The Perils Of Dog-Walking

There are around 8.5 million dogs in the UK and as any owner knows they need regular exercise. Of course, this has added benefits because it forces owners to engage in some physical exercise themselves, but at what cost?

Some research published recently in the journal, Injury Prevention, conducted by experts from Raigmore Hospital and Singapore’s Sengkang Hospital, reviewed around 500,000 dog-walking-related injuries. Three-quarters of the injuries were sustained by women and 31% of the cases were among the over-65s. While finger fractures were the most frequently reported injury, from a cost perspective distal radius fractures, wrist fractures, had the most economic impact.

Indeed, the researchers estimated that the cost of dog-walking-related wrist injuries to the NHS in the UK was in excess of £23 million a year, a figure that would rise significantly if loss of productivity arising from absence from work was taken into consideration.

The report recommended that preventative measures, such as safer leash practices and public safety guidance, should be implemented as well as teaching “optimal dog-walking practices” and proper dog training to minimize the chances of Fido hurting its owner.