Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Complete Guide 2024

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common joint conditions in dogs, especially in large breeds, and can seriously affect their quality of life if not treated properly. In this blog, we will explain what to do if your dog has hip dysplasia, the best care to help him rest comfortably, and how the right supplements can improve his mobility and well-being. We will also tell you how long a dog can live with this condition and how to control his weight to prevent the symptoms from getting worse. In addition, you will discover how products such as Waggy's Mobility, formulated with glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric and HEMP, can be a great ally in keeping your pet's joints healthy.

What is hip dysplasia in dogs?

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic disease that affects the hip joint, causing poor development of the joint between the head of the femur and the acetabulum (the socket in the pelvis where the femur articulates). In a healthy dog, these two parts fit together perfectly, allowing for smooth movement. However, in dogs with hip dysplasia, the joint does not develop properly, leading to instability and abnormal bone wear.

Degrees of dysplasia in dogs

• Grade A (Normal): The hip is normal, with a perfect fit between the head of the femur and the acetabulum.
• Grade B (Transition or almost normal hip): The hip is almost normal, with a slight alteration in the shape of the joint, but without signs of dysplasia.
• Grade C (Mild Dysplasia): There is mild dysplasia with a lack of proper fit between the femur and the acetabulum.
• Grade D (Moderate Dysplasia): Moderate dysplasia, with an evident subluxation between the femur and the acetabulum.
• Grade E (Severe Dysplasia): This is the most severe grade of dysplasia, where the hip joint is significantly deformed.

Causes of hip dysplasia in dogs

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a multifactorial disease, meaning it can develop due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Below are the most common causes:

• 1. Genetic factors
• Heredity: The main cause of hip dysplasia is genetic. Dogs can inherit the predisposition from their parents. This is why the disease is more common in certain breeds, especially larger ones, such as German Shepherds, Labradors, Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers.
• Inadequate genetic selection: Breeding without health testing or cross-breeding dogs with dysplasia increases the risk of passing the disease on to subsequent generations.

2. Rapid growth

• Accelerated bone development: Large breed dogs tend to grow quickly, which can put extra pressure on joints if skeletal and muscle growth are not in sync. Rapid growth can cause the hip joint to not develop properly, increasing the chance of dysplasia.

3. Improper nutrition

• Excess calories and calcium: Puppies that consume a high-calorie diet or inadequate calcium supplements may develop disproportionate bone growth, which can negatively influence the correct formation of the hip joint.
• Overweight: Being overweight in puppies and adults increases the load of live weight on the joints, which can aggravate hip dysplasia in dogs that already have a genetic predisposition.

Give your dog the support they need to keep their joints healthy with Waggy's Mobility, an advanced formula that combines key ingredients for joint well-being. Its marine-sourced cartilage content, rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, helps maintain joint flexibility and lubrication, while turmeric acts as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. Plus, it contains HEMP, which promotes a feeling of comfort and improves mobility. This is crucial, especially in dogs with a genetic predisposition to hip dysplasia, as being overweight in puppies and adults can increase pressure on the joints. With Waggy's Mobility, you can help prevent wear and tear and keep your pet active and happy, regardless of their age or size.

4. Improper exercise

• Excessive physical activity: In growing puppies, excessive exercise, such as jumping or running long distances, can negatively affect immature joints, contributing to the development of dysplasia.
• Lack of exercise: Lack of physical activity can also be detrimental, as insufficient muscle development in young dogs may not provide the necessary support for the joints, allowing them to become misaligned more easily.

5. Hormonal factors

• Neutering: Some studies suggest that neutering or spaying may increase the likelihood of a dog developing hip dysplasia in certain breeds, as this intervention alters hormonal balance and affects bone growth.

6. Trauma or injuries

• Joint injuries: A hard blow, fall or injury during a dog's infancy can cause the hip joint to develop poorly, which can contribute to the development of dysplasia.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and age of the dog, but the most common include:

• Dogs may show stiffness or pain when getting up from lying down.
• Dogs with dysplasia often have an uneven gait or limp, especially after exercise.
• They may be less active or reluctant to run, jump, or climb stairs.
• The hip area may be painful to the touch, and the dog may react defensively.
• Over time, the muscles in the hind legs can weaken due to lack of use.
• Some dogs with dysplasia sit asymmetrically or rest in an unusual way to relieve pain.

What to do if a dog has hip dysplasia?

If a dog has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, it is important to take steps to manage the condition and improve its quality of life. Here are some recommended steps:

• Regular check-ups with your vet: Your vet can provide you with a specific treatment plan for your dog, which may include anything from medication to surgery in more severe cases.
• Weight control: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Being overweight increases the pressure on affected joints, aggravating symptoms. A balanced diet and moderate exercise will help maintain an optimal weight.
• Controlled exercise: Low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming, can help maintain mobility and strengthen muscles without causing additional stress on joints. Avoid strenuous exercise such as excessive jumping or running.
• Nutritional supplements: Supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin and natural anti-inflammatories, such as those found in Waggy's Mobility, can help improve joint health and reduce pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: In more severe cases, surgery may be an option, such as double pelvic osteotomy (DPO) or triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) or total hip replacement.

The appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of the dysplasia, your dog's age and lifestyle, so it is key to have a veterinary diagnosis to make the best decisions.

What to feed a dog with hip dysplasia?

For a dog with hip dysplasia, it is essential to provide a balanced diet that includes supplements for joint health. Products rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, and natural anti-inflammatories, such as turmeric, can help improve mobility and reduce pain. Waggy's Mobility, with its advanced formula that includes these ingredients and HEMP, is an excellent option to support the joints and improve the dog's quality of life. In addition, controlling the dog's weight is essential to prevent excess weight from aggravating dysplasia. A moderate, low-impact exercise regimen, such as gentle walks or swimming, can also benefit mobility. It is always important to consult with your veterinarian to adjust the diet and supplements to your pet's specific needs.

How should a dog with hip dysplasia sleep?

A dog with hip dysplasia should sleep on a soft, padded surface to reduce pressure on its joints. Ideally, it should be provided with an orthopedic bed, which offers adequate support and relieves pain in the hips and legs. These beds, usually made with memory foam, adapt to the dog's body, distributing its weight evenly. In addition, it is important that the sleeping area is in a quiet and accessible place, avoiding the dog having to jump or climb stairs to reach its bed.

How long can a dog live with hip dysplasia?

A dog with hip dysplasia can live a long and full life if the condition is properly managed. Dysplasia itself does not usually shorten a dog's lifespan, but pain control, maintaining a healthy weight, and proper treatment with supplements, therapies, or, in more severe cases, surgery are crucial. With proper care, many dogs can enjoy a good quality of life for years, regardless of the dysplasia.

Conclusion

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition that can be effectively managed with proper care. From weight control, to using joint supplements like Waggy's Mobility , to providing a comfortable sleeping space, every action counts to improve your dog's quality of life. With the support of a veterinarian and a comprehensive approach that includes moderate exercise, nutrition, and treatment, your pet can live an active and happy life, despite dysplasia.