UK Estimated Annual Costs of Hand and Wrist Injuries in Dog Walkers Surpass £23 Million

A recent review published in the journal Injury Prevention estimates that the total annual expense associated with hand and wrist injuries among dog walkers in the UK exceeds £23 million. The study highlights that women and individuals over 65 are particularly vulnerable, often due to being pulled along on the leash. As dog walking has grown in popularity, with around 8.5 million dogs in the UK—roughly one for every seven to eight people—injury cases related to this activity have increased significantly.

Dog walking, while beneficial for both physical and mental health, carries inherent risks. The review aimed to address a gap in existing research by analyzing the types and costs of hand and wrist injuries sustained during dog walking. Researchers examined five studies published from 2012 to 2024, encompassing nearly half a million patients, predominantly women and older adults.

Out of 491,400 injuries documented, approximately 22.5% involved fractures or soft tissue damage to the hand and wrist. The most common injuries were finger fractures, followed by wrist fractures, finger soft tissue injuries, and wrist soft tissue injuries.

The role of dogs in these injuries was clear—most incidents (over 68%) stemmed from being pulled by a leash, often resulting in falls or tripping. Other causes included getting tangled in the leash or tripping over the dog. Women and seniors faced a higher risk, likely due to conditions like osteoporosis and balance issues which increase the chance of severe injuries.

Based on the data, the study estimates that in the UK, the cost for surgical treatments, casts, and related care for wrist fractures alone could surpass £23 million annually within the NHS. This figure does not account for broader economic impacts such as lost work and increased care needs.

The study emphasizes preventive measures, including teaching safer leash-holding techniques—such as using the palm rather than fingers—and choosing less hazardous leashes like avoiding retractable types. Proper dog obedience training may also reduce injury risks.

Although the research has limitations, notably the reliance on studies mostly from the U.S. and limited analysis of regional trends or dog breeds, the findings highlight a significant public health concern. Strengthening safety awareness among dog walkers, especially older adults and women, could help mitigate these injuries and their associated costs.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-uk-annual-dog-walkers-handwrist.html