Use 15 helpful strategies to prevent dog walking injuries
Walking a beloved pup has been a staple of the human-dog relationship for as long as we can remember. While most walks are uneventful and filled with joy, sometimes injuries can occur — leaving us a little (or significantly) worse for wear.
Read on to learn about some of the most common dog walking injuries and how to keep yourself and your dog safe.
Common dog walking injuries
Skinned knee or elbow
All dog walkers have experienced this at some point.
You’re walking your dog and not paying attention to the ground beneath you, and suddenly, you trip over the sidewalk.
This can easily result in painful skinned knees and elbows, which will heal quickly.
Sprained ankle
If you’re out hiking with your dog, it’s not unusual to be climbing over somewhat rough terrain. In these cases, sprained ankles are something to watch out for.
If you’re not paying attention and taking the wrong step, you could find yourself on the ground with a hurt ankle in seconds.
Muscle strain
If you’re a regular puppy walker, you are likely to experience soreness in your muscles and joints from time to time. Soft tissue injuries are common.
This is especially true if you’re walking larger dogs that pull on the leash.
Elbow or shoulder dislocations
Other common injuries sustained while dog walking include elbow or shoulder dislocations due to sudden tugs on the leash from excited dogs that are looking to chase after squirrels or rabbits.
This type of injury occurs when too much pressure is applied to joints by these strong pulls, pushing those joints beyond their normal range of motion and causing pain, swelling, and sometimes dislocations.
Head injuries
Head injuries are a potentially fatal danger when a dog’s sudden jump or pull knocks you to the ground and your head strikes something hard.
These injuries range from mild to severe, depending on the impact.
It’s essential to recognize the signs of a concussion, including confusion, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. Concussions can be severe and indicate traumatic brain injuries.
Neck strain
Neck strain is another common occurrence while walking dogs.
This occurs when you pull too often with the same muscles, leading to muscle soreness in the shoulder and upper back regions over time.
Strain in these muscles can impact others, like those in your neck.
Preventing injuries
Now that you know some of the most common dog walking injuries, you must know the steps to protect yourself.
Here are some tips to help keep both you and your dog safe while walking:
Wear appropriate shoes
Wearing the right footwear that provides adequate support and stability is essential when walking with your pet. Uneven terrain may cause you to slip, trip, or stumble.
For example, if you wear slippers or flip-flops, you could easily stub your toe or even break your ankle. Also, consider wearing boots if it’s raining or snowing.
Invest in a harness
Even if your puppy usually does not pull much on its leash, unexpected events such as seeing another dog could suddenly inspire strong tugging.
Depending on how quickly your dog accelerates toward whatever object has caught its interest, this can lead to potentially serious injuries from falls.
Harnesses give you more secure control of your pet and won’t permit as much pulling.
Bring a friend along
Taking a friend or two along for the walk increases safety for you and your dog. First, other aggressive dogs are less likely to approach you — there’s safety in numbers.
Walking with a friend also protects you in case of injury; if something happens, your friend can act right away.
Be aware of your surroundings
Always be mindful of your surroundings when walking your dog.
By remaining alert while walking, you’re more likely to recognize something dangerous, like a swerving car or an unleashed dog.
You also need to be on the lookout for distractions, such as other people, dogs, or a small animal like a squirrel or rabbit.
Don’t wrap the leash around your hand or wrist
Wrapping the leash around your hand or wrist could cause serious injuries if you lose control of the situation — for example, if you’re caught off-guard by a sudden pull.
Prevent hand, wrist and finger injuries by holding the leash securely at the loop near the end.
Don’t put your fingers in your dog’s collar
Even when using a sturdy collar with proper fit and buckle closure, putting one or more fingers between your pet’s neck and collar increases the risk of entanglement.
This could result in severe breaks or twists to your fingers should your dog become startled and suddenly try to wriggle out of your control.
You could also end up hurting your dog this way.
Keep your dog on a short leash
A too-long leash can be dangerous as it could wrap around your pet’s legs and cause it to trip or even pull you off balance. Using a shorter leash rather than a longer leash also gives you more control.
The ideal leash length for controlling a dog should generally be between 4 feet (for small dogs) and 6 feet (for large dogs).
Standard retractable leashes may be up to 26 feet long; however, they are not recommended due to potential risks.
You can quickly lose control over your dog, and sometimes, the retraction doesn’t work, which could be deadly if your dog runs into the street.
Never walk your dog while skateboarding or bike riding
This is incredibly dangerous for both of you to try to walk your dog while on a skateboard or bike, and could result in serious injuries.
It could lead to losing your dog if you accidentally fall and let go of the leash.
Why not take 20 minutes to enjoy a stroll with your furry friend?
Always bring extra light
Remember to carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp while walking your dog at night.
There may be times when light from street lamps isn’t enough, so having backup lighting helps keep both of you safe from any surprise hazards hidden in the dark.
You can also purchase reflective belts and collars so that cars have enough time to notice both of you from far away.
Plan ahead
Before heading out, ensure you know where you’re going and avoid unsafe areas, such as abandoned buildings or high-traffic streets.
Look both ways
Remember to always look both ways before attempting to cross the street.
Wait until it is 100% safe to proceed before crossing with your dog. There’s no reason to risk it.
Stay hydrated
Proper hydration is crucial for you and your dog while walking.
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being.
When taking your dog for a walk, remember that they need to stay hydrated, too.
Carry water for both yourself and your dog, especially during hot weather or intense physical activity.
Be mindful of your dog’s hydration needs; they can’t tell you when they’re thirsty.
By ensuring that you and your furry friend are adequately hydrated, you can make the most of your walk while keeping everyone healthy and happy.
Recognizing the signs of dehydration in your dog is crucial for their well-being.
Some common indicators of dehydration include dry or tacky gums, loss of skin elasticity, sunken eyes, lethargy, and excessive panting.
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, you must provide them with water immediately and, if the symptoms persist, seek veterinary care.
Additionally, during hot weather or strenuous activities, pay close attention to your pet’s hydration levels and encourage them to drink water regularly.
Being proactive in recognizing and addressing dehydration can help ensure your pet stays healthy and happy.
Make sure your dog’s fit for walks
Regular veterinary check-ups ensure your dog is physically fit for regular walking and exercise.
During these check-ups, the vet can assess your dog’s overall health, including weight, joint health, and cardiovascular fitness.
This is especially important for older dogs or those with pre-existing health conditions.
By monitoring your dog’s health through regular check-ups, you can help prevent any potential issues that may affect its ability to enjoy walks and exercise.
Additionally, your vet can provide guidance on specific exercises and activities suitable for your dog’s current health and fitness level. This proactive approach can contribute to your dog’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Warm-up and cool-down
Incorporating warm-up and cool-down exercises into your routine can help prevent injuries for both you and your pup.
Warm-up exercises
Dynamic stretching: Perform arm circles, leg swings, and torso twists to loosen your muscles before walking.
Gentle jogging or brisk walking: Start with 5-10 minutes of light activity to gradually elevate your heart rate.
Agility warm-up: Engage your dog with simple agility activities, like weaving between your legs or lightly jumping over low obstacles.
Controlled play: Allow your dog to fetch or chase for a short time to warm up their muscles without overexertion.
Cool-down exercises
Slow walking: Gradually decrease your pace for 5-10 minutes after your walk to lower your heart rate.
Static stretching: Follow up with stretches for major muscle groups,
Dog stretching: Encourage your dog to stretch by gently extending their limbs or inviting them to lie down and reach forward.
Hydration and rest: Ensure both you and your dog stay hydrated and take a few minutes to rest after the walk.
Learn to spot dog walking injuries
Recognizing the signs of injury early and knowing how to address them is crucial for the safety and well-being of both dog owners and their pups.
Recognize injuries
For your dog
Limping: If your dog starts to limp or favor a leg, it may indicate an injury such as a sprain or strain.
Vocalizations: Whining, barking, or growling could be signs of pain.
Behavioral changes: If your dog suddenly becomes withdrawn, aggressive, or starts behaving unusually, it may be in discomfort.
Swelling or heat: Check for any swelling or heat around joints, which may indicate an injury.
Reluctance to move: A dog that refuses to engage in everyday activities, such as running or jumping, may be experiencing soreness.
For you
Pain or discomfort: Listen to your body. Any sharp pain or discomfort in your joints or muscles should be investigated.
Wounds or bruises: Be observant for cuts, scratches, or bruises, especially if you stumble or fall while walking your dog.
Strains or sprains: If you feel a pulling sensation in muscles or ligaments, you could be at risk for a strain.
Address injuries
For your dog
Stop walking: As soon as you notice any signs of injury, stop the walk and allow your dog to rest.
Assess the injury: Carefully examine the affected area for signs of cuts, swelling, or deformity.
Apply a cold pack: If there is swelling, applying a cold pack wrapped in a towel can help reduce inflammation. Limit application to 15-20 minutes.
Limit activity: If you suspect a serious injury, limit your dog’s activity and avoid jumping or running until you can consult a veterinarian.
Veterinary care: If the injury appears significant or symptoms persist, seek veterinary care promptly.
For yourself
Take a break: If you feel pain, stop immediately, and find a safe spot to sit down and rest.
RICE method: For sprains or strains, use the RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—if applicable.
Assess the severity: If you have a serious injury (e.g., broken bone, severe pain), seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Hot or cold therapy: Depending on the type of injury, alternating between heat and ice may help alleviate pain and swelling.
For other dogs or pedestrians
Stay calm: If your dog injures another dog or person, calmly assess the situation.
Check for injuries: If possible, check if the other party is OK and offer assistance.
Exchange information: If necessary, exchange contact information and any relevant details about the incident.
Report serious incidents: For serious injuries to other animals or people, consider reporting the incident to local authorities or animal control.
Final thoughts on preventing dog walking injuries
These safety tips will help keep you injury-free while walking your canine companion.
If you ever feel unsafe on an outing, don’t hesitate to return home early — it’s better to be safe than sorry!