Introduction
Dogs are active and playful creatures, and most dog owners treat their pets like family. However, their energetic nature sometimes leads to injuries when they jump off elevated surfaces like beds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 86,000 fall injuries happen every year due to dogs and cats in the United States. While cats do cause some fall injuries, dogs are responsible for the vast majority at 88%.
Why Dogs Jump Off Beds
Many dogs jump off beds simply due to their exploring and curious nature. Dogs love to explore new areas and investigate their surroundings. When on a raised surface like a bed or couch, they have access to elevated views and vantage points. This allows them to better survey the environment around them. Once they’ve scoped things out up high, their curiosity causes them to want to jump down and explore what’s happening at ground level. According to one source, “However, once they are on the bed, they may become restless or uncomfortable, leading them to jump down. It’s also possible that they are trying to explore their surroundings from different vantage points” (Why does my dog beg and plead to get on the bed only … – Quora).
Height Matters
The height of the bed or furniture a dog jumps from has a significant impact on the potential for injury. According to a study published in The Wall Street Journal, as the height of beds has increased in recent decades, so have injuries in dogs from falling off beds (The Rise of Beds, and Falls of Dogs, https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122904496024700511). The higher the bed or furniture, the greater the impact when a dog lands after jumping off. This can result in injuries ranging from sprains and muscle strains to fractures and concussions.
Veterinarians generally recommend keeping beds low enough that a dog can step on and off versus needing to jump up or down. For medium to large breed dogs, a good guideline is to keep the bed height below 2 feet. Small dogs may be able to safely jump from lower heights of 1-1.5 feet. Excessive impact from jumping down from greater heights increases injury risk substantially.
Breed and Size
Smaller dog breeds are more prone to injury when jumping off furniture than larger breeds. This is because the impact of landing puts more stress on their joints and bones relative to their body size. According to Is Jumping On and Off Furniture Actually Bad for All Dogs?, small dogs have a higher risk of injury from furniture jumping due to their light weight and small joints. When a small dog’s feet hit the floor after jumping from a bed or couch, the force is concentrated into their tiny paws and limbs which can lead to sprains, fractures, and other injuries.
Larger dogs have stronger bones and joints that help absorb impact when they jump down. Their greater body mass also dissipates the forces from landing across their frame. However, while large breeds may be less prone to acute injuries, the accumulated stress of repeated jumping could still lead to joint problems over time. Moderation and training are key for dogs of all sizes.
Landing Surface
The type of landing surface plays a significant role in determining the force of impact on a dog’s body when jumping down from a height. According to a 2011 study published in Science Direct, dogs experience greater peak vertical force when landing on harder surfaces like wood or tile compared to softer surfaces like carpet or rugs (Pfau, 2011). The researchers found that landing on hard surfaces generates impact forces over 1.5 times the dog’s body weight. These high impact forces can result in injuries to joints, ligaments or bones, especially when jumping from greater heights.
Carpets and rugs provide more shock absorption which helps decrease the intensity of the impact. The fibers compress to cushion the landing and diffuse the dog’s weight over a larger surface area. One key recommendation from veterinarians and animal behaviorists is to install carpets or rugs next to beds, couches or other furniture that dogs are likely to jump off of frequently. This helps create a safer landing zone and reduces risk of injuries from jumping.
(Pfau, T., et al., Kinetics of jump landing in agility dogs, The Veterinary Journal, Volume 190, Issue 2, 2011, Pages 279-283, ISSN 1090-0233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.10.007.)
Common Injuries
Dogs can suffer a variety of injuries from falling or jumping off beds and other furniture. Some of the most common areas impacted are the legs, paws, back, and head.
Leg and paw injuries frequently occur, such as sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations of the joints. The impact of the landing can sprain ankles, knees, and hips. Fractures are most likely to happen in the legs and paws from the force of the fall. https://www.houndgames.com/dogs-falling-off-beds/
Jumping off a bed risks injury to the back, especially in older dogs or certain breeds prone to back problems. The jarring impact of landing can cause soft tissue injuries like muscle strains or ligament sprains in the back or spine. In severe cases, it can potentially trigger disk herniation if the dog has existing disk problems. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-falls-in-dogs
Head trauma is another concern with dogs falling from beds. The brain can get jostled around, resulting in concussions or worse outcomes like brain bleeding or skull fractures. Facial injuries like broken teeth are also possible if the dog lands on his face.
Prevention
One of the best ways to prevent injuries is to provide your dog with safer ways to get on and off high surfaces like beds. Options like ramps, stairs, and low platform beds can make a big difference. According to Is Jumping On and Off Furniture Actually Bad for All Dogs?, “Repetitive jumping on and off furniture poses more risks for dogs than most pet owners expect.” Providing ramps or stairs reduces the impact on their joints and minimizes potential injuries.
Some pet stores and websites sell dog ramps and stairs specifically designed for beds and couches. These give dogs an easy way to climb up and down without having to jump and land hard. Look for ramps or stairs with non-slip surfaces and adjustable heights. You can also make your own DIY ramp using wood or other sturdy materials.
Getting a low platform bed or placing your mattress on the floor are other simple ways to reduce height and prevent jumping injuries. Just a foot or two difference in height can make jumping safer and more comfortable for a dog. Teaching commands like “wait” or “off” can also help dogs learn to only get on and off furniture when permitted.
Training
The best way to prevent your dog from injuring themselves by jumping off the bed is to train them not to jump in the first place. This takes time and consistency, but it can prevent a lot of potential injuries. Here are some tips for training a dog not to jump off the bed:
Start young. It’s easier to train a puppy not to jump off beds and furniture from the very beginning. Begin this training as soon as you bring them home.
Use verbal cues. Teach your dog that “off” means to not jump off the bed. Practice this when they are on the bed and thinking about jumping. Reward with treats when they listen.
Block access. When you aren’t directly supervising, consider blocking access to beds and other high furniture so they can’t jump off when you aren’t looking.
Practice “wait.” Work on having your dog wait for your cue before getting off the bed. This teaches impulse control.
Be consistent. Everyone in the household needs to participate in reinforcing the training. Not allowing jumping off beds needs to become a rule your dog always follows.
With time and repetition, you can train your dog not to jump off of beds and other furniture, which will help keep their joints, bones, and ligaments safe.
First Aid
If your dog injures themselves from falling off the bed, the first priority is to administer proper first aid. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, the first step is to restrain and calm your dog to assess them for injuries. Apply direct pressure using a clean towel or cloth to any bleeding wounds to help minimize contamination. You may apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to swollen or painful areas for 10-15 minutes at a time to help reduce inflammation. It’s important not to overdo it with ice to avoid frostbite.
According to experts on JustAnswer, you can also give your dog a low dose of baby aspirin (81 mg) if they are in pain. The recommended dosage is 1/2 a tablet every 12 hours for a medium-sized dog. However, you should consult your vet first before giving any medication.
While many minor injuries from falling off the bed can be treated at home with first aid, it’s important to monitor your dog closely afterward and take them to see the veterinarian if their condition worsens or new symptoms develop. Getting prompt veterinary care is crucial for more serious injuries like fractures, spinal injuries, or head trauma.
When to See the Vet
If your dog is limping, crying out in pain, or not using a limb after a fall, you should take them to the vet immediately. Limping or not using a limb could indicate a fracture, dislocation, or other serious injury that requires prompt veterinary attention. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, you should seek emergency vet care if your dog is unable to use their legs, is crying out in severe pain, or has bleeding that won’t stop. Even if your dog seems to recover after the initial fall, delayed injuries like internal bleeding can appear later, so it’s important to monitor them closely and get them checked out. Dogs are often very stoic, so any sign of limping or pain should be taken seriously.
According to WikiHow, if your small dog is limping, vocalizing, trembling, or moving differently after a fall, you should take them to the emergency vet right away as they are more fragile. Larger dogs should also be evaluated by a vet if limping or showing signs of pain. The Just Answer veterinary website advises monitoring for a few hours after a fall and getting prompt veterinary care if they are still unable to walk normally. Don’t wait to see if limping improves on its own, as fractures need quick treatment and delays can worsen the injury. Vet evaluation with x-rays is required to diagnose the cause of limping after a fall and determine the appropriate treatment.