Hip problems in dogs
Hip problems in dogs can change their quality of lives dramatically. Whether your dog is experiencing hip dysplasia, arthritis or age-related joint discomfort, watching your once bouncy companion struggle to rise from lying down or climb the stairs at night can be devastating.
Understanding canine hip conditions, recognising early symptoms, and knowing when to seek veterinary support can make a profound difference to your dog's mobility and quality of life.
Common hip problems in dogs
- Hip dysplasia: Occurs when the hip’s ball joint and socket do not develop and fit together properly, causing joint instability and degeneration. This condition is developmental and genetic, particularly common in larger breeds.
- Arthritis: Arthritis in dogs is a common and progressive joint disorder affecting millions of pets. While typically associated with older dogs, younger dogs with injury, joint abnormalities, previous surgery, or genetic predisposition can develop osteoarthritis. The degenerative process breaks down articular cartilage, leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and overall reduced mobility.
- Hip luxation: A condition where the hip joint dislocates or partially moves out of the socket of the pelvis. This can be caused by trauma or be a complication of hip dysplasia and reduced tone and muscling surrounding the hip.
Signs of hip problems in dogs
- Lameness or limping (especially in the back limbs).
- Difficulty sitting, lying down or getting up.
- Difficulty or reluctance to jump or climb stairs.
- Swaying when walking.
- Running with both rear legs moving together (‘bunny hopping’).
- Stiffness (especially after lying or sitting down).
- Reduced motion in limbs.
- Muscle loss in the rear limbs.
- Pain or tenderness in the hips, especially when flexed or extended.
When to consult your vet about dog hip problems
Contact your vet if your dog displays any reduction in mobility or reduced exercise tolerance. Further advice should be sought if there are any of the symptoms of hip problems or belongs to a breed predisposed to hip dysplasia.
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, assess the range of motion in their joints, and may recommend diagnostic imaging, such as hip or limb x-rays for a definitive diagnosis.
Early intervention is key to managing pain and slowing the
progression of dog hip problems.
Ongoing care for dog hip problems
Managing hip problems in dogs can often require lifelong care tailored to their specific condition and severity. Working with your veterinary team, ongoing care treatments might include:
- Joint supplements.
- Vet-approved joint care nutrition, such as Arden Grange Joint Care, containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids to support cartilage health, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.
- Anti-inflammatory or pain medication, as well as possible treatments with stem cells and protein-rich injections.
- Hydrotherapy.
- Physiotherapy, including additional therapies of acupuncture, laser therapy and others.
- Surgery to correct the joint’s angle or looseness.
- Hip replacement (in advanced conditions).
How can a vet-approved diet help hip problems in dogs?
A vet-approved diet formulated specifically for hip problems in dogs and joint pain can significantly improve quality of life and improve overall joint health. Arden Grange’s VetCare Joint Care range is a vet-approved diet that can help to reduce your dog’s joint pain and stiffness by incorporating beneficial ingredients, including glucosamine and chondroitin (for cartilage support), omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil (to reduce joint inflammation), and optimal protein-to-calorie ratios (to maintain appropriate body condition score and reduce joint stress).