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A diagnosis of hip dysplasia can be frightening for dog owners to hear, but the condition doesn’t doom your pet to a shortened and painful life. There are many ways to manage hip dysplasia in dogs while giving your pet the wonderful life they deserve.
Whether your dog is among the breeds predisposed to hip dysplasia or they’ve already been diagnosed, we’re here to help. Read on for some handy tools that will make your dog as comfortable as possible.
At the end of the day, your trusted veterinarian is your best resource. If you notice troubling symptoms or you’d like guidance on preventing hip dysplasia, your vet can offer sound advice and a solid course of action.
What exactly is hip dysplasia in dogs?
The first step in caring for your dog with hip dysplasia is educating yourself on the condition.
Hip dysplasia is a chronic skeletal malformation that occurs while your dog is still growing. In most cases, it’s caused by genetic factors, but external factors like obesity and overexertion can worsen symptoms.
To learn how hip dysplasia occurs, it’s helpful to understand how the hip joint operates. A dog’s hip has a ball-and-socket design. PetMD notes that if these two parts grow at different rates, the socket may become too shallow for the ball (the top of the femur bone) to fit properly. This, in turn, puts extra stress on the hip joint, causing pain and mobility problems.
Which dogs are most at risk for developing hip dysplasia?
While it’s true hip dysplasia can affect dogs of any breed, age, or size, certain dogs carry greater risk. The disease is commonly seen in larger breeds such as:
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- Saint Bernards
- Rottweilers
- Newfoundlands
- Old English Sheepdogs
Hip dysplasia is often associated with elderly dogs, but The American Kennel Club notes that dogs can exhibit signs of the disease as early as four months of age. The condition is hereditary, but other factors like nutrition, exercise, and growth rate all contribute to its progression.
What are the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs?
If your dog is at risk of hip dysplasia, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the condition’s most common signs. Depending on the extent of the disease, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some things to look for include:
- Diminished activity and range of motion
- Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs
- Difficulty standing
- Stiffness or limping
- Loss of muscle mass
- Cracking joints
- A “bunny hop” gait
- Pain
No pet parent wants their beloved dog to suffer. And while there is no cure for hip dysplasia in dogs, there are multiple ways to treat it and maximize your dog’s comfort. To that end, we’ve rounded up some items that can make dealing with hip dysplasia a whole lot easier.
Always speak with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet or exercise regimen. He or she can help you navigate your dog’s diagnosis, and provide a plan to help your pet lead a happy and full life.
8 Helpful Items for Dealing with Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
1. PetFusion Ultimate Memory Foam Bolster Bed
For dogs with chronic aches and pains, an ultra-supportive and comfortable bed is a must. This orthopedic lounge from PetFusion features a solid memory foam base with neck-supporting polyfill bolsters. The bed’s quality construction and medium firmness is ideal for sore joints and provide a comfy spot to rest.
2. K&H Microwavable Pet Bed Warmer
Heat can be soothing for dogs with joint issues. Just pop this pet-friendly bed warmer in the microwave for 4-5 minutes and keep your pup warm while reducing pain during the colder months.
3. Glyde Mobility Chews
If you have a breed of dog prone to hip dysplasia, your vet may recommend giving them nutritional supplements to promote joint and cartilage health. These Glyde Mobility Chews provide glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, two natural anti-inflammatories that ease pain and discomfort. Joint supplements can be used preventatively, and may be continued throughout the progression of hip dysplasia.
4. Solid Gold Fit and Fabulous Weight Control Dry Dog Food
Since excess weight adds undue stress to the hips, weight management in dogs with hip dysplasia is critical. To keep your pooch trim, talk to your vet about introducing a healthy low-fat dog food into his diet. This formula from Solid Gold is crafted with easy-to-digest ingredients like chicken, sweet potatoes, and green beans. It also provides your dog with immune-boosting probiotics and omega fatty acids.
5. GingerLead Support Sling Harness
If your dog finds it increasingly difficult to get around, investing in a quality sling harness could make a huge difference. Used in veterinary hospitals nationwide, this GingerLead model improves your dog’s mobility and helps with balance issues. The adjustable straps can accommodate dogs up to 250 pounds, and the soft corduroy lining keeps your dog comfortable.
Find on Amazon6. PetSafe Portable Telescoping Pet Ramp
When getting in and out of the car becomes problematic, you can count on this deluxe pet ramp from PetSafe to rise to the occasion. Portable, lightweight, and durable, this ramp helps protect your dog’s joints while allowing the two of you to keep adventuring together. Designed with your pet’s safety in mind, this ramp also features a high-traction surface and side rails to prevent falls.
Find on Amazon7. Non-Slip Dog Socks
If your dog doesn’t mind wearing footwear, a pair of non-slip pet socks like these cute gray numbers can keep them from sliding across slippery floors. These socks have adjustable velcro straps and the anti-slip paw pattern helps your pooch maintain traction.
As we head into winter, you may be eyeing a pair of outdoor booties for your dog as well. We’ve done the legwork for you and rustled up some of the top dog booties available.
Find on Amazon8. Double-Sided Non-Slip Rug Tape
Rug adhesive may seem like a peculiar item to stock up on, but when it comes to fall prevention, it’s irreplaceable. By anchoring your rugs to the ground you can make your home more accommodating to your mobility-impaired pet.
Find on AmazonWe know you want the best care for your dog with hip dysplasia. We also know that vet bills can be expensive—which means it might be a good time to think about pet insurance. If you’re curious about whether pet insurance is right for you, we’ve weighed the pros and cons to make the decision easier.