Veterinarians are not one hundred percent sure what causes a dog to develop hip dysplasia. Most researchers agree that genetics are part of the problem — if a parent has hip dysplasia, the offspring are at a higher risk to develop the disease.
However, genetics are not the only factor! You can help your dog avoid this painful degenerative disease, or at least lessen the effects.
- Watch their weight. Carrying extra pounds — especially in the hip area — can cause join degeneration to happen faster. As a responsible pet owner, you need to control what your overweight dog eats. It can be very hard to resist sharing treats and table scraps, but you are adding healthy years to his life by helping your dog lose weight.
- Diet and nutrition. Puppies on a higher calorie, higher protein diet grow so rapidly between the ages of three months and ten months. Packing on extra pounds during this rapid growth spurt can lead to lifelong weight problems.
- Exercise is good; too much exercise can be bad at a young age. Swimming and running — exercises that help strengthen the muscles in the hip area — are better than activities like jumping that apply a jolt of force to the joint. Low impact exercises will help build muscle and increase range of motion. It is important to exercise daily! And remember to give your pup a chance to warm up before exercise and cool down afterwards.
- Speaking of warmth, a good sleeping area can help reduce your pet’s discomfort. Make sure your dog’s bed is not in a drafty spot.
- Physical therapy or massage may help your dog increase range of motion. The loving touch of his owner’s hand can help relax stiff muscles. Keep in mind that your dog is probably in pain, so be gentle. Start by just petting the area, and slowly work up to light kneading if your pet will allow it.
- Skip the stairs. Going up and down stairs can be the hardest part of the day for a pet with hip dysplasia or arthritis. A ramp may help your pup get in and out of the house or car.
- Less bending. An elevated food and water bowl can make eating and drinking less painful for your pup. Your local pet store should have a variety to choose from!
Your veterinarian may suggest a supplement like glucosamine and chondroitin — the same thing recommended to people with arthritis — to help the body build more cartilage. Some days, your dog may need painkillers or anti-inflammatories to ease the discomfort of hip dysplasia. Surgeries for hip dysplasia can be expensive; medical management may work just as well to keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come.
Right now, the only way to prevent hip dysplasia is to breed carefully and responsibly. If you choose to buy your pet from a breeder, check to make sure that the parents (and grandparents, if possible) had good hips.