My grand dog pulled me down

[Marthe48]

I was walking the dogs, coming back to their house. The big dog is on a extension leash, little dog is free. They both got the zoomies. The big dog is always good on the leash, but today, he took off 0-60, and I fell. I haven't fallen for years. I landed mainly on the my left side. The side of my hip and thigh took the brunt, but also my left elbow, arm, hand, luckily not like I was trying to catch myself. And I cracked my head. I got up, which means I can probably wrap presents on the floor. The dogs came right back to me and we all walked to the house, prob. a couple hundred feet. I'm keeping an eye on myself, and if I notice any worsening, I'll go to e.r. I supposed to give my granddaughter a lift and I hope I'm doing the right thing by waiting a little while to decide whether to get checked. My friend fell a couple years ago, and it led to her final illness. I see other DUers post about mishaps, and I really try to avoid falls. I think I dodged a bullet.

[Diamond_Dog]

1. I know you'll be cautious - but I hope you don't need a trip to the ER

Sometimes aches and bruises don’t show up right away, but I know you know that. Keeping my fingers crossed all,will be OK.

[Marthe48]

4. Tell me more!

I don't know what to expect. Of course, i will imagine the worst.

Thank you!

[leftieNanner]

2. I'm sorry you fell

But you need to ditch that retractable leash ASAP. As you just found out, they are extremely dangerous. A six foot leather or strong mesh leash is better. Maybe even a pinch collar so you have better control of the big dog.

Get well soon!

[Marthe48]

6. He's done so well on it

I liked the long lead, because it lets him have a little freedom. I think everyone else can run him, but I stroll.
Thank you.

[John1956PA]

5. I am so sorry, dear. Self monitor and keep in close contact with your daughter.

Your daughter may prevail upon you to make a precautionary trip to the E R. The protocol will be for you to undergo a head X-ray. In addition, X-ray studies of the other injured sites may be ordered.

Please keep all of us DUers apprised.

[Delmette2.0]

25. If you are on a blood thinner, get checked out

ASAP. Especially if you hit your head.
That's what my doctor told me when I started on a blood thinner.
I hope you are ok except for a few bruises.

[Marthe48]

7. Thank you

My friend
I think muscles I didn't know I had are riled up.
My grand dog felt so bad he went in his crate when we got back in the house.

[CountAllVotes]

8. Being you hit your head

I think you need to get checked out NOW.

As for the leash, you seem to like it. I'd get rid of it myself.

To each their own I guess.

[3catwoman3]

9. I agree. Especially if you are on a blood thinner for any reason.

[CountAllVotes]

11. hitting your head is no joke!

n/t

[GreatGazoo]

29. Yes to both of those

Head injuries are tricky. Problems can manifest 6 to 24 hours later.

There are many issues with retractable leashes. They all exceed 6-feet so they are illegal in many areas. They don't allow you to pass other dog owners safely. They can trip or entangle people with mobility issues. I was walking my dogs -- two Lab x Dane mixes on 4-ft leashes. Saw a neighbor who got a puppy at the same time I had gotten mine, about 5 months prior.

"Where is Sparky?" Sadness, uh oh. Sparky had been on a retractable leash. They thought it was locked off. Sparky had bolted between two cars parked at the curb and made it into the street. The driver had no time to react at all.

[Polly Hennessey]

10. If you hit your head you need to be checked.

[CentralMass]

13. I don't practice what I preach. Last year I was walking with some Nike running shoes that have many miles on them.

They were racing shoes to begin with and had a pretty smooth bottom even brand new. I would lose traction on wet floors with them. I was on a sidewalk and there was some water runoff from a hillside with some black silt like stuff running over the side walk. I was lightly jogging and when I hit that black stuff I did a Charlie Brown legs up in the air wipeout and came down on my left hip and slammed my head into the pavement. I was out for a short time. A guy driving a big dump that had pulled over saw it and came running over. I had a few miles to go to get back home and I walked it off but I did look for symptoms.

[Marthe48]

15. That was quite a fall

I heard the handle of the leash clattering down the drive, and being worried about the big dog running loose. So I don't think I got knocked out. Both dogs came right back to save me. Lol

[CentralMass]

22. Dogs are the best. I'm glad you are ok.

[Zackzzzz]

20. Same. I have never bought Nike shoes again.

Mine were rather new after a rain.

My 50lb lab, Misty, saw a rabbit and she took off.
I had the leash wrapped around wrist.
I fell, arms up, and she dragged me.
After that event, I made the decision to just let her go.

Please Check out your Vision and Balance.

[CentralMass]

12. Elderly people who fall and hit their head should look for the following symptoms, as they may indicate a serious brain

injury or internal bleeding:
​Immediate "Red Flags" (Seek Emergency Care)
​Loss of consciousness: Even if it was very brief.
​Seizures: Any uncontrollable shaking or fits.
​Worsening headache: A pain that does not improve or gets significantly more severe.
​Repeated vomiting: Throwing up more than once.
​Confusion or agitation: Being unable to recognize people, acting restless, or showing unusual behavior.
​Unequal pupil size: One pupil (the black center of the eye) is larger than the other.
​Weakness or numbness: Difficulty moving limbs or pins-and-needles sensations in the hands or feet.
​Slurred speech: Trouble forming words or being understood.
​Signs of Delayed Injury (Watch over 24–48 hours)
​Older adults, especially those on blood thinners, are at risk for a "subdural hematoma" (slow bleeding in the brain), which can show symptoms days or weeks later:
​Lethargy: Being extremely sleepy or difficult to wake up.
​Vision changes: Blurred vision or double vision.
​Balance problems: Difficulty walking or increased clumsiness.
​Memory loss: Forgetting the fall itself or feeling "in a fog."
​Fluid discharge: Clear fluid or blood draining from the ears or nose.
​First Steps
​Stop any bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth.
​Monitor closely: Do not leave the person alone for the first 24 hours.
​Consult a doctor: Even if symptoms are mild, it is safer to get a professional evaluation (and likely a scan) given the high risk of complications in seniors.
​

[Marthe48]

14. It's been over 2 hours

That's a great list to have. I didn't know for sure what to watch for. I have a bruise below my elbow, but my head doesn't hurt, even to touch. I think I fell from the bottom up, and my leg and arm took the brunt. By the time my head landed, it wasn't too far from the ground.
Thanks for posting this. I'll use it as a guide.

[SheltieLover]

16. Healing vibes on the way to you, Marthe

Please consider getting examined by drs.

[murielm99]

17. Please get checked out.

When I fell, they took me to an area hospital that specializes in head injuries. I ended up staying there for four days. At the time, I did not even remember whether or not I had hit my head. I had a headache and two black eyes. I threw up everything I ate. Eventually I could walk with assistance. When I went home, I had to take it easy for a few days. I thought it was a simple fall and I wondered why they were fussing. They were right. Please don't fool around with this.

[slightlv]

18. I'm sorry for this happening... we all know the dogs didn't mean to do it,

but it doesn't help now (gryn). I had the same thing happen to me when walking my dog. He took off after a motorized bicycle and dragged me behind him down the park hill. I ended up with a broken leg out of the mess. But at least I didn't lose the dog, which is what I was afraid of happening.. we'd only just a couple of weeks prior rescued him.

He's managed to knock me down a couple of times on the inside ramp hubby built me, but so far it's just been bruises and a splinter in a hip. I am more careful around him now, preferring the company of my cats! He stands on all fours up to my waist, and weighs 30 pounds more than I do. Did I say I prefer my cats? (LOL) He's not the dog I thought I was getting, but he's the dog that needed to have a home. 3x in 3 months, people adopted him and brought him back. I couldn't imagine him lasting much longer at that dog pound. While he was "adoptable" he just didn't do well with families... too big, too clumsy, and too rowdy. I'm hoping age will mellow him....

[Marthe48]

21. You had it worse than I do

Hope by now you are healed.

[slightlv]

23. Healed, but *very* careful around my Lexy pup!

[FoggyLake]

19. When I can get up after a fall...

it means that I could probably still escape when chased by zombies. It's how I measure my health these days.

[slightlv]

24. LOL! You're on the right track... I swear, we're overrun with zombies these days!

[Bayard]

26. The best thing to walk a big dog on is a chain training collar

What some people call a choke collar, but that's not what it is at all, if used correctly. Be sure to put it on the dog so that when you pull the leash, and then relax it, the collar relaxes. Its on wrong if it remains tight. If the dog is pulling, give the leash a quick snap, and then soften. Keep doing that until he minds his manners, along with voice commands. Praise works very well too.

I've also known people who have success with, "dog halters," on large dogs. It gives you more control of their head.

First things first though--nothing will work unless the whole family walks the dog the same way.

Good luck, and I hope your bruises heal quickly.

[Marthe48]

33. My daughter said she'll put a different collar on the dog

She told me last night, not sure what kind she'll use. Not a prong collar. We had St. Bernard dogs when I was growing up and my parents used the old metal chain choke collars on them. They had a long chain link run and the only time they were on a leash was walking them from the house to the run, about 70 feet. By the time I was allowed to walk them, they were older and easy on the leash.

Thank you for the ideas.

[MIButterfly]

27. Please give us an update on your condition.

Head injuries are nothing to mess around with. It's probably been hours since this happened and I hope you're doing okay.

I tripped over the cord to my charger and hit my head against the corner of the closet door a couple years ago and I looked up online what symptoms to be concerned about with a head injury. Even though I didn't have any of the symptoms, I still was afraid to go to sleep. I thought I may not wake up. Head injuries can be very deceptive and at first, appear not to be as serious as they are.

Take care! In the meantime, I send you all my best wishes that you feel better soon!

Love,
MIButterfly

[Marthe48]

32. So far, so good, thanks!

You mush have hit really hard.

A couple years ago, I cracked my forehead into the lower corner of a cupboard door I left open. It hurt really bad and I got a lump. I moved a thing or 2 out of that cupboard, into one I was less likely to hit and I make sure I close the doors since then. I told my daughter that the dog will never pull me over again. Anytime something like this happens, I spend the rest of my life trying to avoid a repeat. My head's a busy place!

[MIButterfly]

34. Glad to hear you're okay!

[ShazzieB]

28. Whoa, how scary!

Sure hope you didn't suffer anything more than minor injuries.

I don't have dogs, but I have fallen way too many times without any help! I always seem to land on my knees, and my left one is pretty beat up at this point. I know I need to learn how to avoid falls, but I've been a klutz my entire life and that doesn't seem likely to change at this late date. Still, I know the stakes are getting higher the older I get.

One problem I've become aware of is that my balance isn't what it used to be. I purchased a cane a few months ago, to use when I know I'm going to be walking on surfaces that are bumpy or irregular, and it's a big help in those situations. But I can trip over nothing while walking on a perfectly smooth surface, so I don't know, maybe I need to start using it a lot more.

This post has been a wakeup call for me. I know I need to start paying a LOT more attention to this issue. I know there are exercises that can improve one's balance, and I need to look into that!

[Marthe48]

31. If you could consult an occupational therapist

You might get some guidance on improving your movements. I haven't consulted one for myself, but as part of My Mom's home health, a professional came out and worked with her. The O.T. assessed my house for fall hazards, and worked with my mom on improving her mobility-everything from getting up from sitting to using her walker or cane. I stuck to the safety tips and kept the grip bars in place, even after all these years.

Sometimes, my shoes will hit the floor wrong and my foot doesn't move forward, so I stumble. I try to make sure I raise my foot high enough to avoid that. I have a non skid mat in the kitchen, and sometimes catch the edge of my shoe on it and stumble. I try to keep it shoved into the corner of the cupboards to avoid that too. I don't have pets right now, but if I get another cat, I want to get one that is light colored so I can see where it is when I'm on my feet When I had kitties, I was always more worried about stepping on them and hurting them.

Be as careful with yourself as you can. There's only one of you

[Marthe48]

30. Update: sore but doing ok

I feel stiff or sore, or both. The sore spots that I noticed have subsided, so nothing is worse than anything else. Taking it easy, but getting up every hour or so and moving around. Pretty much what I do every day, but slower. The only bruise I see is just below my elbow. No headache, vision, or confusion.

Thanks for all the support and concern. Also advice and tips. I think I'm done with dog walking until after New Year's. By then, I should be ok, and there will be some changes in how I walk the dogs.

Enjoy the day! I sure will

[applegrove]

35. Take care. Be vigilant.