Common Dog Walking Injuries and How to Avoid Them

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

Walking your dog is a daily activity for nearly all dog owners. Even though it’s good exercise and stimulation for both you and your pet, it’s important to take some safety precautions. In a study analyzing emergency department records from between 2001 and 2020, an estimated 422,659 adults visited the ER with injuries related to on-leash dog walking. The analysis found that the majority of injured patients were women, and people aged 40 to 64, and found that finger fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and shoulder sprains and strains were the three most diagnosed injuries. Another study found that bone fractures related to pets and dog walking among older adults have been on the rise, as pet ownership is increasing and older adults are trying to stay active by walking their dogs.

The good news is that with several precautions, you can take your pup out for a walk without having to worry as much about injuries. Here are a few tips to follow for a safer and still enjoyable dog walk:

1. Practice leash training: Injuries can often occur when a dog excessively pulls on the leash. This can lead to finger fractures, shoulder injuries, pulled muscles or tripping and falling. The first step to a safer dog walk is leash training your pup so that it matches your pace. “Give your dog a treat when it's walking nicely next to you, isn’t pulling and is looking ahead,” says Christine Fox, an expert dog trainer and founder of Wag n Tails Studio. “You don’t want to reinforce when your dog is looking up at you. Instead, reward the act of walking with you while looking around at the environment.”

Fox also recommends to first practice leash training indoors where there are fewer distractions, and carrying the treats on the same side as your dog. This way your pup won’t be tempted to cut in front of you trying to get to the treats. Also, spring for some special treats like small pieces of hot dogs, cheese, or jerky. “You’re going to have to break out the good stuff for leash training!” she says.

2. Use the correct leash: Using front-attaching harnesses will generally help keep the dog from pulling and can help avoid injuries. You’ll want to use a leash that’s not too long (6-8 ft) so you can maintain control. And avoid retractable leashes; they can allow your dog to have too much length on a leash, which may injure you, your dog, or other people passing by.

3. Give permission to stop and smell: Dogs love to smell the world around them, but that can often cause them to pull in different directions or cut in front of you, possibly causing injuries. Fox recommends teaching your dog to stop and sniff only by permission. “Teaching a cue such as, ’Ok! Go see!’ or ’Go Sniff!’ allows your dog to explore by permission and then when it’s time to keep moving along, you can give an ’Ok, let’s go!’ cue for the walk to resume,” says Fox. Be sure to give your pup enough “smell time” during a walk because it can be excellent stimulation for them.

4. Take the proper precautions to avoid falling: “One of the most common accidents to occur while walking your dog is falling,” says Robbie Mann, Director for FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers Company Clinics. “A fall can lead to injuries to your ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, fingers, or head." Be sure to watch for uneven terrain to avoid rolling your ankle and falling. Also make sure to wear the appropriate footwear for the terrain that you’ll be walking on and to support your arches and ankles. “Using a hiking pole while walking can also be a great way to provide extra support, balance, and reduce stress on joints," says Mann. “And if you do fall while walking your dog, it’s important to take time to assess yourself before trying to get back up or you could make your injury worse, " says Mann. “If you experience sharp pain while walking, feel dizzy, or lightheaded, it is important to seek medical attention.”

5. Pay attention to your surroundings: Being aware of your surroundings can also help you avoid injuries on a walk. Mann suggests regularly checking around you for other people, dogs, oncoming cars, cracks in the sidewalk, and even wild animals. Be sure to create enough space for other walkers, dogs, and especially traffic when you are out for a walk with your dog. Also, be careful in the dark. If you take your pup out for a walk after the sun goes down, use a flashlight or a light up leash or collar to help you see where you are going and to alert cars passing by of your presence.

6. Check the weather: Try to avoid walking your dog in extreme heat or cold and always dress accordingly. “It’s important that you wear the proper clothing to protect your body and consider accessories for your dog, like booties or a jacket so they stay comfortable and safe as well,” says Mann. “And hydration is key, before, during and after a walk, for both you and your dog, especially for long walks.” And don’t forget sun protection for both you and your pup!

7. Walk with a friend: It’s always best to have a walking partner in case of an injury. Plus, walking is a great way to catch up with a friend and teaming up with a pal can motivate you to get outdoors and get some sunshine and exercise! Have other friends or neighbors with pups? You can even rally a few together to start a dog walking group.

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