Dealing with hip dysplasia?

Hi Danielle: I don't know if I can offer much help, but I also sit for a senior that has weakness in his back legs (no hip dysplasia that I know of). Instead of grabbing his legs, I make a sling out of a rolled up towel and put it under his belly...holding the ends over the top of his back and pull him up that way....its much easier for me and probably the old guy too.

If the owner is willing, I highly recommend Adequan. It is an injection given in a vet's office. It would be a series of weekly injections, 6 IIRC, followed by maintenance injections. If the owner isn't able to have this done, maybe he or she would be willing to give chondroitin/glucosamine pills. Since the dog is on pain meds, I recommend stomach protectant medication as well -- the vet can give the client some names. Pain medication is hard on the gastrointestinal tract, especially long term.

No, you won't be hurting the dog by helping him up. I agree with using a towel, although you may not want to roll it up. The decreased surface area of where the towel is putting pressure on the dog's caudal abdomen (the part of the belly just in front of the hind legs) may be enough to squeeze the urinary bladder, which would make a mess if you're inside. I slip the towel under the dog's belly, keeping it relatively flat (rumpled or folded is fine) so that it is about a foot wide.

I'm glad the owner has ramps for the dog, and hopefully he has a thickly padded bed or other resting area.