accidental biting and handle them accordingly. Try to not interfere with them as they’re eating and attempt to not rile them up too much while playing.

Leash Strain

In the majority of states and public places, pets must be leashed for their and others’ safety. However, some pets aren’t comfortable wearing a leash, pulling against it, forcefully causing friction between themselves and your hand, wrist, and arm. If this is a common issue try purchasing a full-body lease that can help alleviate the stress of public places. Extendable leashes and training programs are other good leash alternatives. Here are some essential training items for first-time pet owners.