Is walking your dog bad for your health?

for some reason my computer won't let me copy the link on the news but it will let me copy the text so here you are.


You might think that taking your dog for daily walks would help to keep you fit and healthy, but new research indicates that that might not be the case.

Over a two month period, doctors at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings, East Sussex noticed 37 cases of patients needing treatment for broken bones, soft tissue injuries and head wounds caused by dogs - which would add up to more than 200 injuries a year.

Most were pulled over by their dog while it was on a lead, while others tripped, fell over leads or were knocked over by their pets. Sixteen of them needed surgery as a result.

The Daily Mail reports that doctors were so surprised by the results that they concluded that the risk to dog owners may offset any of the health benefits.

The new study, published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, looks at how many injuries, other than bites, dogs cause.

Previous research has shown that owning a dog can reduce the risk of depression and eczema, lower blood pressure and combat obesity.

Dr Henry Willmott from the Conquest Hospital told the Daily Mail: "We have shown that dog-related injuries are common, particularly in the elderly.

"The presence of a dog in the house should be taken into consideration when the risk of falls is being assessed and dog obedience training should be considered. I am sure that this is a common phenomenon across the UK.

"Elderly women walking their dog on uneven ground were most at risk of injury. Some of the injuries were serious and resulted in considerable morbidity."

When we first adopted olly we bought a 50" training lead once my wife threw the ball and i wasnt looking he pulled me off my feet and dragged me about 3 yards ,it was really embarrasing but other walkers had a good laugh .i had to get a cortisone shot in my shoulder ,no more training lead just a pocketful of treats which is much less painful

soryy but can jus timagine that sight on the field. must have been painful though sorry

I know that I am definately more healthy since we've had Rocky. I have lost 9 kilos in weight (about a stone in old money) and I feel better for it. I suppose I could have just stayed in and sat on the sofa then I would have stayed the same.

I love the papers.

i think i'll take the risk and carry on walking,i know some times when its raining or cold it seems a bit of a chore but on the whole a really enjoy it and look foreward to it

was off my feet for just over 2 months thanks to marley, christmas was spent on crutches, but we are back out walking a couple of times a day around 45 mins each time, he's helping me keep fitter and build my leg back up and he's getting a good amount of exercise so it's a win win and i wouldn't be without him now

I've been dragged along by my gsds Luckly it was on grass and no injurys apart from bruises and a bruised ego

I did get a swollen ankle when playing football and my gsd thought my foot was the ball lol

I have also been knocked on my bum a few times by Skye playing and not looking where she was going

But that's not bad going for over 20 years walking my dogs oh no showings age now lol

I think the answer would definitely be, that's it's an individual thing.

Does it say that the people falling over are generally accident prone etc ? There seems to be too many factors to consider before the base question can be answered, it's not quite as black and white as its written ......

We are told to walk 20 minutes a day minimum for our hearts (blood pressure, cholesterol), dogs are known for lifting the soul , a life time of companionship, permanent giggle, meet new people, exercise - physical, emotional & social health should be improved!!

versus

responsible ownership, training, the odd accident & a bit of stress when things arent good ( health etc)

I know I'm healthier, happier and more sociable since owning my pup

When I take marley out its like therapy, esepcially after work. within 10 mins into the walk the stress of the day has gone but he has given me a few racing heart moments since I've had him.
To be honest Im more likey to break something tripping over his damn toys he keeps leaving on the stairs and my most frequent "injury" is standing barefoot on raggady chewed up bits of hide chews

axam102 wrote:When I take marley out its like therapy, esepcially after work. within 10 mins into the walk the stress of the day has gone but he has given me a few racing heart moments since I've had him.
To be honest Im more likey to break something tripping over his damn toys he keeps leaving on the stairs and my most frequent "injury" is standing barefoot on raggady chewed up bits of hide chews

can certainly agree with this. am luck not to have been injured when we go out with his mate izzy the GS as when they are flying around and bang into you full throttle its a miracle i dont end up in a heap on the floor!!