UPFRONT/PETS
Animal Control
Avoid injury while walking your dog
YOU’D HARDLY call a neighborhood stroll with Fido an act of high-risk bravado. But between 2001 and 2020, some 422,659 adults—that’s more than 20,000 per year—sought treatment in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries sustained while walking leashed dogs, according to a recent study by Johns Hopkins University. And then there are the uncounted number of dog-walk mishaps that get treated by primary care doctors or at home. It’s not a trivial matter: Older people are three times more likely to experience a fall-related injury while walking a leashed dog than are those under age 40, and 60 percent more likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury, the Johns Hopkins study showed.
Of course, the vast majority of dog walks are happy and safe affairs. But why take risks? Consider these tips to reduce the chances of getting tangled or yanked off your feet.
Use the right leash ... Retractable leashes are popular but not so good for controlling your dog. “Stick with a traditional 6-foot leash,” says Rebecca Greenstein, Rover.com’s veterinary medical adviser. “It discourages pulling, and you’re a lot less likely to get tangled.”
... and bypass the collar. Instead, attach the leash to a harness with a front clip—that is, one by the dog’s chest. “The front clip helps discourage pulling, whereas a back clip can encourage pulling, because it allows the dog to leverage its own body weight,” Greenstein notes.
Wear the right shoes. You want great traction in case your dog suddenly lunges. Always pick sneakers or walking shoes with plenty of tread left. That means no sandals or flip-flops, no matter what the weather.
Build strength and balance. Are you strong enough to control an unexpected surge when your 40-pound dog suddenly spies a cat? “Older dog walkers should consider performing resistance-training and balance exercises to build muscle and improve coordination,” says Ridge Maxson, a medical student at Johns Hopkins and the study’s lead author.
Stick to a route. The more familiar the terrain, the fewer surprises for your dog and the fewer tripping hazards for you.
Consider the time of day. Walk when there are fewer noises and distractions, such as early morning, when others are in bed, or midday, when neighbors are at work.
Wear out your pooch before walking. Tired dogs are typically easier to handle, so schedule playtime before walks. Playing in the backyard or with toys inside can tire out a dog so it doesn’t start a walk with a lot of pent-up energy, says Greenstein.
Stay off your phone. You wouldn’t stare at a screen while walking with your spouse, would you? Don’t do it with your dog either. “If you’re texting or on the phone, you may not see the squirrel—which your pup may lunge for—or you may not notice other potentially hazardous situations,” Greenstein explains. —Matt Alderton