The number of seniors injuring themselves while walking dogs is skyrocketing, University of Pennsylvania researchers say.
According to a new study in the surgery edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association, bone fractures from such incidents more than doubled during a 13-year period.
In 2004, about 1,700 people 65 or older visited emergency rooms with fractures after falling while walking a dog, the study said.
In 2017, that number was almost 4,400. Women need to be especially careful because they are at higher risk for bone disease, the study said.
Walking a dog can still be a great source of exercise, but experts say older dog owners should take special care to train their best friends or choose smaller breeds.
Cox Media Group
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