Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world, and for good reason. They’re loyal, friendly, and make great companions. But dogs are also prone to health problems, including hip dysplasia. This condition can cause a lot of pain for your dog, but there are treatment options available. Here’s what you need to know about hip dysplasia in dogs.
What is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
Hip dysplasia is a serious condition that affects dogs and can result in significant pain and discomfort. This hereditary disease primarily affects the hip socket joint, where the hind legs connect to the body. In a healthy dog, the bones in the hip joint fit together perfectly and are securely held in place by strong ligaments.
However, dogs with hip dysplasia may have a malformed joint or weak muscles and ligaments, causing the bones to lose contact and separate.
This separation, known as subluxation, can lead to the ball of the joint popping out of the socket. Over time, this can cause the cartilage and bone of the hip to wear down, resulting in arthritis, muscle atrophy, limited mobility, and joint looseness. The incidence of hip dysplasia varies among different breeds of dogs, with some breeds being more susceptible to the condition than others. In this article, we will explore the available treatments for hip dysplasia and provide a list of breeds and their susceptibility to this condition.

What Causes Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
The American Academy of Veterinary Medicine explains that canine hip dysplasia is a complex condition caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The primary cause is genetics, with certain breeds, especially large breed dogs, being predisposed to the condition due to inherited genetic mutations. However, recent research has highlighted the significant role of nutrition in the development of hip dysplasia in young dogs.
Studies have shown that dogs fed a diet high in calcium and/or calories during their growth period have an increased risk of developing hip dysplasia.
This is likely because an excessively rich diet can lead to rapid bone growth, resulting in the formation of an abnormal hip joint in young dogs with dysplasia. It can also cause the muscles and ligaments supporting the hip joint to become weak and underdeveloped, contributing to the development of hip dysplasia. The head of the femur, which is seated deeply within the acetabulum, indicates excellent hip joint congruity in a normal dog’s pelvis and hips.

This disease may affect any dog, but it is most common in large and giant dogs. Some of the breeds most prone to hip dysplasia include the GSD, Golden Retriever, and Great Dane. Certain breeds, such as Greyhounds and Russian Wolfhounds, have a lower risk of hip dysplasia. Although there is no guarantee that dogs whose parents have hip dysplasia will develop this disease, the chances are much higher.
If there is no carrier of this disease in the dog’s bloodline, then his risk of developing Dysplasia will be greatly reduced.
This is a major reason to get a puppy from a reputable breeder who will thoroughly check for congenital diseases (such as hip dysplasia) among others. Although genetics is the main factor in determining the risk of hip dysplasia in dogs, adequate nutrition can affect the likelihood of high-risk dogs developing this disease. Dogs who are genetically susceptible to hip dysplasia also have a greater chance of developing dysplasia if they exercise excessively at an early age. Factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, improper weight, and unbalanced nutrition can magnify this genetic predisposition. Heavy exercise is another risk factor in puppies. Large breed dogs, like Saint Bernards, are particularly susceptible to hip dysplasia due to their genetics and size.

What are the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
If your dog is unwilling to lift from a sitting or lying position, it may be the first clue that he/she has hip dysplasia. This phenomenon can be seen in puppies that are only a few months old, but is most common in dogs at around 2 years old.
In older dogs, symptoms of hip dysplasia are usually associated with the development of intra-articular osteoarthritis. In addition to the physical signs shown in puppies, elderly dogs with hip dysplasia have reduced hip range of motion and look very stiff when trying to get up and move around.
If your dog shows signs of hip dysplasia, it will look similar to the signs of arthritis-joint pain with difficulty in moving and stiffness throughout the body. It can occur in one or both hip joints. You may notice any of the following:
- Lameness: Dogs with hip dysplasia may have difficulty standing or walking, and may appear to be limping or favoring one leg. They may also have difficulty rising from a sitting or lying position.
- Pain: Dogs with hip dysplasia may show signs of pain or discomfort in the hip area, such as whining or whimpering, reluctance to move, or sensitivity to touch.
- Stiffness: Dogs with hip dysplasia may seem stiff or have limited range of motion in the hip joint.
- Atrophy: Dogs with hip dysplasia may develop muscle atrophy (wasting) in the affected leg(s), as they may not use it as often as they should
- Clicking Sound: dogs with hip dysplasia may have an audible clicking or popping sound coming from the hip joint when they move
Generally, dogs are very good at hiding/holding pain so being observant of any changes in your dogs ability to maintain their normal level of activity should be noted.

What are the Treatments for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
Non-Surgical Treatments
While there is no cure for hip dysplasia without surgery, several treatment options can alleviate its symptoms. Here are some non-surgical approaches:
- Weight Management: Watching your dog’s weight is crucial, as excess weight exacerbates the pain associated with hip dysplasia. A low-calorie diet can help your dog maintain an ideal weight.
- Controlled Exercise: Leash walking on soft surfaces and using treadmills can be effective. However, it’s essential to follow your dog’s pace and avoid pushing them too hard.
- Comfortable Sleeping Area: Making your dog’s sleeping area warmer and more comfortable, using orthopedic beds, can help reduce discomfort.
- Limiting Stress on Joints: Preventing your dog from jumping off furniture or going up and down stairs can help minimize strain on their hip joints.
- Supplements: Certain supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms related to hip dysplasia and arthritis pain in dogs. You can read more about medications for degenerative arthritis in dogs at the Veterinary Partner.

Surgical Treatments
In cases of chronic hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease, surgical treatments may be necessary. Total hip replacement is considered the best surgical option for these cases. Additionally, a triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) is a surgical procedure often used for dogs younger than 10 months old without signs of hip dysplasia or degeneration. It involves breaking and realigning the pelvic bones to correct the condition. This type of surgery is expensive, but it can be very effective. A newer, less invasive option is “Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis,” which involves fusing the hip bone to allow normal development. Another surgical option for dogs with hip dysplasia is femoral head ostectomy, in which the head and neck of the femur are removed and scar tissue forms to create a “false joint.” Other less common surgical procedures used to treat hip dysplasia include triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), juvenile pubic symphysiodesis, and arthroplasty. Read more about the surgical treatments for canine hip dysplasia at the Veterinary Orthopedic Center.
Which Breeds are More Likely to Develop Hip Dysplasia?
The following list comes from data compiled by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA.org – history of dog breeds with canine hip dysplasia from 1974-2019.
Breed | Rank # | Evaluations # | Excellent % | Dysplastic % |
---|---|---|---|---|
AFFENPINSCHER | 49 | 436 | 5.0 | 18.8 |
AFGHAN HOUND | 155 | 7,373 | 30.2 | 5.8 |
AIREDALE TERRIER | 105 | 6,757 | 7.4 | 11.6 |
AKBASH DOG | 111 | 583 | 23.3 | 11.0 |
AKITA | 86 | 17,765 | 19.5 | 13.5 |
ALASKAN MALAMUTE | 101 | 15,196 | 17.3 | 11.9 |
AMERICAN BULLDOG | 19 | 2,263 | 4.7 | 35.6 |
AMERICAN BULLY | 13 | 134 | 5.2 | 39.6 |
AMERICAN ESKIMO DOG | 123 | 1,197 | 9.9 | 9.4 |
AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER | 31 | 973 | 6.6 | 22.8 |
AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER | 24 | 3,690 | 2.8 | 26.4 |
AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL | 132 | 876 | 11.5 | 8.0 |
ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD | 118 | 2,448 | 18.4 | 9.9 |
AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG | 62 | 4,809 | 5.3 | 16.7 |
AUSTRALIAN KELPIE | 130 | 161 | 9.3 | 8.1 |
AUSTRALIAN LABRADOODLE | 79 | 791 | 9.9 | 14.3 |
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD | 149 | 40,764 | 17.4 | 6.1 |
AUSTRALIAN TERRIER | 171 | 204 | 6.4 | 3.9 |
BARBET | 87 | 222 | 13.1 | 13.5 |
BASENJI | 175 | 3,237 | 23.6 | 3.4 |
BASSET HOUND | 14 | 234 | .0 | 39.3 |
BEAGLE | 55 | 1,210 | 2.8 | 17.8 |
BEARDED COLLIE | 147 | 5,010 | 17.5 | 6.2 |
BEAUCERON | 106 | 654 | 18.7 | 11.6 |
BELGIAN LAEKENOIS | 159 | 135 | 16.3 | 5.2 |
BELGIAN MALINOIS | 158 | 4,092 | 20.7 | 5.3 |
BELGIAN SHEEPDOG | 178 | 4,643 | 33.0 | 3.1 |
BELGIAN TERVUREN | 176 | 6,951 | 26.9 | 3.4 |
BERGER PICARD | 57 | 347 | 9.2 | 17.3 |
BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG | 68 | 24,252 | 14.8 | 16.3 |
BICHON FRISE | 134 | 4,382 | 12.0 | 7.7 |
BLACK AND TAN COONHOUND | 77 | 822 | 10.8 | 15.1 |
BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER | 10 | 947 | 5.2 | 40.8 |
BLOODHOUND | 25 | 3,299 | 2.9 | 26.3 |
BOERBOEL | 11 | 315 | 7.3 | 40.0 |
BORDER COLLIE | 113 | 15,580 | 14.7 | 10.5 |
BORDER TERRIER | 172 | 3,465 | 21.4 | 3.8 |
BORZOI | 185 | 902 | 30.7 | 2.0 |
BOSTON TERRIER | 107 | 395 | 9.6 | 11.6 |
BOUVIER DES FLANDRES | 75 | 9,232 | 6.8 | 15.5 |
BOXER | 95 | 6,552 | 3.8 | 12.3 |
BOYKIN SPANIEL | 22 | 4,789 | 4.0 | 29.1 |
BRACCO ITALIANO | 94 | 137 | 31.4 | 12.4 |
BRIARD | 82 | 2,841 | 13.4 | 14.0 |
BRITTANY | 80 | 21,239 | 9.9 | 14.2 |
BRUSSELS GRIFFON | 6 | 145 | .7 | 51.0 |
BULL TERRIER | 135 | 119 | 10.9 | 7.6 |
BULLDOG | 2 | 1,074 | .3 | 70.5 |
BULLMASTIFF | 27 | 6,669 | 4.0 | 25.7 |
CAIRN TERRIER | 116 | 147 | 5.4 | 10.2 |
CANAAN | 181 | 546 | 17.0 | 2.6 |
CANE CORSO | 18 | 1,811 | 8.1 | 37.3 |
CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI | 32 | 2,897 | 3.3 | 22.2 |
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL | 78 | 8,941 | 4.2 | 14.3 |
CENTRAL ASIAN SHEPHERD | 34 | 110 | 11.8 | 21.8 |
CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER | 45 | 14,919 | 13.7 | 19.8 |
CHINESE CRESTED | 194 | 107 | 33.6 | .0 |
CHINESE SHAR-PEI | 69 | 10,605 | 9.2 | 15.9 |
CHINOOK | 60 | 959 | 10.9 | 17.0 |
CHOW CHOW | 36 | 5,960 | 7.7 | 21.2 |
CLUMBER SPANIEL | 9 | 1,188 | 3.7 | 43.3 |
COCKER SPANIEL | 141 | 15,173 | 11.3 | 6.8 |
COLLIE | 180 | 3,556 | 32.0 | 2.9 |
COTON DE TULEAR | 119 | 1,114 | 9.0 | 9.5 |
CURLY-COATED RETRIEVER | 71 | 1,325 | 8.9 | 15.7 |
DACHSHUND | 150 | 182 | 17.0 | 6.0 |
DALMATIAN | 167 | 4,375 | 12.4 | 4.3 |
DOBERMAN PINSCHER | 145 | 18,685 | 18.4 | 6.5 |
DOGO ARGENTINO | 16 | 285 | 3.5 | 37.9 |
DOGUE DE BORDEAUX | 4 | 716 | 1.1 | 58.2 |
DUTCH SHEPHERD | 129 | 509 | 13.8 | 8.3 |
ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL | 154 | 8,099 | 19.5 | 5.8 |
ENGLISH SETTER | 70 | 12,068 | 11.3 | 15.8 |
ENGLISH SHEPHERD | 35 | 689 | 10.4 | 21.6 |
ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL | 91 | 17,790 | 9.8 | 12.8 |
ENTLEBUCHER | 64 | 467 | 5.8 | 16.5 |
EPAGNEUL BRETON | 56 | 299 | 7.0 | 17.4 |
EURASIER | 177 | 192 | 31.8 | 3.1 |
FIELD SPANIEL | 58 | 1,334 | 10.3 | 17.2 |
FILA BRASILEIRO | 17 | 734 | 6.3 | 37.9 |
FINNISH LAPPHUND | 124 | 344 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
FINNISH SPITZ | 146 | 343 | 16.9 | 6.4 |
FLAT-COATED RETRIEVER | 169 | 6,677 | 21.7 | 4.0 |
FRENCH BULLDOG | 21 | 2,347 | 2.6 | 30.8 |
FRENCH SPANIEL | 121 | 244 | 19.3 | 9.4 |
GERMAN PINSCHER | 190 | 538 | 19.1 | 1.5 |
GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG | 40 | 128,645 | 4.4 | 20.5 |
GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER | 170 | 19,327 | 27.4 | 3.9 |
GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER | 125 | 4,927 | 17.5 | 9.0 |
GIANT SCHNAUZER | 52 | 5,007 | 10.7 | 18.1 |
GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER | 23 | 293 | .7 | 26.6 |
GOLDEN RETRIEVER | 44 | 160,827 | 4.9 | 19.8 |
GORDON SETTER | 48 | 6,702 | 9.6 | 19.1 |
GREAT DANE | 90 | 15,931 | 12.1 | 12.8 |
GREAT PYRENEES | 120 | 6,718 | 14.7 | 9.5 |
GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG | 53 | 3,771 | 15.2 | 18.0 |
GREYHOUND | 183 | 379 | 35.6 | 2.4 |
HARRIER | 76 | 369 | 8.1 | 15.4 |
HAVANA SILK DOG | 65 | 220 | 1.4 | 16.4 |
HAVANESE | 122 | 5,365 | 10.4 | 9.4 |
HOVAWART | 151 | 234 | 26.9 | 6.0 |
HYBRID | 50 | 3,986 | 10.0 | 18.7 |
IBIZAN HOUND | 186 | 499 | 35.3 | 1.8 |
ICELANDIC SHEEPDOG | 54 | 714 | 13.4 | 17.8 |
IRISH RED & WHITE SETTER | 166 | 435 | 33.1 | 4.4 |
IRISH SETTER | 99 | 12,540 | 9.8 | 12.0 |
IRISH WATER SPANIEL | 104 | 1,591 | 18.9 | 11.8 |
IRISH WOLFHOUND | 162 | 2,421 | 26.7 | 4.7 |
ITALIAN GREYHOUND | 193 | 367 | 53.1 | .0 |
KEESHOND | 144 | 5,502 | 9.5 | 6.6 |
KERRY BLUE TERRIER | 157 | 1,741 | 13.2 | 5.7 |
KOMONDOR | 89 | 1,059 | 12.2 | 13.0 |
KUVASZ | 51 | 1,950 | 15.7 | 18.6 |
LABRADOR RETRIEVER | 100 | 277,647 | 19.5 | 11.9 |
LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO | 30 | 490 | 8.0 | 22.9 |
LARGE MUNSTERLANDER | 117 | 119 | 19.3 | 10.1 |
LEONBERGER | 81 | 2,497 | 20.7 | 14.1 |
LHASA APSO | 142 | 857 | 14.8 | 6.8 |
LLEWELLIN SETTER | 38 | 101 | 7.9 | 20.8 |
LOUISIANA CATAHOULA LEOPARD | 46 | 777 | 13.9 | 19.2 |
LOWCHEN | 174 | 139 | 16.5 | 3.6 |
MAINE COON CAT | 28 | 1,291 | 4.4 | 25.2 |
MALTESE | 112 | 132 | 3.0 | 10.6 |
MAREMMA SHEEPDOG | 61 | 138 | 10.9 | 16.7 |
MASTIFF | 39 | 12,745 | 8.1 | 20.7 |
MINI AMERICAN/MINI AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD | 143 | 3,634 | 20.1 | 6.7 |
MINIATURE PINSCHER | 191 | 140 | 38.6 | 1.4 |
MINIATURE SCHNAUZER | 189 | 122 | 17.2 | 1.6 |
MUDI | 165 | 111 | 27.0 | 4.5 |
MUNSTERLANDER | 93 | 260 | 20.4 | 12.7 |
NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF | 5 | 226 | 3.1 | 51.8 |
NEDERLANDSE KOOIKERHONDJE | 161 | 124 | 26.6 | 4.8 |
NEWFOUNDLAND | 26 | 17,964 | 9.1 | 25.8 |
NORFOLK TERRIER | 20 | 376 | .3 | 34.8 |
NORTH AMERICAN SHEPHERD | 152 | 340 | 16.5 | 5.9 |
NORWEGIAN BUHUND | 126 | 291 | 11.3 | 8.6 |
NORWEGIAN ELKHOUND | 43 | 4,296 | 7.9 | 20.1 |
NORWICH TERRIER | 83 | 1,420 | 6.3 | 13.7 |
NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RET. | 153 | 2,902 | 20.0 | 5.8 |
OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG | 47 | 11,789 | 12.4 | 19.2 |
OLDE ENGLISH BULLDOGGE | 3 | 143 | 1.4 | 65.7 |
OTTERHOUND | 8 | 528 | 1.7 | 48.7 |
PARSON RUSSELL TERRIER | 168 | 122 | 23.8 | 4.1 |
PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI | 42 | 13,896 | 3.2 | 20.2 |
PERRO DE PRESA CANARIO | 15 | 260 | 3.8 | 38.8 |
PETIT BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN | 98 | 810 | 4.1 | 12.0 |
PHARAOH HOUND | 182 | 584 | 15.4 | 2.6 |
POINTER | 137 | 1,996 | 15.2 | 7.3 |
POLISH LOWLAND SHEEPDOG | 63 | 634 | 9.9 | 16.7 |
POMERANIAN | 67 | 184 | 7.6 | 16.3 |
POODLE | 102 | 31,138 | 12.6 | 11.9 |
PORTUGUESE PODENGO PEQUENO | 187 | 171 | 32.7 | 1.8 |
PORTUGUESE WATER DOG | 92 | 10,129 | 15.3 | 12.8 |
PUDELPOINTER | 103 | 651 | 16.0 | 11.8 |
PUG | 1 | 861 | .1 | 71.7 |
PULI | 114 | 1,885 | 17.2 | 10.5 |
PUMI | 133 | 180 | 16.7 | 7.8 |
PYRENEAN SHEPHERD | 73 | 216 | 6.9 | 15.7 |
RAT TERRIER | 179 | 670 | 16.7 | 3.0 |
RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK | 164 | 13,800 | 23.9 | 4.6 |
ROTTWEILER | 37 | 102,272 | 8.5 | 21.2 |
SALUKI | 188 | 289 | 41.5 | 1.7 |
SAMOYED | 109 | 18,174 | 11.4 | 11.2 |
SCHIPPERKE | 138 | 538 | 9.1 | 7.1 |
SHETLAND SHEEPDOG | 163 | 24,146 | 27.7 | 4.7 |
SHIBA INU | 139 | 4,113 | 18.7 | 6.9 |
SHIH TZU | 33 | 841 | 2.0 | 22.1 |
SHILOH SHEPHERD | 41 | 1,315 | 8.9 | 20.2 |
SIBERIAN HUSKY | 184 | 20,174 | 34.3 | 2.2 |
SMALL MUNSTERLANDER | 136 | 256 | 19.9 | 7.4 |
SMOOTH FOX TERRIER | 84 | 486 | 7.8 | 13.6 |
SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER | 160 | 7,055 | 17.6 | 5.1 |
SPANISH WATER DOG | 29 | 258 | 9.7 | 25.2 |
SPINONE ITALIANO | 74 | 1,609 | 18.8 | 15.5 |
ST. BERNARD | 7 | 2,546 | 4.1 | 49.2 |
STABYHOUN | 88 | 173 | 8.7 | 13.3 |
STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER | 72 | 875 | 3.2 | 15.7 |
STANDARD SCHNAUZER | 128 | 4,933 | 8.9 | 8.4 |
SUSSEX SPANIEL | 12 | 325 | 1.5 | 39.7 |
SWEDISH VALLHUND | 110 | 393 | 5.3 | 11.2 |
TIBETAN MASTIFF | 66 | 1,192 | 8.1 | 16.4 |
TIBETAN SPANIEL | 97 | 390 | 6.2 | 12.1 |
TIBETAN TERRIER | 156 | 4,571 | 31.3 | 5.8 |
TOY AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD | 173 | 216 | 25.5 | 3.7 |
VIZSLA | 140 | 17,089 | 17.9 | 6.8 |
WEIMARANER | 127 | 13,552 | 21.9 | 8.6 |
WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL | 108 | 2,574 | 17.4 | 11.3 |
WELSH TERRIER | 85 | 147 | 6.8 | 13.6 |
WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER | 96 | 608 | 4.1 | 12.2 |
WHIPPET | 192 | 204 | 36.8 | 1.0 |
WHITE SHEPHERD | 59 | 174 | 12.6 | 17.2 |
WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFON | 131 | 2,865 | 22.1 | 8.1 |
WIREHAIRED VIZSLA | 115 | 240 | 10.8 | 10.4 |
YORKSHIRE TERRIER | 148 | 210 | 26.7 | 6.2 |
Source:OFA.org – history of dog breeds with canine hip dysplasia from 1974-2019.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs (FAQ)
What is dog hip dysplasia?
Dog hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that affects the hip joint, causing pain and discomfort. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the hip joint may be malformed or the muscles and ligaments supporting it may be weak. This can lead to the bones losing contact and separating, resulting in subluxation or the ball of the joint popping out of the socket.
What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs?
Common symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include lameness (difficulty standing, walking, or rising), pain or discomfort in the hip area, stiffness or limited range of motion in the hip joint, muscle atrophy in the affected leg(s), and an audible clicking or popping sound from the hip joint during movement.
Which breeds are more likely to develop hip dysplasia?
Large and giant breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia. Some of the breeds with higher susceptibility include German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Great Danes. However, it can occur in any dog breed.
Can hip dysplasia be prevented or cured?
Hip dysplasia cannot be prevented entirely, as it is primarily a genetic condition. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk and alleviate symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise, providing a comfortable sleeping area, limiting stress on the joints, and using supplements recommended by your veterinarian can help manage the condition. In severe cases, surgical treatments like total hip replacement may be necessary.
How is hip dysplasia diagnosed and treated?
If you suspect your dog has hip dysplasia, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian. They will perform a physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include weight management, controlled exercise, providing a comfortable sleeping area, limiting stress on the joints, and using supplements. In severe cases, surgical interventions like total hip replacement or Triple Pelvic Incision (TPO) may be considered.
Canine Hip Dysplasia-Final Thoughts
Hip dysplasia is a common condition in dogs and understanding this ailment is crucial for their well-being. Hip dysplasia is mainly caused by genetics and can be worsened by poor nutrition, leading to pain and discomfort for your pup. It’s important to watch out for signs like limping, reluctance to move, or difficulty standing up. Seeking proper medical care is key to helping your dog feel better and stay active. Treatments range from medication and supplements to surgery, all aimed at relieving pain and improving mobility. Your veterinarian can provide a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan for your pup’s specific needs.