How Can You Tell if Your Dog Has a Bad Hip?
Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition, often seen in large-breed dogs, though it can occur in all sizes. The hip joint functions as a ball and socket; in dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket don't fit or develop properly, so they rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly. This causes deterioration over time and, if left unaddressed, may eventually lead to loss of function in the joint.
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is one of the more common skeletal disorders in dogs, with symptoms ranging from virtually unnoticeable to severe pain and lameness. It's a deformity of the hip that occurs with growth: normally the ball (the head of the femur) and the socket in the pelvis grow at the same rate, but in hip dysplasia that simultaneous growth doesn't happen, resulting in a loose joint. As the dog ages, the body attempts to stabilize the loose hip, which can result in osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease.
As CHD progresses, the hip joint degenerates, leading to pain and mobility issues. If left unaddressed, dogs may eventually be unable to use their hind legs. However, most dogs with CHD are able to lead healthy, active lives when the condition is diagnosed early enough and proper care is given and maintained.
What Are the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
Weakness and pain in the hind legs are the usual clinical signs of CHD. Your dog may appear wobbly and be reluctant to rise from a sitting or lying position, and some dogs limp or hesitate to climb stairs. These signs can appear in puppies as young as a few months but are most common in dogs one to two years of age. Dogs with mild hip dysplasia may not show clinical signs until they're older — it often takes years of gradual bone degeneration before a dog becomes symptomatic. Common symptoms include:
- Limping or one-sided walking from stiffening of the hip joint
- Swollen joints or sensitivity when touched
- Movement that becomes slower and more limited
- Popping or cracking sounds from the joints
- "Bunny hopping," or running with both hind legs moving in unison
- Wobbling or a loss of balance
- Swaying while walking or leaning to one side
- Slow or difficult movement when sitting, lying down, or standing up
- Lack of interest in going on walks
- Reduced muscle in the hind legs, which can result in skinny hips
Is There a Way to Prevent Hip Dysplasia?
While there's no cure or way to prevent all cases of hip dysplasia, there are steps that may lessen the chance of CHD. Start your dog's healthy habits early: a healthy, proportioned diet helps support proper bone and joint development, and regular, appropriate exercise helps prevent obesity (which causes many other health problems), so limit table scraps and fatty foods. If you're adding a new dog to your family, research the breed and find a responsible, well-reviewed breeder who does appropriate health screenings.
What Are the Treatment Options?
There's no cure for CHD, but several approaches can help with comfort and slowing progression. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is very important — keeping your dog at a healthy weight minimizes hip-joint stress, and regular exercise strengthens muscles, though over-exertion can worsen things. Work with your veterinarian to create a plan that fits your dog. In the most extreme cases, your vet may suggest surgery; ask when they'd recommend it, and don't be afraid to get two or three professional opinions.
In the video below, Dr. David Randall, DVM discusses joint health in dogs.
NSAIDs and pain medications may be an option for dogs in pain, but it's important to give only the smallest amount for the shortest duration because of side effects — liver and kidney damage and digestive problems are common. These medications temporarily cover up symptoms but don't cure anything.
Many owners also add a daily joint supplement as part of supportive care. Flexpet is an all-natural daily supplement made without harsh additives. Flexpet is a supplement, not a medication — it isn't intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent hip dysplasia or any other disease, and it isn't a substitute for veterinary care.
How Flexpet Supports Joint Health
- Helps nourish the joints and support healthy cartilage
- Supports the joint's natural lubricating fluid
- Supports a healthy inflammatory response
- Made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients, without harsh additives
- Recommended by veterinarians
Flexpet contains all-natural, human-grade ingredients and is made in the USA.
Finding out your pet has hip dysplasia can feel frightening. The most important things to remember: educate yourself, consult your veterinarian, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits. By doing this, your dog can live a long, happy, and healthy life by your side.
At Flexpet, we care about you and your pets, and our knowledgeable customer care team is happy to answer any questions about our joint supplement products and how they may help your dog or cat. It comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, by email, or by phone at 1-800-505-0575.
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