Recognizing Trouble: 5 Warning Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

As a dog owner, you want to keep your pup in peak condition so that the two of you can enjoy lots of happy, healthy years together. That’s why it’s so important to watch for warning signs that your dog could be experiencing or developing a health problem, including dog hip dysplasia.

Spotting the signs that your dog might have hip dysplasia helps you take action early to protect your dog’s health and know when to seek professional help. 

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is one dog health issue that owners of certain breeds should be aware of. If left untreated, it can cause pain, debilitation, and lasting damage. In this article, we’ll explain five red flags that your dog might have hip dysplasia, what you can do to help prevent it, and the available treatment options.

Canine hip dysplasia is characterized by the abnormal growth and development of a dog’s hip joints over time. A normal, healthy hip works like a ball-and-socket joint, where the two parts slide smoothly, allowing a wide range of movement so your dog can bound around, play fetch, chase squirrels, and get their zoomies out without feeling any pain. 

When a dog suffers from hip dysplasia, the ball-and-socket elements that make up their hip joint develop abnormally, leading to excessive looseness in the joint. This alters the shape of the joint, and the parts rub and grind against one another, damaging the hip over time, leading to abnormal function, arthritis, and pain.^1,2

Hip dysplasia can afflict dogs of all shapes and sizes, but it’s most common in large dog breeds such as:

• Labrador Retriever

• Golden Retriever

• Great Dane

• German Shepherd

• Rottweiler

• Saint Bernard

The origins of hip dysplasia can be traced back to a mix of natural and environmental factors. Two of the most notable ones are genetics and nutrition.³

You may not be able to determine your dog’s hereditary traits, but you can control the amount and quality of food and supplements they consume, as well as their level of physical activity.

By prioritizing nutrition and exercise in your pet care routine, you can give your dog the best shot at success when it comes to avoiding hip dysplasia:

• Nutrition – Just like humans need a variety of healthy foods to grow big and strong, dogs function best when they eat well-balanced, nutrient-rich diets in the right amounts. This helps their bones and joints develop well and stay strong over time.

• Exercise – Obesity is a health issue that can exacerbate hip dysplasia in dogs.1 Ensure your dog enjoys the right amount of veterinary-recommended food and gets plenty of physical activity. 

A healthy diet and regular exercise will serve your dog well for many years. Give your dog the boost they need to stay in peak shape through proper exercise and nutrition. 

Now that you know what CHD is and how it’s caused, let’s look at five possible symptoms. Dogs with hip dysplasia suffer from joint pain, instability, and muscle wasting, and may show the following symptoms:

1. Difficulty standing up, jumping 

2. Lameness after exercise 

3. Shifting weight to the front legs 

4. “Bunny hop” gait; both hind legs moving together 

5. Decreased activity level 

It’s essential to address these warning signs right away. The long-term, painful, and debilitating consequences of untreated hip dysplasia in dogs include painful cartilage loss, scar tissue development, and bone spurs.

If getting your new pup from a breeder, ask about hip dysplasia in the parents. Dogs with CHD should not be bred. 

If you get a large-breed puppy, ask your veterinarian to evaluate its hips during the puppy visits. Special tests performed under light sedation can detect hip problems in puppies. 

Treatments range from pain management to minor pelvic surgery to major joint reconstruction of the hip. Some treatments must be done early, before symptoms develop, to prevent hip dysplasia. Dogs over one year old need other treatments, so identifying CHD before one year of age is ideal. 

If you notice symptoms of hip dysplasia in your own canine companion, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your vet can determine whether your pet meets the diagnostic criteria for hip dysplasia by performing a physical examination. When in doubt, it’s always best to play it safe and take your dog to a veterinarian.

Unbalanced nutrition and improper weight are two of the main factors that contribute to the risk of canine hip dysplasia.¹ One of the smartest steps you can take as a conscientious dog owner is to invest in your pet’s health and wellness with high-quality foods and supplements in the proper amounts.

Consider choosing one powerful, trusted supplement that supports bone, immune, joint, and cellular health (and more) all in one convenient formula—Vetericyn’s ALL-IN multifunctional dog supplement.

Vetericyn’s team of experts developed the ALL-IN supplement to provide dogs with the vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics they need to thrive.

Plus, because it is paired with a protein-based delivery system and features innovative absorption technology, All-In supports:

• Muscles

• Bones and joints 

• Skin 

• Gastrointestinal system

• Immunity

Vetericyn All-In proactively supports your pooch’s overall wellness. It’s available in formulas for dogs of all ages, and can be ingested whole or crumbled over food.

You’re determined to maintain your dog’s health and vitality. Vetericyn’s ALL-IN supplement is a great place to start. For larger breeds at risk of joint and mobility issues, we recommend starting joint supplements as early as 3 months of age to support joint health and cartilage. Always check in with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement or food.