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Injuries related to dog walking have been on the rise in the U.S., researchers say

More than 75,000 dog-related fall injuries a year were estimated in a CDC study. Separately, injuries from walking leashed dogs sent an estimated 32,306 U.S. adults to emergency departments in 2020.

By Evan Smith · 5-minute read

BEFORE · Leash and collar
AFTER · Lumint harness

One sudden pull can change a walk.

Your dog spots something. The leash tightens. You brace yourself.
If that feels familiar, you already know how quickly a relaxed walk can become a tug of war. Research shows that injuries during dog walking deserve attention.

Dog-walking injuries more than quadrupled.

Researchers estimated that annual U.S. emergency-department visits for adults injured while walking leashed dogs rose from 7,282 in 2001 to 32,306 in 2020. [1]
The three most common injuries in the published Johns Hopkins study were finger fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and shoulder sprains or strains. [2]

Falls accounted for more than half of the injuries.

In the 2001–2020 study, 55% of injuries involved a fall after the person walking the dog was pulled or tripped by the leash. A sudden tug or a leash underfoot can turn an everyday stroll into an emergency visit. [6]

Women and adults 65+ faced greater injury risks.

Women accounted for 75% of injured adults in the study. Adults ages 40–64 made up the largest age group, at 47%. Older adults stood out for their higher odds of serious injury. [6]
For women: fracture odds were 50% higher than for men.
For adults 65+: fracture odds were about twice as high, and traumatic brain injury odds were 60% higher, than for younger adults. [6]
Johns Hopkins also reported that older patients were more than three times as likely to have fallen as younger patients. For adults 65+, traumatic brain injuries and hip fractures were the most common injuries. [2]
These comparisons describe injured adults treated in emergency departments. They do not measure the chance that any individual dog owner will fall.

Small habits help you stay in control.

Put your phone away and watch your dog and the path ahead. Use a non-retractable leash. If balance, mobility, or slippery weather makes walking difficult, ask a family member, neighbor, or dog walker for help. [7]
About the 75,000-plus figure: the CDC estimated 76,223 dog-related fall injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments per year during 2001–2006. That includes incidents beyond walking; 26% occurred while walking dogs. These studies do not establish that the numbers continue to rise today. [3]

A front clip gives you a different way to guide.

A front clip places the leash connection at your dog's chest. This type of harness is designed to discourage pulling, according to the American Kennel Club. [4]

Meet the Lumint Everyday Front Clip-Harness.

When pulling makes walks feel like hard work, a little guidance can make a difference.
Lumint gives you a front attachment point for your leash, so you can guide from the chest instead of attaching the leash to a collar. Pair it with a comfortable fit and consistent training.

Fit it. Clip it. Practice.

1. Check the fit. Adjust the straps so the harness is snug and comfortable. Check that your dog cannot slip out. [4]
2. Use the front ring. Attach your leash to the ring at the center of the chest.
3. Reward a loose leash. Practice in short, regular sessions and reward your dog for staying close with the leash relaxed. [5]

Real people, real results.

Walks feel more manageable.

“I used to brace myself whenever Charlie spotted another dog. The front clip gives me a different way to guide him, and with practice our walks feel calmer.”

Linda M.

An easier daily routine.

“Getting the fit right took a few tries. Now I clip the leash at his chest and reward him for staying close. It has become part of our daily routine.”

Karen T.

More time enjoying the walk.

“I wanted walks to feel less like a tug of war. The harness is easy to adjust, and I like having a front attachment point when we practice loose-leash walking.”

David R.

Bring the focus back to time together.

Your daily walk is time to get outside, explore, and enjoy your dog. If pulling keeps getting in the way, take a look at Lumint's Everyday Front Clip-Harness.

View the Lumint Harness
Sources: [1] Maxson et al., ISAKOS research abstract (2001–2020 NEISS data). [2] Johns Hopkins Medicine, April 25, 2023. [3] CDC MMWR, March 27, 2009 (2001–2006 data). [4] American Kennel Club, “How to Put on a Dog Harness.” [5] RSPCA, “Teach your dog to walk without pulling.” Source links appear beside the relevant statements. [6] Maxson et al., published study abstract, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (2023; 2001–2020 data). [7] PBS News / Associated Press, September 14, 2024.