Traumatic Brain Injuries: A Hidden Risk in Dog Walking
New research from Johns Hopkins University highlights the serious risks associated with dog walking, particularly traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which were identified as the second most common injury among adults from 2001 to 2020.
Common Injuries Among Dog Walkers
In addition to TBIs, the study revealed that finger fractures and shoulder sprains or strains are prevalent injuries related to dog walking activities. The data indicates a concerning trend, particularly for specific demographic groups.
Demographics Most Affected
The research findings suggest that women and adults aged 65 and older are at greater risk of injuries such as fractures and TBIs compared to other demographic groups. In fact, the study points out that:
- Adults aged 65 and older are more than three times more likely to fall while walking dogs.
- This age group is over twice as likely to sustain a fracture and 60% more likely to experience a TBI than younger dog walkers.
- Women are 50% more likely than men to experience fractures related to dog walking injuries.
Increasing Trends in Dog Walking Injuries
Alarmingly, the estimated annual incidence of leashed dog walking-related injuries has quadrupled over the study period. This rise has been attributed to an increase in dog ownership and greater awareness of the benefits of dog walking.
Insights from the Researchers
The study team, composed of experts from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, aims to raise awareness among dog owners regarding the risks involved in dog walking.
Ridge Maxson, a third-year medical student and one of the study’s first authors, stated, “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.”
Recommendations for Safer Dog Walking
Senior author Edward McFarland emphasized the importance of clinicians discussing pet ownership and assessing fracture and fall risk during regular health maintenance visits. He stressed that despite the findings, pet owners must adhere to safety protocols: “We strongly encourage people to leash their dogs wherever it is legally required.”
With the rise in dog walking-related injuries, heightened awareness and preventive measures are essential for ensuring the safety of both dog walkers and their pets.
