[Brad Lockyer]

In Australia, our love for pets comes with a potentially painful bite. The most recent research reveals that cats and dogs – our most beloved companions – were responsible for a staggering 53% of hospitalisations linked to animal contact in the past year.

The report ‘Contact with Animals’, by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), looks at the types, trends and frequency of pet-related injuries from July 2012 to June 2022. Notably, it does not cover visits to emergency departments.

The findings indicate a steep upward trend. “During this 10-year period, hospitalised injuries due to contact with animals gradually increased from 66.5 to 90.5 per 100,000,” said Dr Sarah Ahmed, spokesperson for the AIHW.

There was an upward surge of approximately 10% in animal-related injuries during 2020–21, translating to about 2,230 more hospitalisations than the previous year.

“We did notice a notable increase in pet ownership during 2020-21,” Dr Ahmed pointed out. “Perhaps the lockdowns could partly explain the increase in hospitalisations.”

The impacts of these interactions can be serious, with open wounds proving to be the most predominant type of injury (57%). Other leading injuries include fractures (15%), toxic effects (one in ten cases), and superficial and soft tissue injuries (together making up nearly 9.5%).

Interestingly, men are twice as likely to end up in hospital resulting from an allergic reaction to animals.

Clearly, the risks of interacting with animals extend beyond the common “nips and scratches”. The statistics show that common livestock, including horses and cows, also pose a considerable risk, equalling nearly a quarter of animal-related admissions.

Australian wildlife, including snakes and spiders, brought about another fifth of the animal-related hospitalisations, causing Australian animal encounters (venomous or otherwise) to be more of a danger than initially thought.

Notably, the ‘stinger’ season over summer boosts the incidence of marine-related injuries, with males twice as likely to be hospitalised when compared to females.

“Despite the dangers, studies reaffirm the numerous benefits of human-animal engagement,” reassured Dr Ahmed. “Animals bring rewards that enrich our lives.”

This increased understanding of animal injuries may pave the way for more effective prevention strategies. It’s essential to stay informed and act responsibly when mingling with our renowned Australian wildlife, livestock and even our favourite pets.

Upon reflecting on these eye-opening findings, remember this – a purring cat or a wagging tail may sometimes come with a side of bandages and antibiotics, yet the companionship and joy our pets bring are, by far, the best form of medicine.

More details and supplementary reports on animal-related injuries can be found on the AIHW website.

Have you ever been injured by any of your pets?

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