Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Treatment Options Explained

Short answer: hip dysplasia in dogs is treated with weight control, controlled exercise, physical therapy and pain medication, and with surgery in some cases. The right plan depends on your dog's age, size, pain level and X-rays. Many dogs live comfortably without surgery, and young dogs may have surgical options that are only possible for a short time, so an early diagnosis matters.

What hip dysplasia is

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. In a dog with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket do not fit tightly. The joint is loose, so the surfaces rub in the wrong way, and this leads to cartilage damage and osteoarthritis over time.

The condition has a genetic basis, and growth, weight, diet and exercise in puppyhood can affect how it develops. It is most common in large breeds, such as German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers, but smaller dogs can also have it.

Signs of hip dysplasia in dogs

• "Bunny hopping": moving both back legs together when running
• Stiffness after rest, especially in the morning
• Trouble standing up, climbing stairs or jumping
• A swaying walk or narrow stance in the back legs
• Less muscle on the thighs, with more muscle at the shoulders
• Sitting with the legs out to one side
• Pain or irritation when the hips are touched

Signs can show in puppies of a few months old, or years later when arthritis develops. See also: early signs of arthritis.

How it is diagnosed

Your vet will check how your dog walks and handle the hips to feel for pain and looseness. X-rays confirm the diagnosis, and sedation is often used so the dog stays relaxed and correctly positioned. Specialist methods, such as PennHIP, measure hip looseness and can be done in young dogs. A clear result early on keeps more treatment options open.

Treatment without surgery

This approach, often called conservative management, suits many dogs. Each part below supports the others.

1. Weight management

Every extra kilogram adds load to each step. A lifetime study of Labrador Retrievers (Kealy et al., JAVMA, 2002) found that lean dogs developed joint disease later and lived a median of about 1.8 years longer than heavier littermates. Ask your vet for a target weight and measure each meal.

2. Controlled exercise

The goal is strong muscle around the hip, without impact. Choose short, regular leash walks on soft ground, and swimming if your dog enjoys it. Limit jumping, ball chasing and rough play on hard floors.

3. Physical therapy

A canine rehabilitation professional can build a plan with strengthening exercises, stretches and an underwater treadmill. These programs help keep the dog mobile and protect muscle mass.

4. Pain medication

Vets often use anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain. Other options include additional pain drugs and monthly injections that target a pain signal. Long-term NSAID use needs regular monitoring, often including blood tests. Never give human painkillers: they can be seriously toxic to dogs.

5. Joint supplements

Supplements support joint comfort, but they do not fix the shape of the hip. Omega-3s have some of the better evidence. Green-lipped mussel, a natural source of omega-3s including ETA, improved joint pain and swelling scores in a double-blind study of dogs with arthritis (study summary here). Any supplement needs weeks of daily use before you judge it. For help choosing, read glucosamine vs green-lipped mussel.

6. Home changes

Use non-slip rugs, a thick supportive bed and a ramp for the car. Avoid stairs where you can. These simple steps reduce the small daily strains on the hip.

Surgical options for hip dysplasia

Surgery is discussed with a veterinary surgeon. These are the main options.

• Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS). A preventive surgery for very young puppies, usually under about five months. It changes how the pelvis grows so the hip fits better.
• Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO). The pelvis is cut and rotated to improve the fit. This is usually for young dogs, before arthritis has developed.
• Femoral head ostectomy (FHO). The ball of the hip is removed, and a false joint forms from scar tissue. It relieves pain and tends to suit smaller dogs best, although it is also used in larger dogs.
• Total hip replacement (THR). The joint is replaced with an implant. It offers the most complete return of function for adult dogs with severe disease, but it is the most expensive and needs a specialist.

The timing of the young-dog procedures is why a diagnosis in puppyhood is valuable. If you have a large-breed puppy that bunny hops or tires quickly, ask your vet early.

Surgery or no surgery?

Bring these questions to your vet:

• How much pain is my dog in now, and how is it responding to treatment?
• Does my dog's age keep any options open?
• What happens if we wait six months?
• What does recovery involve at home?
• What is the total cost, including rehabilitation?

If pain stays poorly controlled despite good conservative care, ask for a referral to a surgeon.

Can hip dysplasia be prevented?

Not fully, but the risk can be reduced.

• Choose a breeder who screens parents' hips, for example with OFA or PennHIP
• Feed large-breed puppies a large-breed puppy diet
• Keep puppies lean, and do not overfeed them for fast growth
• Avoid repeated jumping and slippery floors during growth

Frequently asked questions

Can hip dysplasia heal on its own?

No. The joint shape does not correct itself. But pain and function can often be managed well for years.

Can a dog live a normal life with hip dysplasia?

Many can, with weight control, the right exercise and pain management. Some dogs are mildly affected and stay active for life.

Is walking good for a dog with hip dysplasia?

Yes, in controlled amounts. Short walks build muscle that supports the joint. Stop if your dog limps more after the walk, and ask your vet to adjust the plan.

Do supplements work for hip dysplasia?

They can support joint comfort, but they do not change the structure of the hip and do not replace vet care. Evidence differs between ingredients.

Why does my dog bunny hop?

Moving both back legs together can reduce movement at a sore hip. It is a common sign of hip dysplasia, so mention it to your vet.

How is hip dysplasia different from arthritis?

Dysplasia is the shape problem in the joint. Arthritis is the wear and inflammation that often follows. If your dog has been slow in the morning, either one can be involved.

The takeaway

Most dogs with hip dysplasia do best with a plan that has several parts: lean weight, controlled movement, physical therapy and pain control, with surgery for selected cases. Build this plan with your vet as early as you can.

For daily joint support on top of that plan, our Hip & Joint Chews combine green-lipped mussel with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, turmeric and type II collagen, with a 90-day money-back guarantee.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. MyPupAgain chews are a food supplement, not a medicine, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, including hip dysplasia.