NEW YORK (AP) — The love and companionship dogs provide are truly special. The joy that comes with their playful nature, unwavering loyalty, and those soulful eyes make owning a dog a delightful experience. One of the best parts of having a dog is going for a nice, brisk walk. However, this seemingly simple activity can pose risks that many dog owners may overlook.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have found that, over the last two decades, injuries related to dog walking have been steadily increasing for both adults and children in the United States. Common injuries include fractures, sprains, and head injuries.
According to lead researcher Ridge Maxson, the yearly number of adults treated in emergency departments for dog-walking injuries rose dramatically from around 7,300 in 2001 to 32,300 in 2020. The majority of these patients (75%) were women, and adults aged 40 to 64 accounted for nearly half of the cases.
This statistic only accounts for emergency room visits. “Many individuals likely seek care for their injuries at primary care or urgent care facilities instead,” Maxson noted.
Dog ownership has surged in popularity, with about half of all households in the U.S. now having at least one dog, a trend that has been influenced by the pandemic.
Tips for Staying Safe
When walking a dog on a leash, staying safe requires constant attention, particularly in bad weather. Avoid distractions like your phone.
“When you’re walking a strong dog, it’s crucial to stay alert,” advised Noel Holston, a dog owner from Athens, Georgia. “You need to maintain focus.”
This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, which emphasizes wellness, fitness, diet, and mental health. Read more Be Well.
Holston recalls an incident from the early 2000s when he was walking his 65-pound pit bull. A startled goose caused the dog to bolt down a slope, pulling the 76-year-old Holston off balance as he tried to regain his footing. “I stepped into a hole and heard my left ankle snap. It was excruciating—my wife had to flag down a jogger to help me back to our car,” he explained, describing the aftermath where his foot was left hanging limply.
Susannah Johnston, a 64-year-old yoga instructor who leads a Facebook group dedicated to helping women improve their balance and strength, shared that she has suffered three injuries from dog walking incidents. One of the worse injuries happened about five years ago when her lab mix chased a squirrel while she was kneeling. The mishap led to a fractured finger that required surgery and rehabilitation.
Running with a leashed dog can also be risky. Even if a dog seems well-behaved, unexpected triggers can lead to trouble. Robert Godosky from Manhattan experienced this firsthand when his rescue dog got spooked near scaffolding, causing him to trip and break two ribs.
FILE – A couple walks with their dog on a rainy day at the Huntington Beach Pier in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Feb. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
There are other dangers for dog walkers in rural areas, as pointed out by Steven Haywood, an ER doctor in Corinth, Mississippi.
“Being struck by vehicles is definitely one of the most serious injuries people face while walking their dogs,” he emphasized. In his area, many roads lack sidewalks, making it particularly hazardous if people wear dark clothing without reflective gear.
“We frequently see incidents like this,” Haywood noted.
Choosing the Right Gear
Alongside wearing reflective clothing, other recommended gear includes:
Ensure you wear proper footwear with good traction in snowy or icy conditions, and consider options with spikes for added safety.
Maxson recommends using a standard leash that is 6 to 8 feet long. “Longer leashes can lead to tangles and falls, while retractable leashes can make it challenging to maintain control over your dog,” he cautioned.
In San Francisco, dog trainer Shoshi Parks advises using a no-pull harness that clips to the dog’s chest instead of the back. This method offers better control and minimizes stress on the dog.
Parks also recommends that dog walkers hold the leash closer to their center of gravity, near their body, and to grab it a little lower down after slipping their hand through the loop. She warns against using retractable leashes, which can lead to injuries if they suddenly retract or extend.
Getting Help with Dog Walking
For individuals who struggle with mobility or balance, it may be wise to ask someone for assistance while walking a dog, especially in challenging weather. This could be a neighbor, a responsible older child, or a professional dog walker.
Johnston, Haywood, and Maxson all agree that strength and balance exercises, particularly for older adults, can significantly reduce the risk of falls and fractures. They also emphasize the benefits of working with a dog trainer, which helps both the dog and the owner better understand each other’s body language.
“Even physically fit individuals may find it challenging to control larger breeds that aren’t accustomed to leash walking. Any type of exercise that builds strength and balance will be beneficial,” Haywood concluded. “Ensure that you can manage the dog you are walking.”
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Leanne Italie covers topics related to wellness, culture, and lifestyle. You can follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/litalie.
