- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Walking the dog is one of the best and easiest ways to bond with your pet and get your steps in, too. Yet, researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that between 2001 and 2020, over 422,000 U.S. adults visited the emergency room with injuries related to walking a leashed dog. So, learning how to prevent the most common dog walking injuries is key to a safe and effective walk with your dog.
Using a leash is crucial for safety, so how can injury be prevented? From choosing the right walking gear to properly holding a leash, there are several ways to ensure that strolls with your dog remain a walk in the park.
How Are People Injured When Walking the Dog?
Shoulder sprains, finger fractures, and head trauma were the most common injuries related to dog walking, according to the research. These injuries were primarily seen in female adults ages 40 to 64, and people 65 and older were at increased risk for fractures and brain injuries from dog walking.
Shoulder sprains, finger fractures, and brain trauma are the most common injuries related to dog walking.
“The most common injuries come from mishandling the leash or using the wrong equipment,” says Shoshi Parks, certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA), separation anxiety trainer (CSAT), and longtime contributor to the Rover blog.
“For example, when using a retractable leash, it’s easy for humans to get tangled or fall if a dog suddenly surges forward,” Parks says. “There is also a chance of getting ‘burned’ by a leash quickly pulled from its retractable handle if held too close to the skin.”
Parks also notes that any type of leash can be dangerous when wrapped too tightly around a walker’s hand.
Any type of leash can be dangerous when wrapped too tightly around a walker’s hand.
“If pavement or grass in the park is slippery, it’s easier to lose your footing and fall if a dog suddenly pulls forward or reacts to another dog. This is especially true for older people or those with limited strength,” she says. “Even well-trained dogs can be unpredictable so injury can occur in almost any scenario, especially with incorrect walking gear.”
Walking Incidents Can Injure Pets, Too
Scott M. Rovner, DVM, founder and lead veterinarian at Roscoe Village Animal Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, also cautions against retractable leashes for the pet’s safety. “If this type of leash drops and retracts toward the dog, it can scare them,” Rovner says.
“I have seen foot fractures from the leash handle hitting their paw, as well as pets who are hit by a car as they’re running away from the trailing handle.”
From a behavioral standpoint, Parks warns that because retractable leashes allow a dog to be further away from their walker, it can be difficult to intervene if a dog-to-dog interaction goes wrong, increasing the pet’s risk of injury from biting or an aggressive encounter.
According to Dr. Rovner and Parks, the type of collar your dog wears during a walk also matters.
The type of leash you use and collar your dog wears matters.
Dr. Rovner emphasizes the importance of fastening your dog’s collar correctly. Wearing a collar too tightly can pose health risks to the animal, but pet parents will also want to avoid leaving the collar too loose. “Dogs who are hit by a car often slip out of their collar,” he says.
Parks urges pet parents to avoid prong or choke collars, which can cause a collapsed trachea from the pressure of the collar around the sensitive neck and throat. Serious injury can also occur when walking a dog with an e-collar or shock collar, including burns to the dog’s neck.
Both Parks and Dr. Rovner note that these injuries aren’t specific to a certain breed of dog, though pets who are reactive or tend to pull on their leash are at a greater risk for harmful incidents.
How to Prevent Dog Walking Injuries
Choose the right walking gear
With limitless options of leashes, harnesses, and collars one the market, which are the best for keeping your dog safe? It can be easy to opt for trendy gear that has your pet strolling in style, but understanding the safety features associated with different types of walking gear will help you know which items to choose (or to avoid) when preventing injury.
Find the best harness
While a leash and collar are traditional staples for dog walking, harnesses have evolved into a safer option for many pet parents. Parks says that harnesses (paired with a nylon or leather leash) can be a great way to prevent animal injury since they eliminate the pressure a collar can put on a dog’s sensitive throat.
As you shop around for the right harness, consider their different benefits:
- No-Pull Harness: With a leash clipped to the dog’s chest rather than their back, this type of harness gives the walker more control and puts less strain on the dog. Parks recommends a no-pull harness if you have a dog who pulls or is reactive.
- Gentle Leader Harness: Dr. Rovner and Parks recommend this type of head halter for reactive dogs as well. The Gentle Leader requires proper training and a learning curve for pets who aren’t used to it, but when used properly, it can be a secure option for both dog and walker.
- Walkabout Harness: For senior dogs or those with mobility issues, Dr. Rovner recommends the walkabout harness. This harness is available in varying configurations and is great for walks and also allows the walker to safely guide a pet up the stairs, into the car, or in other scenarios where they might need a boost.
How to Hold a Leash
Holding your dog’s leash correctly is one of the best ways to prevent injury for both parties. This should allow the walker to guide the dog as needed during walks, and provide the dog enough space to safely explore their surroundings. Parks utilizes the following leash-holding techniques when working with pet parents:
- Hold the leash at your center of gravity, near the torso or hip/thigh.
- Never wrap the leash around your hand, since that can lead to broken or fractured fingers.
- Slip your hand through the loop for security, then reach down toward the dog and hold the leash there. Some people like to tie a knot in their leash to remind them where to grip.
General Dog Walking Safety Tips
The right equipment and the proper leash-holding technique will set you and your dog up for success. Other important best practices include:
- Putting your phone away and staying alert: Avoid walking and staring at your phone; stay vigilant. Parks says one of the best ways to prevent injury is to engage with your dog on walks and frequently scan the environment for hazards. She also notes that you’re less likely to be surprised by another reactive dog, a slippery area, or a loud noise that might spook your pet.
- Know your dog’s tolerance to meeting new people and pets, and be mindful of it: Meetings are a two-way street. Even if your dog is in tail-wagging bliss around strangers, it’s important to remember that another dog might not react the same way. On the contrary, if your dog is uncomfortable in new meetings, create physical distance from these situations during walks.
- Consider working with a certified dog trainer: Dr. Rovner says that one of the best ways to train reactive dogs is by working with a certified dog trainer or dog behavior consultant.
Tips From a Rover Dog Walker
Rover sitter Donatella D’Andrea has been walking dogs in the Naperville, IL area for over six years. Her client base of pets is comprised of differing breeds, sizes, and personalities, which means preparing for safe walks with each unique pet.
“When walking a dog, I always pay close attention to their body language so that I can anticipate reactions and respond accordingly,” she tells Rover. “I also carefully manage their interactions with other animals and people. To be on the safe side, I usually try to limit new encounters when possible.”
In addition to being mindful of new meetings, D’Andrea never wraps the leash around her fingers or hand in case the dog lunges at something they see. In instances when a dog becomes over excited, she says the best thing to do is to simply change course as it allows the dog to calm down and avoid a potential injury or unpredictable encounter.
And since every dog is different, she emphasizes the importance of communication between sitters and pet parents. “When meeting a new client, I always ask about walking schedules and if the dog is proficient in any ‘special skills’ such as escape artistry,” she says.
“I think it’s important for dog walkers to ask questions to see if they’re the right fit for an animal, and it’s also important for pet parents to be transparent about their pet’s needs and temperament. Finding a dog walker that suits your pet’s needs will ultimately help keep your dog safe and happy.”
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