Dog walking injuries up 342% since 2001: study

That’s a lot of dog visits.

Dog-walking-related injuries among American adults and children have increased 342% over the past two decades, researchers from Johns Hopkins University found.

Fractures, sprains and head trauma were the most common injuries from 2001 to 2020 for owners of fur babies, with the estimated number of adult emergency room visits increasing from 7,300 to 32,300, according to the lead researcher. Ridge Maxson.

Women had the highest number of visits at 75%, and adults between the ages of 40 and 64 were 45%.

This study only counted trips to the emergency room, but dog owners can also seek help from their doctors or a clinic, Maxson explained.

About half of American households own at least one dog, with the pandemic contributing to an increase in dog ownership.

So how do owners avoid some harassment on their walks? A pro tip: don’t multitask.

Putting your cell phone away and focusing on walking is a great way to minimize injuries, especially in bad weather.

Owners with balance or mobility challenges can also benefit from having someone help them when trying to walk a dog in hazardous weather.

Susannah Johnston, 64, a yoga instructor from Croton-on-Hudson, NY, was injured a few years ago when her 50-pound Lab mix suddenly chased a squirrel, leaving her with a broken toe.

“That was the worst because it was twisted and pulled and I had to have surgery and rehab and everything,” said Johnston, who had two other injuries over the years.

Noel Holston, 76, a dog walker in Athens, Ga., urged dog parents to stay alert when walking a powerful dog — something he learned the hard way after a goose shocked his pit bull 65 kilograms. The toddler pulled him off the sidewalk and down an embankment, where Holston nearly passed out from the pain when he broke his ankle.

The researchers also urged runners to be careful when hitting the pavement with a leashed dog.

In addition, dog owners in rural areas without sidewalks should wear reflectors and non-dark clothing to avoid being hit by vehicles.

“This is definitely the most life-threatening injury when people walk their dogs. It’s something we see regularly,” said Dr. Steven Haywood of Mississippi ER.

Wearing appropriate footwear, such as spikes or spikes, in winter weather can also help dogs avoid injury, experts said.

Maxson also suggested using a 6- to 8-foot non-retractable leash when walking, because longer ones “are more likely to get tangled around your legs and cause falls.”

They can also make your dog harder to control and can cause burns, said dog trainer Shoshi Parkson.

She recommended a no-pull harness that attaches a leash to the dog’s chest because it gives more control to their paws and causes less strain on the dog.

By postal wire