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 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.
In 2004, about 1,700 people 65 or older visited emergency rooms with fractures after falling while walking a dog, 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.