NEW YORK (AP) – Owning a dog brings immense joy, from the cuddles and loyalty to the excited walks. However, dog walking also presents significant risks many dog owners may overlook.

Research from Johns Hopkins University shows a notable increase in injuries related to dog walking over the past two decades among both adults and children in the U.S. Common injuries include fractures, sprains, and head trauma.

From 2001 to 2020, the annual number of adults treated in emergency departments for dog-walking injuries rose from approximately 7,300 to 32,300, according to lead researcher Ridge Maxson.

Most of these patients were women (75%), with adults aged 40 to 64 making up 47% of cases.

Maxson noted that this figure only reflects emergency room visits; many likely seek treatment elsewhere.

The rise in dog ownership—around half of U.S. households have at least one dog—has contributed to this trend, accelerating the pandemic.

To ensure safety while walking a leashed dog, owners must stay focused and take extra precautions in bad weather.

Multitasking, like using a phone while walking, can lead to accidents. “You can’t afford to relax when you walk a powerfully built dog,” warned Noel Holston, a dog owner from Athens, Georgia.

Holston shared a personal experience from the early 2000s when he was walking his 65-pound pit bull.

A startled goose caused his dog to bolt, leading him to stumble and injure his ankle severely. “The pain was so intense. I almost passed out,” he recalled, highlighting the dangers of dog walking.

Susannah Johnston, a 64-year-old yoga instructor from New York, has faced similar challenges. After her dog lunged for a squirrel, she fractured a finger, requiring surgery and rehabilitation.

Running with a leashed dog can also be risky, especially if the dog is young or easily startled. Robert Godosky of Manhattan experienced this firsthand when his rescue dog got spooked, causing him to fall and break two ribs.

The risks are different in rural areas, as ER doctor Steven Haywood from Corinth, Mississippi noted.

He pointed out that being struck by vehicles is a serious concern, particularly where roads lack sidewalks. “It’s something we see regularly,” he said.

To minimize risks while walking dogs, experts recommend several safety measures:

• Footwear: Use appropriate shoes with good traction, especially in snowy or icy conditions. Consider footwear with spikes for extra grip.
• Leashes: Maxson suggests a non-retractable leash between 6 to 8 feet long to avoid tangles and enhance control. Retractable leashes can make handling the dog more challenging.
• Harnesses: In San Francisco, dog trainer Shoshi Parks advises using a no-pull harness with the leash attached to the dog’s chest for better control.
• Grip: Hold the leash at your center of gravity (hip or torso) and secure it properly to prevent burns or loss of control.

For individuals with mobility or balance issues, seeking help from a neighbor, older child, or professional dog walker is wise, particularly in challenging weather.

Johnston, Haywood, and Maxson agree that balance and strength training can reduce fall risks, especially for older adults.

They also emphasize the importance of dog training, which benefits the pet and helps the owner understand their dog’s behavior better.

“Make sure you can control the dog that you’re walking,” Haywood advised, underscoring that even fit individuals may struggle with larger breeds not accustomed to leashes.

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