How to Help a Dog with Hip Dysplasia: Complete Guide

Your dog's back legs are giving out.

They struggle to stand. They bunny-hop instead of running properly. They're reluctant to climb stairs or jump in the car.

This might be hip dysplasia, one of the most common joint conditions in dogs.

Here's everything you need to know about helping your dog live comfortably despite hip problems.

 

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What is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint where the ball (femoral head) doesn't fit properly into the socket (acetabulum).

In a healthy hip: The ball and socket fit together smoothly. Movement is fluid and pain-free.

In a dysplastic hip: The ball is loose in the socket. It grinds and rubs with every step. Over time, this causes:

• Cartilage damage

• Inflammation

• Arthritis

• Pain

• Loss of mobility

The result: Your dog's hips degenerate faster than they can repair themselves.

 

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Hip Dysplasia Statistics in the UK

Prevalence by breed (BVA/KC data 2010-2020):

• German Shepherds: 14.8% affected

• Labrador Retrievers: 13.2% affected

• Golden Retrievers: 18.9% affected

• Rottweilers: 20.3% affected

• English Bulldogs: 71.6% affected

• Bernese Mountain Dogs: 22.7% affected

Overall: Approximately 1 in 5 large breed dogs in the UK will develop hip dysplasia during their lifetime.

 

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The 10 Signs Your Dog Has Hip Dysplasia

Early signs (puppies and young dogs):

1. Bunny hopping 

Back legs move together when running, like a rabbit. This is the classic early sign.

2. Reluctance to run or play 

They stop participating in activities they used to love. They tire quickly.

3. Difficulty getting up 

Takes several attempts to stand, especially after rest.

4. Narrow stance 

Back legs are closer together than normal when standing. They're compensating for weak hips.

5. Loss of muscle mass in hind legs 

Thighs look thinner compared to shoulders. This happens because they're not using their back legs properly.

Later signs (older dogs with established dysplasia):

6. Limping or favouring one side 

More obvious after exercise or on cold days.

7. Stiffness 

Particularly noticeable first thing in the morning or after lying down.

8. Audible clicking or popping 

You can hear or feel the joint moving abnormally.

9. Decreased range of motion 

Can't extend back legs fully. Difficulty sitting or lying down.

10. Pain when touched 

Yelps or flinches when you touch the hip area.

If your dog shows 3 or more of these signs, see your vet for proper diagnosis.

 

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What Causes Hip Dysplasia?

It's not one thing. It's a combination.

1. Genetics (60-80% of risk)

Hip dysplasia is highly heritable. If both parents have good hips (BVA score under 10), puppies are unlikely to develop severe dysplasia.

If both parents have poor hips (BVA score over 20), puppies are at high risk.

This is why responsible breeders:

• Hip score both parents before breeding

• Only breed dogs with scores better than breed average

• Provide hip score certificates with puppies

2. Rapid growth (10-20% of risk)

Puppies that grow too quickly are at higher risk. This is especially problematic in large breed puppies fed high-calorie puppy food.

Why this matters: Bones grow faster than supporting muscles and ligaments can develop. The hip joint becomes unstable.

3. Excessive exercise during growth (5-10% of risk)

Jumping, running on hard surfaces, and repetitive high-impact activity during the growth phase (0-18 months) can damage developing hips.

4. Obesity (5-10% of risk)

Extra weight puts more stress on developing or compromised hip joints.

The takeaway: Even dogs with genetic predisposition might never develop clinical signs if raised correctly. Conversely, dogs with good genetics can develop problems if exercised improperly or allowed to become overweight.

 

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How Vets Diagnose Hip Dysplasia

Physical examination:

Your vet will:

• Watch your dog walk (looking for gait abnormalities)

• Manipulate the hip joint (Ortolani test for joint laxity)

• Check range of motion

• Palpate for pain or crepitus (grinding sensation)

X-rays (definitive diagnosis):

Your dog will need to be sedated or anaesthetised for proper hip X-rays. This allows:

• Full extension of legs

• Accurate positioning

• Clear images of hip joint alignment

BVA/KC Hip Scoring:

In the UK, the official scoring system evaluates 9 features of each hip. Scores range from 0 (perfect) to 106 (severely dysplastic).

Total score is the sum of both hips:

• 0-10: Excellent hips

• 11-20: Good to fair

• 21-40: Mild dysplasia

• 41-70: Moderate dysplasia

• 71-106: Severe dysplasia

Breed median scores (lower is better):

• Border Collie: 12

• Labrador Retriever: 12

• German Shepherd: 14

• Golden Retriever: 18

• Rottweiler: 20

Source: BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scoring

 

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Treatment Options: Conservative vs Surgical

Conservative Management (Non-Surgical)

Best for:

• Mild to moderate dysplasia (BVA score under 40)

• Dogs over 8 years old

• Owners who can't afford surgery

• Dogs who respond well to medication

The protocol:

1. Weight management (critical)

Every extra kilogram puts 4kg of pressure on hips. If your dog is overweight, nothing else will work properly until they lose weight.

Target weight:

• You should feel ribs with light pressure

• See a waist when viewed from above

• See a tuck-up when viewed from side

How to achieve it:

• Reduce food by 10-15%

• Switch to weight management formula if needed

• Increase gentle activity (swimming is ideal)

• No table scraps

2. Controlled exercise

Good for dysplastic hips:

• Swimming or hydrotherapy (builds muscle without joint stress)

• Short lead walks (15-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily)

• Gentle play at their pace

Bad for dysplastic hips:

• Running on hard surfaces

• Jumping

• Playing with other dogs (they'll overdo it)

• Stairs (if avoidable)

3. Joint supplements

What works:

Collagen peptides (2,500-6,000mg daily): Studies show hydrolysed collagen accumulates in cartilage tissue and stimulates chondrocyte activity (cartilage-producing cells).

Glucosamine (1,000-1,500mg daily): Provides building blocks for cartilage repair. Most effective when combined with collagen.

Omega-3 fatty acids (1,000-2,000mg EPA/DHA daily): Powerful anti-inflammatory. Reduces joint inflammation and pain.

Our recommendation for hip dysplasia: Mobility & Joints - Advanced 6-in-1 formula specifically designed for dogs with joint issues. Contains collagen peptides, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and anti-inflammatory vitamins.

Timeline: Most dogs show improvement by week 4-6. Maximum benefit by week 12.

4. Pain medication

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories):

• Metacam (meloxicam): Most commonly prescribed

• Rimadyl (carprofen)

• Previcox (firocoxib)

Important: NSAIDs require regular blood tests (every 6 months) to monitor liver and kidney function.

Alternatives:

• Gabapentin (for nerve pain)

• Tramadol (for moderate pain)

• Amantadine (for chronic pain)

5. Physiotherapy

A qualified canine physiotherapist can:

• Teach you specific exercises

• Improve muscle tone around hips (stabilises the joint)

• Maintain range of motion

• Reduce pain

Find a physio: Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy

6. Hydrotherapy

Underwater treadmill or swimming in heated pool.

Benefits:

• Builds muscle without joint stress

• Water buoyancy reduces pain

• Improves fitness

• Most dogs enjoy it

Find a hydrotherapist: Canine Hydrotherapy Association

 

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Surgical Options

For severe cases where conservative management isn't enough.

1. Total Hip Replacement (THR)

What it is: The damaged hip joint is completely replaced with an artificial joint (titanium and plastic).

Best for:

• Severe dysplasia (BVA score over 50)

• Dogs under 10 years old

• Dogs over 15kg

• Active dogs who want to remain mobile

Success rate: 90-95% return to normal or near-normal function

Recovery time: 8-12 weeks with strict rest and rehabilitation

Cost: £5,000-8,000 per hip

Risks:

• Infection (3-5% of cases)

• Hip dislocation post-surgery (5-10%)

• Implant failure (rare, under 5%)

Long-term outcome: Most dogs remain pain-free for life. Can return to normal activity.

2. Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)

What it is: The ball of the hip joint is removed. A "false joint" made of scar tissue forms in its place.

Best for:

• Smaller dogs (under 25kg)

• Dogs who aren't candidates for THR

• Budget-conscious owners (cheaper than THR)

Success rate: 85-90% achieve good pain-free mobility (though not 100% normal)

Recovery time: 6-8 weeks

Cost: £1,500-3,000

Outcome: Dogs can live comfortably but may have slightly reduced range of motion. Not suitable for very active dogs or working breeds.

3. Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)

What it is: The pelvis is cut in three places and rotated to better cover the femoral head. Held in place with a bone plate.

Best for:

• Young dogs (under 12 months)

• Early dysplasia before arthritis develops

• Dogs still growing

NOT suitable for: Dogs with established arthritis (too late for this procedure)

Success rate: 85-95% if done early enough

Recovery time: 8-12 weeks

Cost: £2,500-4,000

4. Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)

What it is: A preventative procedure done in puppies (16-20 weeks old) at high risk of dysplasia. The pubic growth plate is fused, which changes how the pelvis develops.

Only for: Puppies with early signs of laxity but no arthritis yet

Success rate: 60-75% prevent or reduce dysplasia severity

Cost: £800-1,200

 

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Conservative vs Surgical: Which Should You Choose?

Try conservative management first if:

• Dysplasia is mild to moderate

• Your dog responds well to supplements and medication

• Your dog is over 8 years old

• Surgery isn't financially possible

Consider surgery if:

• Severe pain that doesn't respond to medication

• Young, active dog (under 7) with severe dysplasia

• Complete loss of mobility

• Quality of life is severely impacted

Reality check: Most dogs (70-80%) do well with conservative management and never need surgery.

 

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The Complete Hip Dysplasia Management Protocol

Daily:

• Joint supplement (Mobility & Joints) with breakfast

• Omega-3 supplement with dinner

• 2-3 short walks (15-20 minutes each)

• Gentle stretching or massage (5 minutes)

Weekly:

• Swimming or hydrotherapy (if possible)

• Weight check

• Mobility assessment (getting better or worse?)

Monthly:

• Review and adjust exercise routine

• Check home modifications are still working

• Reassess pain medication with vet if needed

Every 3 months:

• Vet check-up

• Blood work if on NSAIDs

• X-rays if condition is worsening

 

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Home Modifications for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia

Make daily life easier:

1. Ramps

• For getting into car (£30-80)

• For accessing sofa or bed if they still want to

• Carpeted or rubber surface for grip

2. Non-slip flooring

• Yoga mats on slippery floors (£10-20)

• Carpet runners on hardwood

• Grip socks for dogs (£10-15)

3. Orthopaedic bedding

• Memory foam or supportive mattress

• Large enough to stretch out fully

• Raised slightly off cold floor

4. Raised food and water bowls

• Reduces strain on shoulders and neck when eating

• £15-30 for adjustable stands

5. Support harnesses

• Helps with standing and walking

• Rear-end support harnesses work best for hip dysplasia

• £20-40

6. Block off stairs

• Baby gates at top and bottom

• Prevent falls and reduce wear on hips

Total investment: £100-200 makes a massive difference to quality of life.

 

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Preventing Hip Dysplasia in Puppies

If you're getting a puppy of a high-risk breed:

1. Choose a responsible breeder

• Both parents hip-scored (scores should be below breed average)

• Willing to show you hip score certificates

• Breed average for Labradors is 12; don't buy from parents scoring over 15

2. Controlled growth

• Don't overfeed puppies

• Feed large breed puppy food (slower growth rate)

• Keep them lean during growth phase

3. Appropriate exercise during development (0-18 months)

• Short walks (5 minutes per month of age, twice daily)

• No running on hard surfaces

• No jumping from heights

• Swimming is perfect

4. Avoid stairs

• Carry puppies up and down stairs until 12 months old

• Prevents damage to developing hips

5. Maintain healthy weight

• You should always see a waist and feel ribs easily

• Overweight puppies are at higher risk

 

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What to Expect: Prognosis and Quality of Life

With proper management:

Mild dysplasia:

• Most dogs live normal, active lives

• May develop mild arthritis in senior years

• Managed with supplements and occasional NSAIDs

Moderate dysplasia:

• Dogs remain comfortable with daily supplements

• Regular physiotherapy and hydrotherapy

• May need pain medication during flare-ups

• Can still enjoy walks and gentle play

Severe dysplasia (without surgery):

• Quality of life depends on weight management and pain control

• Significant lifestyle modifications needed

• May need permanent pain medication

• Swimming becomes primary exercise

Severe dysplasia (with successful surgery):

• 90-95% return to normal or near-normal function

• Can resume most activities after recovery

• Live pain-free

Life expectancy: Hip dysplasia itself doesn't reduce lifespan. Dogs can live full, comfortable lives with proper care.

 

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Your Dog Can Still Live Well

Hip dysplasia is not a death sentence.

With the right combination of weight management, supplements, controlled exercise, and pain relief, most dogs with hip dysplasia live happy, active lives.

Start today:

• Book a vet appointment for proper diagnosis

• Start a proven joint supplement (Mobility & Joints for existing issues or Pure Collagen for prevention)

• Assess their weight and create a reduction plan if needed

• Make home modifications to reduce strain

• Find a local hydrotherapy centre

Your dog can still run, play, and enjoy life. They just need your help to do it comfortably.

 

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Sources & Further Reading

1. British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia Scheme: https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/hip-scheme/

2. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals - Hip Dysplasia: https://www.ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia

3. Kealy RD, et al. "Effects of limited food consumption on the incidence of hip dysplasia." JAVMA, 1992

4. Clark KL, et al. "24-Week study on collagen hydrolysate as dietary supplement." Current Medical Research and Opinion, 2008

5. Fitzpatrick Referrals - Total Hip Replacement: https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/

6. British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association: https://www.bvoa.org.uk/

7. Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy: https://www.acpat.org/

8. Canine Hydrotherapy Association: https://www.canine-hydrotherapy.org/

9. Kealy RD, et al. "Effects of diet restriction on life span in dogs." JAVMA, 2002

10. Smith GK, et al. "Evaluation of risk factors for degenerative joint disease." JAVMA, 2001

Last Updated: December 2025