Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

A developmental disorder of the hip joint, often partly hereditary.

At a glance

What is it?: Abnormal development of the hip joint: the head of the thigh bone and the hip socket do not fit together properly.
Typical signs: A wobbly gait, “bunny hopping”, weak hindquarters, difficulty getting up and jumping.
Commonly affected: Mainly large breeds, such as the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever or Rottweiler.
Causes: Hereditary predisposition, plus rapid growth, excess weight and overexertion.

Reading time 3 minutes Joints & bones

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When should you see a vet?

Hip dysplasia needs to be checked and monitored by your vet. See your vet promptly if:

your dog suddenly stops putting weight on a hind leg,
they can barely get up or their hind legs give way,
your puppy or young dog walks noticeably wobbly or shows pain.

In hip dysplasia (HD), the head of the thighbone and the hip socket do not fit together properly. This can lead to lameness, a wobbly gait and reduced stamina. HD mainly occurs in large breeds and should be examined and monitored by a vet.

What is hip dysplasia?

HD is an abnormal development of the hip joint during growth. The head of the thighbone does not sit firmly enough in the socket. As a result, the joint is loaded unevenly, and over time osteoarthritis can develop. Large breeds such as the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever or Rottweiler are affected particularly often.

How do you recognize HD?

wobbly gait in the hind legs
“bunny hopping”, meaning both hind legs move forward at the same time
difficulty getting up, climbing stairs and jumping
tiring quickly on walks

Which factors play a role?

Genetics: HD is largely hereditary.
Growth: Very rapid growth and weight gain in young dogs put strain on the joint.
Excess weight and overexertion: Too much weight and wild jumping during the growth phase can make the development worse.

How does the vet diagnose HD?

The vet thoroughly examines gait and hips and confirms the findings with X-rays. For breeding dogs there are also official HD screening X-rays. The course varies a great deal: some dogs have clear symptoms at a young age, others show only mild limitations throughout their lives.

How is HD treated?

Treatment depends on severity, age and general condition. It may include, for example, pain management, physiotherapy and adapted exercise. If the malformation is severe, surgery may make sense. Your vet decides what is right for your dog.

What you can do in everyday life

Provide non-slip paths and a soft place to lie.
Plan moderate, steady walks instead of wild jumping and ball games.
Check your dog’s weight regularly and talk to the vet about it.
Ask about physiotherapy to maintain the muscles in the hind legs.

Frequently asked questions about Hip dysplasia

At what age does hip dysplasia show?

That varies a lot: some dogs have clear problems at a young age, while others only show mild limitations throughout their lives.

How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?

Through a thorough clinical examination, confirmed with X-rays.

Can a dog with hip dysplasia live well?

Many dogs cope well with an adapted daily routine. What is possible for your dog depends on the severity and will be assessed by your vet.

What can I do at home?

Non-slip paths, a soft bed and moderate walks instead of wild jumping take strain off the hips. Check your dog’s weight regularly and talk to your vet about it.

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Veterinary expertise at the heart of our team

Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott has been part of our team at DOG FIT by PreThis^® from the very beginning. As an experienced vet, she supports our work professionally and contributes her knowledge of dog health. Her experience and her deep understanding of dogs’ needs are an important guide for us. She is a valuable treasure for our team and for the well-being of many dogs.

This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.