When walking a leashed dog, women are more likely to suffer an injury.

According to a new analysis, women and older people are more likely than other adults to suffer catastrophic injuries while walking a leashed dog, including fractures and head trauma. 

The study used information from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and was published online on April 14, 2023, by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. From 2001 to 2020, emergency rooms treated approximately 423,000 adults for wounds received while walking a leashed dog, according to research. There were 75% women, and 50% of those in the 40–64 age group were persons. The majority of accidents were caused by falling after getting dragged, tangled up in, or tripping over the dog's leash. However, women were 50% more likely than men to suffer a broken bone from dog-walking accidents. In contrast, older adults (65 and older) had more than three times the likelihood of falling, twice the likelihood of breaking a bone, and a 60% greater likelihood of suffering a brain injury (such as a concussion) than younger adults.

  

It is advisable to be aware that dog walking can be dangerous, given that more than half of American households have at least one dog. Despite their findings, the researchers urged individuals to always keep their dogs on leashes in places where it is required by law.

This research is still being monitored.