Dog behaviour and training business Company of Animals has given tips on how to avoid possible injury when walking a dog.
Dog-walking fractures in people aged 65+ have more than doubled between 2004 and 2017, according to a new survey.
The injuries can often occur when the dog suddenly rushes off ahead while on the lead, resulting in the walker suffering strains and sometimes broken bones.
Hip fractures accounted for 17% of the fractures, with wrist, arm and fingers the next most common.
Almost half of the injuries were in people aged between 65 and 75.
Company of Animals advises dog owners to not wrap the lead around their wrist or fingers, walk the dog on foot rather than biking or rollerblading, wear flat footwear and always pay attention.
The company suggests the use of its Halti No Pull Harness to provide the ‘best possible control’ for owners with dogs that are prone to pulling on the lead.
