Researchers from Johns Hopkins University reveal that traumatic brain injury (TBI) was the second most common injury among adults who walk their dogs from 2001 to 2020.
The researchers’ study also identified finger fractures and shoulder sprains or strains as other common dog-walking injuries.
The study found that women, and all adults 65 and older, were more likely than any other demographic group to sustain injuries, such as fractures and head trauma.
And the researchers also found that TBI, along with hip fracture, were the two most common injuries among adults aged 65 and older.
Additionally, older dog walkers are more than three times more likely to fall, more than twice as likely to have a fracture, and finally, 60% more likely to experience a TBI than younger dog walkers.
Meanwhile, women who sustain injuries during dog-walking activities were 50% more likely to suffer broken bones than men.
From 2001 to 2020, the estimated annual incidence of injuries related to walking dogs on a leash quadrupled.
Researchers speculate that this is due to the increase in dog ownership and promotion of the benefits of dog walking over the years.
According to the Johns Hopkins University Hub, the researchers are from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Ridge Maxson, one of the study’s first authors and a third-year medical student at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, said: “Although dog walking is a common daily activity for many adults, few studies have characterized its injury burden. We have seen the need for more comprehensive information about these types of incidents.
The researchers hope their discovery will help raise awareness among dog owners. And also encourage doctors to discuss these possible common dog-walking injuries with their patients.
The study’s lead author, Edward McFarland, said: “We encourage clinicians to screen for pet ownership, assess fracture and fall risk, and discuss safe dog walking practices during regular health maintenance visits for these vulnerable groups. Despite our findings, we also strongly encourage people to leash their dogs wherever legally required.