Studies say fractures, sprains and head trauma are among the most common injuries when walking dogs.
Dog-walking-related injuries have increased among adults and children in the United States over the past 20 years, a new study reveals. Fractures, sprains and head trauma are among the most common, according to the research.
According to research from Johns Hopkins University, between 2001 and 2020, the number of adults visiting hospital emergency rooms for injuries caused while walking their dogs has increased significantly, from 7,300 to 32,300 per year. The data shows that the majority of those injured were women and adults were between 40 and 64 years old, accounting for 47% of injuries. “We know that a significant number of people may seek treatment in primary care, specialty or urgent care clinics for their injuries,” lead researcher Ridge Maxson told the Associated Press.
According to statistics, more than half of American households have at least one dog, and the pandemic has contributed to many people getting animal companions to counteract loneliness.
Ways to protect yourself from injuries
Experts say it’s important to be extra alert when walking your pet: Most injuries result from pet owners becoming complacent and losing their balance, struggling to maintain their equilibrium.
Some additional precautions you can follow include:
Never wrap the strap around your wrist or fingers.
While wrapping the leash around your wrists or fingers may help you tighten your grip, doctors say it can have an adverse effect. If your dog pulls and runs off at a sudden speed, he may not be able to unwind it and fall, suffer a fracture or sprain.
Therefore, it is best to hold the leash in the palm of your hand, like a golf club or baseball bat, to have better control over your pet. It is also easier to tighten or loosen your grip immediately if you feel the dog starting to move away.
Always keep your dog on a short leash
Experts say that if the leash is longer, it can cause more problems if your dog tries to escape, as he can build up a lot of energy. Therefore, he may fall or be dragged, suffering serious bruises or fractures. Also, it is easier to trip or get tangled up with a longer leash.
Give your dog some freedom when you stop to let him sniff or relieve himself. However, keeping the leash shorter while walking can help you have more control over the situation.
Always wear appropriate footwear
Make sure you wear the right shoes when walking your dog. Your dog can be unpredictable and you may lose traction on the ground due to pulling or uneven ground. Wear shoes that offer stability and won’t trip you up. Never wear flip-flops, sandals, slippers, clogs, high heels or any other potentially dangerous footwear.
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