Sit, Stay… Safe: Tips for Living with Pets
Dogs and cats bring joy, comfort, and companionship. For many older adults, a furry friend can ease loneliness, reduce stress, and even encourage daily activity. I know I always have time to offer some friendly scritches for any of my clients’ fuzzy companions!
But there’s a less cuddly truth: pets can also increase the risk of falls.
I have three cats and a small dog, so I know how the zoomies, the sunbeam stretch in a busy pathway, the weaving between legs, can unintentionally (or with my oldest cat, Joulean, maybe intentionally) create dangerous situations. The goal isn’t to choose between safety and companionship — it’s to find practical ways to have both.
Underfoot companions: Cats often weave between legs, while small dogs linger near their owner’s feet.
Sudden movement: Pets may likely will dart across a room or underfoot unexpectedly.
Leashes and toys: A leash stretched taut or a stray chew toy can be as dangerous as a loose rug.
Feeding and water stations: Bowls on the floor add tripping hazards, especially in dim lighting.
Nighttime encounters: Pets that sleep in or near the bed may cause stumbles during late-night bathroom trips.
It’s important to balance the conversation. Pets aren’t just “risks” — they’re lifelines. Research has shown that pet ownership reduces feelings of loneliness and increases physical activity, especially walking with dogs. One study from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute highlights how older adults with pets report better emotional well-being and stronger social connections.
The key is safety with pets, not safety without them.
Tips to Keep Pets — and Their People — Safe
1. Training Makes a Difference
Basic obedience (sit, stay, heel) helps reduce unpredictable movements, especially with dogs. For cats, discouraging underfoot weaving with gentle redirection (like tossing a toy) can help.
2. Manage Feeding Areas
Place bowls against a wall or in a corner, not in walkways. Consider raised feeders to reduce bending and make bowls more visible.
Motion-sensor nightlights near pet beds, litter boxes, or feeding areas prevent surprises in the dark.
4. Leash Safety
When walking dogs, use a short, sturdy leash — not retractable leashes, which can tangle or pull suddenly. Keep one hand free if possible, and consider walking at quieter times to avoid distractions.
5. Toy Patrol
Scan for toys and chews just as you would for loose cords or clutter. A brightly colored toy basket can encourage keeping them off the floor. Consider using a long-handled reacher as a way to pick toys up if bending is challenging.
6. Pet Placement at Night
If pets sleep in the bedroom, set clear boundaries. A pet bed at the foot of the bed is safer than allowing pets to sprawl in walkways.
7. Adopt Senior Pets
Older dogs and cats are typically calmer, less likely to dart underfoot, and often already trained. For seniors who want companionship without the chaos of a young puppy or kitten, adopting a senior pet can be a safer and deeply rewarding option.
8. Footwear Counts
Supportive, closed-back shoes at home add stability — and reduce the risk of slips if you do accidentally step on a toy or tail.
One of my clients shared how her golden retriever had been her lifeline after her husband passed away. “He gave me a reason to get up and walk every morning,” she said. But after tripping on his toy bone, she worried she’d have to give him up. Instead, we reorganized her home: a dedicated feeding spot, a brighter hallway, and a nightly “toy check” routine. With just a few changes, she kept both her safety and her beloved companion.
