A new study published in Injury Prevention estimates that hand and wrist injuries among dog walkers in the UK cost the NHS over £23 million annually. Women and adults over 65 are most at risk, often due to being pulled by leashes. The research highlights the growing trend of dog-related injuries amid rising pet ownership.
The study reviewed five research papers involving 491,373 patients, 74% of whom were women. Approximately 31% of participants were over 65, a group particularly vulnerable to fractures due to factors like osteoporosis and balance issues. Among the 491,400 injuries analyzed, 22.5% affected the hand and wrist, with finger fractures (31%) and wrist fractures (25%) being the most common.
Leash-pulling incidents accounted for 68.5% of direct injuries, while tripping over leashes or dogs contributed to 20%. Researchers noted that dog walking itself isn’t riskier than other activities, but emphasized the disproportionate impact on older adults and women.
The authors stated, “Although dog-walking isn’t the leading cause of hand and wrist injuries, it represents a significant and preventable burden, especially for older and female populations.” They added, “Safer leash practices, like avoiding finger-wrapping or retractable leashes, could reduce these injuries.”
The study underscores the need for public awareness and preventive measures, such as leash-holding techniques and dog training, to mitigate injury risks. With dog ownership on the rise, addressing these safety concerns could alleviate both healthcare costs and personal harm.
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