Common Injuries from Dog-Walking: Fractured Fingers and Traumatic Brain Injuries

New research has indicated that an increasing number of people are injuring themselves while walking their pets, highlighting the need for more awareness and information on this type of incident. According to a recent study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, from 2001 to 2020, trauma to the fingers, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and shoulder strains or sprains were the most prevalent injuries requiring emergency care among adults in the United States in conjunction with dog walking. Women and those aged 65 and above were more likely to sustain severe injuries.

“Dog ownership [has] increased significantly in recent years during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ridge Maxson, a third-year medical student at Johns Hopkins University, stated in a press release. “Although dog walking is a common daily activity for many adults, few studies have characterized its injury burden. We saw a need for more comprehensive information about these kinds of incidents.”

The study, which relied on data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and analyzed emergency care visits from 422,659 adults in the United States from 2001 to 2020 to mitigate injuries of this nature, found that the yearly incidence of injuries related to dog walks quadrupled over a two-decade period. One explanation for this increase might be higher dog ownership levels and dog walking as a method of exercise. There is also the possibility that reporting on dog-walking injuries has improved more recently.

Although nearly half of all patients who receive treatment for dog-walking-related injuries are aged between 40 and 64 years old, 75% of patients are female. Older people, as well as women, are more vulnerable to fractures due to osteoporosis, according to Maxson. Individuals who fall are also likely to suffer injuries.

The three most common injuries arising from walking a dog were finger fractures, TBIs (concussions and nonconcussive internal head injuries), and shoulder sprains or strains, with hip fractures being common in those aged 65 and above.

“Although the leash serves as a vital link between the dog and the dog walker, it can put tension on the fingers and shoulder when a dog pulls ahead or quickly changes direction,” Maxson stated. “The leash can also cause dog walkers to fall to the ground by getting pulled, tripped, or tangled in the leash.”

Dr. Erin Joy Cavin Muckey, assistant professor of emergency medicine and medical director of the emergency department at Rutgers Health University Hospital, advises that individuals must be conscious of the potential for injury when walking their dogs. “We need to realize that some things and activities like dog walking that seem very benign carry with them some risk. Just be aware of that, and try not to be distracted with things like being on your cell phone while you’re walking your dog,” she remarked.

Dr. Kate Anderson, assistant clinical professor at the Cornell University Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior, recommends avoiding dog walks until their pets are better trained if owners have trouble controlling them on a lead. Activities that enhance mental stimulation in dogs such as food puzzles at home and playing in the garden instead of going on lengthy walks can also help.

It also doesn’t hurt to rope in your dog’s vet if walks with your pet seem risky. “Discuss the behavior with your family veterinarian,” Anderson said. “They can help determine the possible causes, rate the severity, and rule out any potential medical causes. If appropriate, they can then refer you to a qualified trainer or a veterinary behaviorist if needed.”