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.

>> Read more trending news

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.

Read more here.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Big Head Todd and the Monsters will perform at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta Friday, March 14, 2025. (Courtesy of Jason Siegel)

Credit: (Courtesy of Jason Siegel)

Featured

Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., responds to reporters as the Senate works to avert a partial government shutdown ahead of the midnight deadline, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Credit: J. Scott Applewhite/AP