A study by Johns Hopkins University revealed that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) ranked as the second most common injury related to walking leashed dogs among adults treated in U.S. emergency rooms from 2001 to 2020. The study highlighted that common leash-related injuries included finger fractures, TBIs, and shoulder sprains or strains. Researchers utilized the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System to analyze data, finding that approximately 422,659 adults sought treatment for leash-related injuries, with a significant majority being women and those aged 40 to 64. Women were 50% more likely than men to sustain fractures, while older adults were more susceptible to falls and TBIs. The analysis also indicated that the incidence of such injuries quadrupled over the 20-year period, attributed to increased dog ownership and fitness promotion. Drawing attention to the necessity for awareness, the research team encourages clinicians to discuss the injury risks associated with dog walking, particularly for women and older adults. The results aim to inform dog owners and healthcare providers about safe dog walking practices while highlighting the importance of leashing dogs in compliance with legal requirements. Additional findings from the study regarding child-related injuries are forthcoming.
