A person walks their dog by Lac Saint-Louis in Montreal as the sun sets on March 3, 2024. AP Photo
Walking dogs can be one of life’s great joys, but it also comes with risks that many may overlook. Recent research from Johns Hopkins University highlights a troubling increase in injuries related to dog walking over the past two decades. From 2001 to 2020, the number of adults treated in emergency rooms for dog-walking injuries surged from 7,300 to 32,300 annually. These injuries commonly include fractures, sprains, and head trauma. The study reveals that most patients are women and adults aged 40 to 64, who make up nearly half of the cases.
This rise in injuries coincides with a significant increase in dog ownership, partly fueled by the pandemic. As more people bring dogs into their lives, the risks associated with walking them have become more apparent. According to Ridge Maxson, the lead researcher, this figure does not even account for injuries treated outside of emergency rooms, such as at primary care or urgent care clinics.
Noel Holston, a dog owner from Athens, Georgia, experienced a serious injury while walking his pit bull. The dog was startled by a goose, leading to a sudden bolt that caused Holston to lose his balance and step into a hole, resulting in a severe ankle fracture. “The pain was so intense that I almost passed out,” Holston recalled. His wife had to get help to return to their car, highlighting the severe consequences of such incidents.
Susannah Johnston, a yoga instructor from Croton-on-Hudson, New York, has also been affected. While walking her lab mix, she was injured when the dog lunged after a squirrel, leading to a fractured finger that required surgery and rehabilitation. “That was the worst because it was twisted and pulled,” Johnston said.
Running with a dog on a leash poses its own dangers. Robert Godosky from Manhattan recounts a harrowing experience where his rescue dog, startled by scaffolding, caused him to trip and break two ribs. “My dog got spooked and got in front of me, and I ended up flying into the scaffolding,” he explained.
Rural areas present additional hazards, such as the risk of being struck by vehicles, especially when walking in poorly lit conditions or wearing dark clothing. Steven Haywood, an ER doctor in Mississippi, warns that such accidents can be life-threatening. “We see this on a regular basis,” he said.
To minimize risks while walking dogs, experts recommend several precautions. Appropriate footwear with good treads is essential, especially in snowy or icy conditions. Non-retractable leashes of six to eight feet are suggested to avoid tangles and maintain better control. Dog trainer Shoshi Parks from San Francisco advises using a no-pull harness and holding the leash close to your body for better control and reduced strain on the dog.
For those with mobility or balance issues, seeking assistance from a neighbor, older child, or professional dog walker can be beneficial. Strength and balance training, particularly for older adults, can also help reduce the risk of falls. Working with a dog trainer can improve both the dog's behavior and the walker’s ability to manage their pet effectively.
