Epidemiology of Dog Walking–Related Injuries among Adults Presenting to US Emergency Departments, 2001–2020

Abstract

ABSTRACTPurposeDog walking is a popular daily activity, yet information regarding its injury burden is limited. This study describes the epidemiology of injuries related to leash-dependent dog walking among adults presenting to US emergency departments from 2001 to 2020.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database to identify adults (≥18 yr) presenting to US emergency departments with leash-dependent dog walking–related injuries between 2001 and 2020. Outcomes included annual estimates of injury incidence, injury characteristics, and risk factors for sustaining a fracture or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Weighted estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were generated using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System sample weights.ResultsBetween 2001 and 2020, an estimated 422,659 adults presented to US emergency departments with injuries related to leash-dependent dog walking. The annual incidence increased more than fourfold during this period (n= 7282 vsn= 32,306,P< 0.001). Most patients were women (75%) and adults age 40 to 64 yr (47%), with a mean age of 53 ± 0.5 yr. Patients commonly injured their upper extremity (51%) and were injured while falling when pulled or tripped by the leash (55%). The three most common injuries were finger fracture (6.9%), TBI (5.6%), and shoulder sprain/strain (5.1%). On multivariate analysis, fracture risk among dog walkers was higher in adults age ≥65 yr (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.8–2.5) and women (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3–1.7). Risk of TBI was also elevated among older dog walkers (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3–2.0).ConclusionsDog walking is associated with a considerable and rising injury burden. Dog owners should be informed of this injury potential and advised on risk-reduction strategies.