Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Hope

Posted 04.28.26 by Brittany Washington, DVM

Hip dysplasia affects countless dogs across Memphis and beyond, causing pain and limiting mobility in breeds both large and small. At The Pet Hospitals, our team of over 30 veterinarians has diagnosed and treated hundreds of cases of hip dysplasia, and we’re here to help you understand this condition and the treatment options available for your dog.

What Is Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint forms abnormally, causing the ball and socket to fit together improperly. This creates joint laxity, leading to instability and excessive wear over time. In a healthy hip joint, the ball (femoral head) fits snugly into the socket (acetabulum), but in dogs with hip dysplasia, the socket is too shallow, or the ball is misshapen, creating excessive movement and grinding.

Hip dysplasia develops during a dog’s growth stage, typically before two years of age, though symptoms may not appear until later in life. The condition is progressive, meaning it worsens over time as the abnormal joint movement damages cartilage and leads to osteoarthritis—a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Canine hip dysplasia can affect any breed, but it is more common in larger dogs like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.

What Causes Dog Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is primarily a genetic condition passed from parents to puppies. It’s polygenic, meaning multiple genes contribute to the condition rather than a single genetic switch. If both parents have hip dysplasia, their puppies face a higher risk of developing the condition, though the inheritance pattern isn’t straightforward.

Environmental factors also influence whether a genetically predisposed dog develops hip dysplasia: rapid growth rate, overfeeding during puppyhood, excessive high-impact activity during growth stages, and excess body weight all increase the risk. In our practice, we’ve seen cases where careful nutrition and exercise management during puppyhood helped reduce symptoms in dogs from affected bloodlines.

Signs And Symptoms Of Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

Symptoms vary widely depending on the severity of the condition and the dog’s age. Some dogs show signs as early as five months old, while others don’t display symptoms until middle age or older when arthritis develops. We see both presentations regularly at The Pet Hospitals.

Stiffness And Difficulty Rising

Common signs include stiffness and difficulty rising after rest (particularly noticeable first thing in the morning), reluctance to jump into cars or climb stairs they previously managed easily, limping and a characteristic “bunny hop” gait where both back legs move together, decreased activity level or tiring quickly on walks, muscle loss in the hind legs while shoulder muscles become overdeveloped, and sensitivity or pulling away when the hip area is touched.

Reluctance To Jump Or Climb

Some dogs are remarkably stoic and mask their discomfort well, particularly in the early stages. You may notice your dog has simply slowed down or “acts their age” when hip problems are actually developing. Early recognition allows us to start treatment before severe arthritis sets in. If you notice these symptoms, schedule an appointment at The Pet Hospitals for evaluation.

Limping And Swaying Gait

Dogs with hip dysplasia often display a distinctive gait pattern in which they move both hind legs together—the characteristic “bunny hop” we see regularly in our exam rooms. You might also notice your dog swaying their hips excessively when walking or shifting weight from side to side to compensate for discomfort. These gait abnormalities become more pronounced after exercise or after a period of rest.

• Stiffness and difficulty rising after rest, particularly noticeable in the morning
• Reluctance to jump into cars or climb stairs, previously managed easily
• Limping or favoring one or both hind legs
• “Bunny hop” gait, where both back legs move together
• Swaying or swaggering hip movement when walking
• Decreased activity level or tiring quickly on walks
• Muscle loss in the hind legs, while the shoulder muscles become overdeveloped
• Sensitivity or pulling away when the hip area is touched
• Narrow stance in the hind legs
• Grating or grinding sounds from the hip joint during movement
• Librela Injections when arthritis is present

How Is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed

Observing Pain Responses

Diagnosis requires both physical examination and imaging. During the physical exam, your veterinarian will manipulate your dog’s hips, checking for looseness, reduced range of motion, pain response, and grinding sensations. The Ortolani test—where we gently apply pressure to assess how easily the hip moves out of the socket—helps determine the degree of laxity. Many dogs with significant hip dysplasia will show a positive Ortolani sign, though some don’t, particularly if arthritis has developed and tightened the joint.

Noticing Changes In Activity Level

How do you know if your dog has hip dysplasia? One of the earliest indicators is a gradual change in activity level that many owners initially dismiss as normal aging or laziness. Dogs with hip dysplasia often become less enthusiastic about activities they once loved—your previously energetic dog may now hesitate before chasing a ball or cut walks short. How to tell if your dog has hip dysplasia involves watching for these subtle behavioral shifts: a dog who once bounded up stairs now takes them slowly, or a pup who loved long hikes now lags behind or sits down frequently. These signs of canine hip dysplasia often appear gradually, making them easy to overlook. If you’re wondering how to tell if your dog has hip dysplasia, pay attention to whether your dog seems less playful, sleeps more, or shows reluctance to engage in physical activities that were once routine.

Testing for Hip Dysplasia

X-rays are the gold standard for diagnosis, revealing the hip joint structure, degree of looseness, and presence of arthritic changes. We need proper hip extension for accurate assessment, which is why dogs typically require sedation or light anesthesia for diagnostic hip X-rays. This positioning isn’t comfortable for dogs with hip pain, and sedation allows us to get the clearest images without causing distress.

Veterinarians use standardized scoring systems, such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP, to grade hip quality. These systems rate hips from excellent to severely dysplastic, helping determine appropriate treatment approaches. The scoring also provides valuable information if you plan to breed your dog, though dogs with any degree of hip dysplasia should not be bred.

Hip Dysplasia Dog Treatment Medical And Surgical Options

Treatment depends on your dog’s age, severity of hip dysplasia, degree of arthritis present, activity level, and overall health. The goal is to manage pain, preserve mobility, and maintain quality of life. Treatment typically starts with conservative approaches, with surgery reserved for severe cases or when medical management doesn’t provide adequate relief.

Medications And Supplements

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the primary medication for managing pain and inflammation. We prescribe medications like carprofen, meloxicam, or deracoxib, chosen based on your dog’s specific health profile. These require periodic bloodwork monitoring to check liver and kidney function. Joint supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids support cartilage health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits, though effects take several weeks to appear.

Common medications and supplements we recommend for managing hip dysplasia include:

• NSAIDs like carprofen (Rimadyl), meloxicam (Metacam), or deracoxib (Deramaxx) for pain and inflammation
• Glucosamine and chondroitin to support cartilage health
• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) for anti-inflammatory benefits
• Adequan injections to slow cartilage breakdown
• Galliprant (grapiprant) as an alternative anti-inflammatory for some dogs
• Gabapentin for chronic pain management in advanced cases
• Green-lipped mussel supplements for joint support

Weight Management And Exercise Therapy

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important treatment components—in our experience, this single factor often makes the difference between a comfortable dog and one struggling daily. Every extra pound places additional stress on compromised hip joints. Controlled, low-impact activities like swimming, hydrotherapy, and gentle leash walks help maintain muscle mass without aggravating the condition. Strong muscles around the hip joint provide better support and stability.

Low-impact activities that benefit dogs with hip dysplasia include:

• Swimming and hydrotherapy sessions that build muscle without stressing joints
• Controlled leash walks on flat, even surfaces
• Gentle range-of-motion exercises guided by your veterinarian
• Slow-paced sniffing walks that provide mental stimulation without physical strain
• Underwater treadmill therapy at rehabilitation facilities
• Controlled sit-to-stand exercises to strengthen supporting muscles

Surgical Interventions

Surgery may be recommended for severe or diagnosed cases in younger dogs to preserve the joint and decrease the development and severity of arthritis. Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) is effective only in puppies under 5 months old, when the pelvis is still growing. Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) is suitable for young dogs under 10 months without significant arthritis—the window closes once arthritis develops. Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) works best for dogs under 50 pounds, creating a false joint from scar tissue. Total Hip Replacement (THR) provides the most dramatic improvement for dogs with severe arthritis, essentially giving them a new joint, but costs typically range from $3,500 to $7,000 per hip and require referral to a veterinary orthopedic surgeon.

Most dogs experience significant improvement with surgery, though recovery takes commitment. Patients undergoing total hip replacement typically need 8-12 weeks of restricted activity and rehabilitation. We work with families to determine which approach—medical management or surgery—best fits their dog’s needs and their family’s situation.

Rehabilitation And Follow-Up

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in achieving successful outcomes in the treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs, particularly after surgical interventions. Physical therapy typically begins within days of surgery and continues for several months, focusing on controlled exercises that rebuild muscle strength without stressing the healing joint. Dog hip dysplasia treatment recovery programs often include underwater treadmill sessions, passive range-of-motion exercises, and gradually increasing activity levels under veterinary supervision.

Many treatment protocols for hip dysplasia in dogs now incorporate complementary therapies alongside traditional approaches. Acupuncture has shown promise in managing chronic pain associated with hip dysplasia in dogs, with some patients experiencing reduced inflammation and improved mobility. Laser therapy, massage, and targeted stretching exercises also support recovery and long-term comfort for dogs with hip problems.

Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor healing progress, adjust pain medications as needed, and catch any complications early. We typically see surgical patients at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months post-operatively, then transition to routine wellness visits once recovery is complete. Throughout the rehabilitation period, we work closely with families to ensure their dog progresses appropriately—recovery requires patience and commitment, but the results are worth the effort.

Preventing Hip Dysplasia: Early Care And Lifestyle

While you can’t change your dog’s genetics, you can significantly influence whether hip dysplasia develops through careful management during the critical growth period. If you’re purchasing a large-breed puppy, ask the breeder for OFA or PennHIP scores for both parents. Responsible breeders provide this documentation without hesitation.

Feed puppy food formulated specifically for large breeds if your dog will mature to over 50 pounds. These formulas control calcium and phosphorus levels to support steady growth rather than rapid growth, which can stress developing joints. Avoid overfeeding—keep puppies lean during growth, as studies show this reduces hip dysplasia severity even in genetically predisposed dogs. When deciding when to spay or neuter your dog, discuss timing with your veterinarian, as research suggests that early spaying or neutering (before 12 months) may increase the risk of hip dysplasia in some large breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.

Manage exercise carefully during puppyhood. Moderate exercise builds muscle, but forced running, jumping from heights, or rough play with larger dogs can damage developing joints. Wait until skeletal maturity—12 to 18 months for most breeds, up to 24 months for giant breeds—before starting high-impact activities.

Consider pet insurance for your new puppy before symptoms appear, as hip dysplasia treatments, particularly surgery, can be costly, and most insurance policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Maintaining a lean body condition throughout life remains the most important factor in managing this condition.

Hope And Quality Of Life For Dogs With Hip Dysplasia

A diagnosis of hip dysplasia can feel overwhelming, but we’ve seen countless dogs live comfortable, happy lives with appropriate management. Prognosis depends on severity, treatment approach, and your commitment to ongoing care—some dogs need only weight management and occasional anti-inflammatory medication, while others require more intensive treatment.

With proper treatment, most dogs with hip dysplasia maintain a good quality of life for years. We’ve had patients with severe hip dysplasia on X-rays who remain comfortable and active with medication and weight management, while other dogs with moderate dysplasia struggle more. Individual response varies, which is why we tailor treatment plans to each dog.

Home modifications support comfort: orthopedic beds reduce pressure on joints, ramps help dogs access cars without jumping, non-slip rugs on hardwood or tile floors provide better traction, and warm sleeping areas away from drafts help minimize stiffness. These simple changes often make daily life considerably easier for affected dogs.

Hip dysplasia is progressive, typically worsening over time despite treatment. The progression rate varies significantly between dogs—we’ve seen dogs remain comfortable for a decade with basic management, while others need escalating treatment within a few years. Regular veterinary visits at The Pet Hospitals allow us to monitor progression and adjust treatment as needs change. New pain management options and surgical techniques continue to improve outcomes.

A Caring Hand For Canine Hip Problems At The Pet Hospitals

Diagnosing and managing hip dysplasia requires both medical expertise and understanding of how this condition affects daily life for dogs and their families. Our team of over 30 veterinarians includes doctors with special interests in orthopedics who stay current with the latest treatment approaches through continuing education. We provide thorough examinations, clear explanations of findings, and honest discussions about prognosis and treatment options.

We handle everything from initial diagnosis through long-term management at our Memphis locations: diagnostic X-rays, medical management, pain control, weight management guidance, and referrals to board-certified veterinary orthopedic surgeons when surgical intervention is appropriate. We maintain relationships with specialty surgeons in the region and help coordinate care for advanced procedures, such as total hip replacement, when recommended.

We understand that cost is a real concern for families facing treatment for hip dysplasia. We discuss all options openly, including their costs and expected outcomes, so you can make informed decisions about your dog’s care. Some families choose aggressive treatment, including surgery, while others manage the condition medically—both approaches can provide a good quality of life when done properly.

If you’ve noticed signs of hip problems in your dog or want to discuss preventive care for a puppy from a breed prone to hip dysplasia, schedule an appointment at one of our convenient Memphis locations. We’re here to support your dog’s health with honest guidance and compassionate care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

We hear similar questions from concerned dog owners every day at The Pet Hospitals, and we’re here to provide clear, honest answers based on our experience treating hundreds of cases of hip dysplasia across Memphis.

How long can a dog live with hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia doesn’t shorten a dog’s lifespan—dogs with this condition can live normal life expectancies with appropriate management. We’ve treated dogs with hip dysplasia who lived comfortably into their teens with consistent weight management, pain medication, and lifestyle modifications. The condition affects quality of life rather than longevity, which is why our focus is on keeping dogs comfortable and mobile throughout their years. Severity varies significantly: some dogs need minimal intervention and remain active for years, while others require more intensive management, including surgery. The key is working with your veterinarian to adjust treatment as your dog ages and the condition progresses.

Should you walk a dog that has hip dysplasia?

Yes, walking is beneficial for dogs with hip dysplasia when done appropriately. Controlled, moderate exercise helps maintain muscle mass that supports compromised hip joints—strong muscles provide stability and reduce stress on the joint itself. We recommend shorter, more frequent walks on flat, even surfaces rather than long, strenuous hikes. Avoid steep hills, rough terrain, and activities that involve jumping or sudden direction changes. Watch your dog for signs of fatigue or discomfort and stop before they become exhausted. The goal is to keep your dog moving without aggravating the condition—movement prevents stiffness and maintains fitness, but overdoing it causes pain and inflammation.

Can hip dysplasia in dogs correct itself?

No, hip dysplasia doesn’t resolve or improve on its own without intervention. The condition is progressive, meaning it typically worsens over time as abnormal joint movement damages cartilage and leads to arthritis. However, careful management during puppyhood can influence the severity of the condition in genetically predisposed dogs. Maintaining lean body weight, controlling growth rate through appropriate nutrition, and avoiding excessive high-impact activity during the growth period can reduce symptom severity, though these measures don’t eliminate the underlying structural problem. Once hip dysplasia develops, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing progression rather than reversing the condition.

At what age do dogs start showing signs of hip dysplasia?

Signs can appear anywhere from five months to middle age or older, depending on severity. Some puppies show symptoms during their rapid growth phase—between five and twelve months—displaying reluctance to play, difficulty rising, or the characteristic bunny-hop gait. Other dogs don’t show obvious symptoms until arthritis develops in the abnormal joint, which may not occur until they’re five, seven, or even older. We see both presentations regularly at The Pet Hospitals: young dogs with severe laxity who struggle early, and middle-aged dogs whose hip dysplasia went unnoticed until arthritis made it symptomatic. This variability is why we recommend hip evaluations for at-risk breeds even when symptoms aren’t apparent.

Is swimming good for dogs with hip dysplasia?

Swimming is one of the best exercises for dogs with hip dysplasia. The water supports your dog’s body weight, eliminating stress on the hip joints while allowing a full range of motion and muscle building. We regularly recommend swimming and hydrotherapy for our hip dysplasia patients because they provide cardiovascular conditioning and strengthen supporting muscles without the impact of land-based exercise. Many rehabilitation facilities offer heated pools and underwater treadmills specifically designed for dogs with joint problems. If you have access to a pool or lake, supervised swimming sessions several times weekly can significantly improve your dog’s muscle tone and overall comfort. Just ensure your dog doesn’t overdo it—even low-impact exercise can cause soreness if continued too long.

Can small dogs get hip dysplasia?

Yes, though hip dysplasia is less common in small breeds, it does occur. We’ve diagnosed hip dysplasia in Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and other smaller breeds at The Pet Hospitals. The condition affects large and giant breeds more frequently—German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Great Danes face a higher risk—but any dog can develop hip dysplasia if they carry the genetic predisposition. Small dogs with hip dysplasia often respond well to conservative management and, when surgery is needed, are good candidates for femoral head ostectomy (FHO), which is most effective in dogs under 50 pounds.

What is the difference between hip dysplasia and arthritis in dogs?

Hip dysplasia is a structural abnormality in which the hip joint forms abnormally, leading to looseness and instability. Arthritis (osteoarthritis) is a degenerative joint disease that develops as a consequence of that abnormal structure—the excessive movement and grinding in a dysplastic hip damages cartilage, causing inflammation, pain, and progressive joint deterioration. Think of hip dysplasia as the underlying cause and arthritis as the result. A young dog might have hip dysplasia with minimal arthritis, with symptoms primarily due to joint laxity. An older dog with hip dysplasia typically has significant arthritis that causes most of their discomfort. Treatment addresses both the structural problem and the arthritic changes, which is why management often includes both joint support supplements and anti-inflammatory medications.