Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes. Signs & Support

What is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

Canine hip dysplasia is a skeletal condition which starts off in puppyhood and progresses into adulthood.

The hip joint is made up of a ‘ball and socket’ and should fit ‘snugly’ together. When one or both joints develop abnormally, the result is an unhappy pup with a hip joint that doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket, meaning wear and tear of the cartilage, and eventually arthritis.

Whilst hip dysplasia is mainly a hereditary condition, you can help look after their mobility and comfort with support from your vet, by managing their lifestyle and providing the right nutritional support.  

5 Signs of Hip Dysplasia to Watch For

Identifying the signs of hip dysplasia in dogs early allows you to implement supportive care before significant stiffness sets in. Look out for:

1. The "Bunny Hop": Using both back legs together when running rather than a normal stride.

2. Swaying Gait: A noticeable "wobble" or swaying of the hips when walking.

3. Difficulty Rising: Taking longer to get up from a rug or bed, especially in the morning.

4. Reluctance to Jump: Hesitating before jumping into the car or onto the sofa.

5. Muscle Loss: "Skinny hips" where the muscle on the back legs appears smaller than the front.

Note for Puppy Owners: If you notice hip dysplasia symptoms in puppies (such as a wobbly walk or reluctance to play) between 5 and 10 months of age, consult your vet early. Early puppy hip dysplasia signs are often subtle but easier to manage when caught young.

Supporting a Dog with Hip Dysplasia: Nutrition & LIfestyle

If you think your dog is showing signs of hip dysplasia, it is important to consult your vet as soon as possible. In most cases they may suggest home remedies to help manage the condition, and prescribe pain killers to help manage the pain.  

Home treatments include careful exercise management, weight control and rest after exercise. Regular short lead walks are ideal for dogs with hip dysplasia, and if possible try to avoid activities which involve your dog jumping or chasing around for long periods of time. Weight control will also help avoid any excess strain on your dog’s joints.

While hip dysplasia is a structural issue, nutrition can also play an important role in supporting the general health of the surrounding tissues. The goal of nutritional support is to provide the necessary building blocks to:

• Maintain Synovial Fluid: this helps to keep the joint lubricated to support normal movement.

• Support Cartilage Resilience: Using compounds like glucosamine to help contribute to the structural integrity of the cartilage.

• Maintain Muscle Mass: providing specific amino acids to support the healthy muscle tissue that helps stabilise the joint structure

By introducing targeted joint support into your dog's daily diet, you can help to maintain the body's natural processes that support mobility and movement.

If you notice your dog is in some discomfort, make sure he rests and if you feel your dog’s condition is worsening, consult your vet to determine the best treatment going forward. For dogs with severe hip dysplasia and who do not respond to daily management, your vet may suggest surgery.

Physiotherapy is an excellent way to help your dog build muscle and reduce the pressure on their hips. Similarly, hydrotherapy can be helpful in exercising your dog, to maintain muscle mass, whilst not putting pressure on their joints.

Many of these methods are also helpful for managing arthritis in dogs.

Can I Prevent My Dog from Getting Hip Dysplasia?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent your dog from having hip dysplasia as it is a hereditary condition. The best course of action to reduce the severity of the condition is to keep an eye out for signs and to ensure proper care with weight management, nutrition and exercise.  

There are some schemes in place to check for hip dysplasia in breeding dogs, aimed at trying to reduce the number of puppies born with the condition. If you are planning to buy a new dog, make sure you buy from reputable breeders who screen for health conditions. If in doubt, speak with your local vet for advice, especially if you are planning to choose a dog breed that is prone to hip dysplasia.

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