That’s a lot of dog-tor visits.
Injuries related to dog walking among American adults and children have surged a whopping 342% over the past two decades, researchers from Johns Hopkins University discovered.
Fractures, sprains and head trauma were the most prevalent injuries from 2001 to 2020 for owners of canine fur babies, with the estimated number of adults visiting emergency rooms increasing from 7,300 to 32,300, according to lead researcher Ridge Maxson.
Women had the highest amount of visits at 75%, and adults between the ages of 40 to 64 tallied 45%.
That study only accounts for trips to the emergency room, but dog owners may also seek help from their doctors or a clinic, Maxson explained.
About half of US households have at least one dog, with the pandemic contributing to the rise in dog ownership.
So how do owners avoid some ruff going on their walks? One pro-tip: don’t multitask.
Putting your cellphone away and focusing on the walk is a great way to minimize injury, especially in inclement weather.
Owners with balance or mobility challenges may also benefit from asking someone for help 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 unexpectedly chased a squirrel, leaving her with a fractured finger.
“That was the worst because it was twisted and pulled and I had to have surgery and rehab and everything else,” said Johnston, who had two other injuries over the years.
Noel Holston, 76, a dog walker in Athens, Ga., urged dog parents to stay vigilant when walking a powerful pooch — something he learned the hard way after a goose startled his 65-pound pit bull. The pup pulled him off the sidewalk and down an embankment, where Holston nearly fainted from pain when his ankle broke.
Researchers also urged runners to be cautious when pounding the pavement with a leashed dog.
In addition, dog owners in rural areas without sidewalks should wear reflectors and non-dark clothing to avoid getting hit by vehicles.
“That’s definitely the most life-threatening injury when people are walking their dogs. It’s something we see on a regular basis,” Mississippi ER Dr. Steven Haywood said.
Wearing appropriate footwear, such as spikes or studs, in wintery weather can also help doglovers avoid injury, experts said.
Maxson also suggested using a non-retractable leash of 6 to 8 feet when walking because longer ones “are more likely to get tangled around your legs and cause falls.”
They can also make your pup harder to control, and can cause burns, dog trainer Shoshi Parkson said.
She recommended a no-pull harness that attaches a leash to a dog’s chest because it gives their paw-rent more control and causes less strain for the pooch.
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