Two words, only two, that is enough to make every dog owner get scared like they’re living the worst horrors of their lives. Those two words? Hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common issue, especially with dogs that are large and giant breeds.

But even though the risk factors are high in large breed dogs, it can happen to dogs of any size, or breed. Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that can reduce the quality of your dog’s life to a huge extent.

That’s why, you must educate yourself on hip dysplasia in dogs so when they show any symptoms of you, you can give them the right treatment on time.

First of all, what is this weird disease again? Well, hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition that is majorly seen in large or giant breed dogs. But it can happen to small dog breeds too.

To understand hip dysplasia in dogs you must first understand the basic anatomy of the hip joint. The hips of the dogs function as a ball and socket to help with their movement.

But if you have a dog with dysplasia, the ball and socket do not fit properly, or not develop in a proper way which might lead to improper functioning of these joints.

This makes the ball and socket joint of the hip rub and grind against each other instead of sliding smoothly. This friction causes breakage of bones and pain to the dog. When this condition is not treated on time it can lead to deterioration of the bone.

With time the joints lose their function and your dog may not even be able to stand or sit properly.

This condition develops slowly, it may look like nothing is happening as you may not see your dog in pain. But as this issue progresses the bones of the hips start to wear down. This wear down then develops into arthritis, bone spurs, muscle atrophy, and mobility issues.

You may be wondering what causes this hip dysplasia in dogs. Let’s start by listing down the reasons:

• Genetics : Some dogs are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia. This is usually common in giant dog breeds.

• Improper Nutrition : Some dogs have complex nutritional requirements. You can’t feed the same basic meal to every dog. Dogs that are prone to hip or bone issues need the right nutrition that stops excessive growth of bones and hips.

• Excessive Growth : Not all growth is good in your dog. When the rate of growth of the bones of the hips goes far, then it may lead to one bone becoming bigger than the other one, causing more load on the bone.

• Obesity : If your dog is overweight, but their bones aren’t strong enough that they’re not able to carry their weight, then it’ll lead to more wear and tear of the bones, giving them hip dysplasia in the long run.

As discussed above, you can’t be sitting and waiting for the hips of your dog to displace to get them treated. You need to look for early, and also other signs that indicate hip dysplasia, and make treatment easy.

Some dogs who are prone to hip dysplasia start showing symptoms when they’re as young as 4 months old. But other dogs develop it in conjunction with osteoarthritis as they age.

Another thing is that symptoms also vary depending on the level of inflammation, looseness in the joint, or the severity of the disease.

Here are the symptoms you can look out for:

• Decreased Activity : If your dog shows less activity with issues getting down, or climbing on a table, then it is one of the symptoms. Less activity may be because your dog is experiencing pain when they’re moving.

• Decreased Range of Motion : If your dog prefers activity that involves less movement, this might be because they’re uncomfortable. This may be because as the bones rub and grind against each other, the friction it creates makes it difficult for them to keep up.

• Difficulty or Reluctance Rising, Jumping, Running, or Climbing Stairs : When your dog finds it impossible to jump, run, or move up the stairs, then it is one of the biggest symptoms you can look for.

• Loss of Thigh Muscle Mass : With less movement, and less use of the thighs and legs, the muscle mass tends to shrink. When you see a shrinking muscle mass in thighs and legs then it is a symptom you can’t ignore.

• Shoulder Enlargement : This happens when the dog’s legs and hips can’t keep up with the movement, their shoulders take on the entire load. This makes the shoulder grow in size, as they compensate for the movement.

Hip dysplasia in dogs can develop slowly and over time it can go from mild to severe. Here are the different stages of hip dysplasia in dogs:

Stage 1

Okay, your dog is looking fine. They’re running, jumping, and playing like they normally do. You have no reason to think that something is wrong. But then inside there is trouble:

• Their ball and socket joints aren’t fitting perfectly.

• There’s mild looseness, but no visible pain.

You can miss out on this stage as your dog shows no symptoms. But if your dog is from a breed that is more at risk of hip dysplasia, then here’s where joint supplements can be the best prevention from letting the disease progress.

Stage 2

As the condition progresses, you will start to see your dog:

• Struggle to jump onto the couch.

• Move less than usual during playtime.

• Have a slight limp that comes and goes.

This is because the looseness in the hip joint has started to wear and tear. This is where the rubbing and the grinding of the bones start creating discomfort for your dog.

Stage 3

Here you might see symptoms that are harder to ignore. You might see symptoms like:

• Reluctance to climb stairs or even stand up.

• Reduced range of motion in the hind legs.

• Noticeable pain during movement.

The wear and tear here at this stage have worsened. Bone damage has started to occur, and inflammation has set in. If your dog is left untreated, this stage can escalate to arthritis.

Stage 4

This is where things get serious. Your dog may:

• Have difficulty standing or walking.

• Show muscle loss in their thighs.

• Overuse their shoulders, making them visibly larger.

At this point, the joint damage is severe. The ball and socket no longer function properly, leading to extreme pain and limited mobility. Without intervention, your dog’s quality of life will be majorly impacted.

Stage 5

This is the final and most debilitating stage. Your dog may:

• Struggle to move.

• Show signs of muscle atrophy.

• Seems visibly distressed or in constant pain.

By now, the joint is damaged, and arthritis has developed. Treatment at this stage is focused on pain management and improving your dog’s comfort.

Hip dysplasia can turn your energetic dog into a dog who struggles to stand, sit, or even wag their tail. But there’s good news, treatment options can help manage and improve your dog’s quality of life.

Dog foods come with joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients are important in a treatment plan for dogs who are more at risk of arthritis or hip dysplasia.

• Why supplements? They serve as an intervention method, helping reduce symptoms like stiffness and pain even before issues arise.

• Best Bet : Go for a veterinarian-recommended, chewable glucosamine supplement with chondroitin. This ensures your dog gets a high-grade dose to support joint health.

• Proactive Care : Even if your dog isn’t showing symptoms yet, supplements can help prevent wear and tear on their joints, especially in large or giant breeds.

Your veterinarian can identify and manage hip dysplasia. Here’s what you can expect from them:

• Physical Exams : They’ll move your dog’s hind legs to check for looseness in the joint, grinding sounds, or pain.

• Blood Tests : Inflammation from joint disease can show up in your dog’s complete blood count.

• X-rays : Radiographs are done to confirm the seriousness of hip dysplasia. This step determines the best course of treatment.

The right treatments can make a huge difference. Here’s what your vet might suggest:

• Weight Reduction : Extra pounds means extra pressure. Losing extra weight takes the load off your dog’s hips.

• Physical Therapy : Strengthen muscles and improve mobility through guided exercises.

• Anti-inflammatory Medications : These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids to reduce pain and swelling in the body.

• Joint Fluid Modifiers : Medications to improve joint lubrication and slow cartilage breakdown.

This might sound harsh but let us tell you this: there is no home treatment for dog hip dysplasia. But there are ways you can prevent it. Here’s how:

• Proper Exercise : Giving your dog a proper level of exercise weekly, can make the bones stronger, and the body healthier. Exercise also grows pepper muscle mass that handles your dog’s weight, instead of keeping the entire load on the bones.

• Diet : Give your dog a diet that manages their weight. Being overweight puts too much load on your dog’s body, muscles, and bones. This can lead to major problems like hip dysplasia. Hold off fatty foods.

• Proper Breeding : Research the breed of your choice and find a breeder that does important health screenings like x-rays and radiographs for hip dysplasia.

Below are the dog breeds that are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia:

• German Shepherds: Loyal, intelligent, and strong. But beneath all that, they’re one of the most commonly affected breeds when it comes to hip dysplasia.

• Golden Retrievers: They might be everyone’s favorite family dog, but their genetics make them prone to this painful condition.

• Labrador Retrievers: These playful, energetic pups are another breed that’s at risk. Their enthusiasm hides their early signs, that’s why keep an eye on them.

• Bulldogs: Their build may look adorable, but it also puts their hips at a disadvantage.

• Mastiffs: They’re giant in size and heart, but unfortunately, their weight and build lead to joint issues.

• Saint Bernards: These gentle giants are as prone to hip dysplasia as they are to steal your heart.

• Basset Hounds: Their short legs and long backs might look cute, but they’re part of what makes them easy to hip dysplasia.

• Bloodhounds: They’re known for their tracking skills, these dogs are also on the list of breeds that frequently develop hip problems.

• Newfoundlands: They’re built for swimming and strength, but their large frames make them prone to joint issues.

• Pit Bulls: They’re tough on the outside, but hip dysplasia can be a hidden weakness for this breed.

• Chow Chows: Their fluffy appearance hides a potential for hip issues that can seriously affect their mobility.

• Rottweilers: Powerful and protective, but their build doesn’t protect them from the risk of hip dysplasia.

• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers: Strong swimmers and hardworking dogs, but their hips can still suffer over time.

Hip dysplasia is serious, and yes, it can be scary. But it’s not a death sentence. With the right care and intervention, your dog can still live a normal, happy, and comfortable life.

Treatment options from supplements to surgery, from light exercise to a tailored diet can make a huge difference in the proper recovery of your dog. The key is to stay alert. Know the signs, understand the risks, and take action before it’s too late.

A dog with hip dysplasia can live a long, happy life as long as you take action. Early diagnosis, the right treatment, and ongoing care can make all the difference. It’s not a death sentence; it’s a condition you can manage with preventative care.

Yes and no. Fixed? Not exactly. Managed? Absolutely. Treatments like joint supplements, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery can help your dog regain mobility and reduce pain.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Limping or favoring one leg.

• Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs.

• Reduced activity or range of motion.

• Enlarged shoulders from overcompensating.

If you spot these signs, it’s time to talk to your vet.

Yes, but keep it light. Short, gentle walks on soft surfaces are great for maintaining muscle mass and mobility. Avoid hard surfaces and high-impact activities. Keep your dog active without overdoing it.