Your dog is your best bud, right there beside you, whether you’re snuggling on the couch or out for a jog. But these days, it’s a lot more couch cuddling than running as your dog starts to slow down, walk more stiffly, and seems to be experiencing pain in their hip area.
You’ve heard of hip dysplasia before, and you know it’s a common problem for pups, but is that what’s going on with your furry friend?
What Is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a fairly common health disorder in dogs, most often seen in medium- to large-breed dogs. The condition can affect canines of any age, from as early as 5 months old to their golden years.
The hip’s ball-and-socket joint fails to fit together properly due to disproportionate growth between the bones and soft tissues, which causes abnormal bone growth. The result is joint looseness that leads to lameness and inflammation.
Common Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
One of the best ways to save your pup from the pain of hip dysplasia is to know what to look for so you can identify the issue promptly. The sooner you can get your dog help, the better. Catching the issue early allows you and your vet to start an effective treatment plan to alleviate pain, fix the problem, and prevent it from getting worse.
For one thing, it’s important to realize that dogs tend to disguise their pain pretty well, suffering in silence. Therefore, don’t wait for your dog to whine, whimper, or growl when you touch their hip. There are several non-verbal signs of potential hip dysplasia, so make sure you know what they are.
- Slowing down in general
- Hesitating to get up or down
- Avoiding jumping onto furniture, into the car, or onto anything else
- Sleeping for longer periods
- Slower on stairs, or avoiding them completely
- No longer as interested in going on walks or playing
- Standing with hind legs together and front legs wide apart
- Limping
- Stiffness
- Bunny hopping (the rear legs move together)
- Muscle loss
Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia
If you notice any of the above signs or have any other concerns about your dog’s potential for hip dysplasia, your first stop is the vet. Your vet needs to examine your pup using specific tests that involve moving and touching the hip joint, known as the Ortolani Test.
Your dog also needs several X-rays that require them to be in specific positions, so your vet will likely sedate your pup for these radiographs. After performing the appropriate tests, your vet can provide a definitive diagnosis of hip dysplasia, and you can then discuss the best treatment plan together.
What Do You Do If Your Dog Has Hip Dysplasia?
Treatment for hip dysplasia depends highly on the severity of your dog’s condition. One of the most effective overall treatments for moderate to severe cases is a total hip replacement, but this may not always be necessary. If your dog has a very mild case of hip dysplasia, your vet might suggest giving your pet medication.
Possible medication options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), supplements that support healthy cartilage, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Other treatment plans include regenerative medicine therapy and following a healthy nutrition and exercise plan.
Can All Dogs Get Hip Dysplasia?
Every dog could develop hip dysplasia; however, it’s more common in medium and large-breed dogs. Their larger size often leads to rapid growth, which can put more strain on the hip joint. Also, certain breeds, including some smaller ones, are more susceptible to hip dysplasia, including the following:
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Chow Chow
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd
- Boxer
- Pug
- French Bulldog
- Newfoundland
- Saint Bernard
- Standard Poodle
- Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
- Australian Shepherd
- Springer Spaniel
- Old English Sheepdog
Is It Possible to Prevent Hip Dysplasia?
There’s a strong genetic component to hip dysplasia, especially if your pup is one of the breeds more prone to getting the condition. Therefore, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent the disease, but you can limit your pup’s risk by adjusting certain lifestyle factors.
Make Sure Your Dog Stays at a Healthy Weight
Overweight and obese dogs put a lot more strain on their joints, making them more prone to joint diseases. If your pup carries around extra pounds, it’s like hanging out a welcome sign for conditions like osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia.
Over time, as your dog’s joints and bones carry around this excess weight, they wear down and succumb to damage. Therefore, feed your pup a healthy diet that provides proper nutrition and the right amount of calories for their size, age, and activity level.
It’s best to discuss your dog’s unique dietary needs with your vet to make sure your pet is at a healthy weight. Your vet can also recommend any specific foods or vitamins your dog may need to fill any nutritional gaps
Get Your Dog the Right Exercise
Exercise is good for every dog, but not every dog needs the same kind of exercise. Growing dogs need proper physical activity to help strengthen bones and muscles that help add stability to the hip joint.
However, overexercising or doing the wrong kinds of activity could do more harm than good. For example, young pups that jump too frequently or start using stairs too early could put too much strain on their joints, leading to problems later.
Older dogs tend to slow down, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise. Low-impact activities, such as gentle walks or even swimming, are excellent ways to help keep older dogs healthy. Talk to your vet about the best ways to get your pup the movement and exercise they need.
Consider a Quality Joint Supplement
If your dog is already experiencing problems, it might be too late for a supplement to do a lot of good. Most doggy joint supplements work best when you start giving them to your pup before symptoms develop.
The supplements help keep joints and cartilage flexible and strong, and reduce inflammation. Consequently, you could reduce the risk of your dog developing hip dysplasia, saving you a lot of money (and your pup a lot of pain) in the long run.
As with any type of supplement, vitamin, or medication, before you buy anything, talk to your vet. It’s critical to make sure you choose high-quality products that won’t interfere with any other medications or conditions your dog uses or has.
Stay Proactive When It Comes to Your Dog and Hip Dysplasia
One of the best ways to reduce your dog’s complications from hip dysplasia, or help limit the disease’s progression, is to educate yourself. You’ve already taken the first step by reading this article, but take it even further, especially if your dog is one of the breeds that’s most vulnerable to the disease.
Arm yourself with the potential symptoms, keep a watchful eye on your dog, talk to your vet about joint supplements, and make sure your dog stays healthy and active. Don’t wait for a problem to develop and then try to figure out how to fix it. Instead, focus on preventing problems before they start.
For more helpful tips on taking care of your dog, make sure to check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.