Most Common Orthopedic Dog Walking Injuries

Colorado is an extremely dog-friendly state, and it’s common to see people around Meeker walking their dogs year-round. Walking your dog is a great way to bond with your pet and provides you with various important benefits. Walking your dog can be a great source of exercise for both you and your dog. In addition, it can elevate your mood and provide important stress relief benefits. Spending time outdoors with your dog has also been found to reduce anxiety and depression, so the mental health benefits you experience can be significant.

However, walking your dog also comes with a risk of injury, which may be greater than expected. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that between 2001 and 2020, over 422,000 adults required emergency room treatment for injuries sustained while walking their dogs. In addition, the study found that annual dog-walking injuries were more than four times higher in 2020 than in 2001.

What Kinds of Injuries Occur While Walking Your Dog?

Most dog walking injuries occur when the dog pulls hard on the leash suddenly or unexpectedly. This can cause you to lose your balance and trip, or in some cases, it can even crush your hand due to the force of the dog pulling on the leash.

Some of the most common orthopedic dog walking injuries include:

• Fractured fingers and hands – These are the most common dog walking injuries. Fractured fingers or hands occur when the leash is wrapped tightly around your hand or fingers, and your dog pulls suddenly. This can crush the bones in your hand, resulting in fractures of the metacarpals, phalanges, or carpal bones.
• Fractures from falling—If your dog pulls suddenly on the leash, you can lose your balance, trip, and fall. Common bones fractured during a fall include the wrist, elbow, or hip.
• Sprains and strains – Sudden pulling on the leash can stretch or tear ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains). These injuries most commonly occur in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, or ankle.
• Brain injuries – Falls from sudden pulling on the leash can cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury if you land on your head with serious impact.
• Back pain – If you have a pre-existing back condition, walking your dog can worsen your back pain.

What Are the Best Leashes to Use for Preventing Orthopedic Dog Walking Injuries?

You can significantly reduce the risk of dog walking injuries by using proper leash equipment and handling techniques. The following leashes are most effective at helping to prevent dog walking injuries:

• Bungee/shock-absorbing leashes -These leashes have a stretchy bungee section that absorbs sudden pulls, reducing the risk of hand, wrist, and finger injuries from jerking motions. They can also help prevent falls and fractures.
• Double-handled leashes – Leashes with two handles allow for better control and the ability to shorten the lead when necessary to avoid tripping quickly. This can help prevent falls that cause fractures and brain injuries.
• Front-attaching harnesses – Using a front-clip harness instead of attaching the leash to a collar reduces pulling forces on the neck and gives you more control. This can help prevent injuries from dogs suddenly lunging.
• Shorter (4-6-foot) leashes – Keeping dogs on a relatively short leash, especially in crowded areas, reduces the risk of the leash getting tangled around limbs and causing rope burns or falls.
• Padded/reinforced handles – Leashes with padded leather or neoprene handles provide a secure, non-slip grip to prevent hand injuries if your dog pulls suddenly.

How Can I Prevent My Dog from Pulling on the Leash?

You can do several things to prevent your dog from pulling on the leash. Keep in mind that consistency is important when using the following techniques. You need to use them every time your dog pulls to break this habit successfully. If you’re patient and consistent, you can train your dog to walk calmly on a loose leash and reduce your risk of injury.

Don’t Let Your Dog Walk While Pulling

Never let your dog continue walking forward while pulling on the leash. Anytime the leash goes taut, stop walking right away. This will prevent your dog from being rewarded for this pulling behavior. Wait until the leash loosens, and you feel some slack on it before resuming walking.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Praise or reward your dog with treats when the leash is loose, and your dog walks nicely by your side. This will reinforce your desired behavior.

Change Directions Frequently

If your dog starts pulling ahead, do a 180-degree turn and walk in the opposite direction. This disrupts the pulling and refocuses your dog’s attention on you. Make sure to reward your dog with praise or treats once the leash is loose again.

Keep Your Training Sessions Short

Training your dog to keep the leash loose during walks takes time. Make sure to keep these training sessions short and upbeat. This is especially important with puppies since they tend to have shorter attention spans. In addition, always end your training session on a positive note before your dog becomes frustrated.

Colorado Advanced Orthopedics Can Help After a Dog Walking Injury

If you suffer an injury while walking your dog, Colorado Advanced Orthopedics can help. Our team of board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience treating the most common dog walking injuries, and we can help you restore a pain free life.

Our team is committed to delivering the exceptional care you deserve. Our surgeons have a broad range of specializations, ensuring we have the ability to treat just about any injury you may have. In addition, we use the most advanced technology to ensure the highest levels of comfort, precision and safety with all procedures. This has enabled us to consistently achieve surgical outcomes that exceed industry standards. At Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, we’re raising the bar for orthopedic treatment along the Western Slope.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Colorado Advanced Orthopedics serves patients in Meeker, the White River Valley and throughout the Western Slope.