Introduction
Jumping off furniture like beds is a common behavior for dogs. As pet owners, we often wonder if this could lead to injuries or issues as our dogs get older. It’s an important question to consider since we want our furry friends to remain active and happy while also keeping them safe and healthy.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details around dogs jumping on and off beds. We’ll look at how factors like breed size, age, and height of the bed play a role. We’ll also discuss potential injuries to watch for, ways to prevent issues from happening, and what to do if your dog does get hurt after a jump.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of when jumping off a bed could be risky for dogs, how to set them up for safer landings, and when to be concerned. Let’s start by looking at how height can impact a dog’s landing.
Height Matters
The height of your bed can significantly impact the risk of injury to your dog when they jump off of it. Generally, the higher the bed, the higher the risk. This is due to the increased distance your dog will fall and the greater impact they will experience upon landing.
According to Casper, the average bed height is around 25 inches. However, platform beds tend to be lower at around 18 inches, while antique beds can be as tall as 36 inches. The greater the height, the greater the potential for injury when your dog jumps down.
For a small or medium-sized dog, jumping from a standard 25 inch bed may not pose too much risk. However, for larger breeds, even this moderate height could lead to issues like strained joints or paw injuries when they land. And from antique beds nearing 3 feet in height, even smaller dogs are at risk.
The greater the distance they fall from, the greater the impact on their joints and paws. Higher beds mean a higher risk of injuries like sprains, fractures, dislocated joints, and torn ligaments when they hit the ground. Monitoring bed height is key to keeping your dog safe.
Breed Size
Smaller dog breeds are at a higher risk for injury when jumping off beds and furniture. According to the ASPCA, small breeds like Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers, and Yorkshire Terriers have a higher incidence of injury from high impact landings and falls than larger, heavier breeds[1]. Their light body weight and short limbs make it difficult to absorb shock when landing on their feet from heights.
Larger dogs have longer limbs and more body mass to disperse the impact of a jump. However, any dog can potentially get injured from falling off furniture, depending on the height and landing surface. Owners should use caution and minimize risk when allowing dogs of any size to jump on or off elevated surfaces.
References:
[1] https://www.aspca.org/news/high-rise-syndrome-cats-injured-falling
Age Matters
Puppies and senior dogs are more prone to injuries from jumping than adult dogs in their prime years. According to a 2021 study, dogs under 1 year old had 1.39 times the risk of injury compared to dogs 1-6 years old (Pinto, 2021).
As dogs age, their joints and bones become more fragile. Jumping from heights puts more stress on their bodies that they cannot handle as well. One survey found the odds of injury was 1.84 times higher in dogs over 12 years old versus younger adult dogs aged 1-6 years (Markley, 2021).
The growth plates in puppies have not fully closed, making their bones more susceptible to fractures and other traumatic injuries from impact. Senior dogs often develop arthritis that can be aggravated by the impact of jumping on and off furniture. Owners of puppies and senior dogs should take extra precautions to avoid injuries.
Types of Injuries
Some common injuries dogs can suffer from jumping off beds include:
Sprains – Sprains occur when ligaments that connect bones together are stretched or torn. Joints that are commonly sprained from jumping include ankles, knees, wrists, and elbows. Sprains can range from mild with slight lameness to severe with complete loss of joint function. Treatment depends on severity but may include rest, cold therapy, medication, rehabilitation exercises, and sometimes surgery. (Source: https://www.thesprucepets.com/common-injuries-in-dogs-4142261)
Fractures – Fractures are complete or incomplete breaks in bones. Landing wrong after a jump can lead to fractures in legs, paws, tails, pelvises, or other bones. Fractures typically require veterinary attention and treatment options include casts, splints, surgery, and rest. (Source: https://www.licksleeve.com/blogs/news/10-common-back-leg-injuries-in-dogs)
Muscle/Joint Damage – Jumping puts force on joints and muscles. Injury can range from mild strains to complete ruptures or tears. Common areas affected include knees, hips, shoulders, vertebrae, and neck. Symptoms range from lameness to loss of function. Rest, medication, rehabilitation, and sometimes surgery are used to treat muscle and joint damage from jumping. (Source: https://www.thesprucepets.com/common-injuries-in-dogs-4142261)
Preventative Measures
There are some simple things you can do to help prevent your dog from injuring themselves when jumping on and off furniture:
- Use ramps or steps – Providing a gentle sloped ramp or a set of steps up to the bed or couch can reduce the impact on your dog’s joints when getting on and off higher surfaces. Look for ramps designed specifically for pets that have non-slip surfaces.
- Invest in orthopedic dog beds – Orthopedic beds provide extra support and cushioning for dog’s joints and can be used on the floor in places your dog likes to sleep or rest. Quality orthopedic beds are made with pressure-relieving memory foam.
- Limit access to furniture – If your dog struggles to get on and off taller furniture like beds, simply limit their access by keeping doors closed or using pet gates.
- Lift small dogs on and off – For very small breed dogs, gently lift them on and off higher surfaces rather than letting them jump up and down.
Taking some simple preventative measures can really help reduce wear and tear on your dog’s joints over time. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s mobility or joint health.
Teaching Safe Jumping
Teaching your dog how to jump confidently and safely is important to prevent injuries. Start by teaching basic obedience commands like “sit” and “stay.” Once your dog masters those, you can begin training them to jump on cue. The AKC recommends holding a treat over your dog’s head and using the command “jump!” as they leap up (1). Practice this with low heights at first, like a step or low platform. Reward your dog with praise and treats for jumping up on cue. You can gradually increase the height as they build confidence. Go at your dog’s pace during training and don’t push too quickly to avoid falls or refusal. Make sure to end each session on a positive note if your dog seems unsure. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog to jump up safely when you give the command.
When to Seek Help
If your dog shows any signs of injury after a jump, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, you should call your vet immediately if your dog is showing these symptoms after a fall or jump:
- Unable to move or use a limb
- Significant limping or lameness
- Crying out in pain
- Bleeding from nose or mouth
- Heavy panting or trouble breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting or pale gums
According to The Spruce Pets, some injuries like cruciate ligament tears require surgery and prompt veterinary attention. Even if your dog seems fine after a jump, it’s a good idea to monitor them closely for signs of injury and avoid any strenuous activity. Seek help immediately if symptoms arise or persist.
After an Injury
If your dog has injured themselves from jumping off the bed, the recovery process is important. Some key things to focus on are rest, restricted activity, physical therapy exercises, and pain management. The severity of the injury will determine how long recovery takes. For minor sprains or strains, recovery may only take a few days to weeks. But more serious injuries like fractures or ligament tears can take 4-8 weeks or longer to heal (VCahospitals, 2022).
During recovery, it’s essential to allow your dog ample rest and restrict their activity. Take them on short, leashed walks for bathroom breaks only. Don’t let them run, jump, or play until the injury has fully healed. Confine them to a crate or small room when unattended (WebMD, 2022). Physical therapy exercises like range of motion, stretching, and strengthening can aid the healing process. Consult with your veterinarian on what exercises are suitable. They may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers to keep your dog comfortable.
As the injury improves, you can gradually increase activity. But don’t overdo it too soon. Ease back into normal routines over several weeks. Extra patience and TLC will help your dog recover both physically and mentally from the traumatic experience. With proper rest and rehabilitation, most dogs make a full recovery and learn to be more careful jumpers in the future.
Conclusion
In summary, the height of your bed and breed of your dog are key factors in determining the risk of injury from jumping off the bed. Smaller dogs are at higher risk, as are young puppies and senior dogs. The most common injuries are sprains, fractures, and soft tissue damage. You can take steps to mitigate risk by providing ramps or stairs, teaching safe jumping technique, monitoring the height of furniture, and avoiding slippery surfaces. If your dog seems injured after a jump, see your vet right away. While jumping off the bed comes naturally to many dogs, be vigilant about setting them up for success and keep them safe from harm. With some awareness and training, dogs should be able to enjoy jumping on and off the bed without injury.