There is a genetic condition where your dog's hip is not straight.The bones of the hips rub together because of this condition.Hip dysplasia is more common in larger breeds of dogs, and can be found in some puppies and young dogs.Specific changes in your older dog's lifestyle are a general sign to look for.If your puppy has hip dysplasia, there are signs you can look for.
Step 1: As your dog moves around, watch to see if it hops.
Dogs with painful hips tend to hold their rear legs forward under their bellies.bunny hopping is when your dog is holding its back legs together and hopping rather than running in long strides like normal.If your dog has a change in character, such as an unusual grump, you should watch it.
Step 2: Do you know if your dog can get up or down?
Hip dysplasia can cause pain when your dog remains in a resting position.After your dog has slept all night, this is true in the morning.If your dog is lying down, it will make it harder to get up in the morning or when the weather is cold.
Step 3: Look at your dog's activity to see if it decreases.
One of the most common signs of hip dysplasia is a reduced amount of physical activity.A decrease in activity shouldn't happen until your dog is an advanced age.If your dog is not overweight or ill, it should maintain the same activity levels as it did when it was a baby.Lying down rather than running around in the backyard is a sign of a lack of interest in physical activity.
Step 4: When your dog moves, listen for a clicking sound.
A dog with hip dysplasia can be calledcreaking bones.When your dog is moving, you might hear a clicking sound.The clicking bones are loosened up.When your dog gets up after lying down, listen for the noise.
Step 5: Do you want your dog to climb up the stairs?
If you notice that your dog suddenly has a harder time, or is hesitant to climb stairs, that it has never had a hard time navigating before.Hip dysplasia makes it harder for your dog to climb up stairs or walk up slopes as his back legs are stiff and he can't control them as he used to.
Step 6: If your dog has a rash caused by excessive grooming, you need to check it out.
Some dogs can get bored if they can't move.They lick and groom themselves more often to pass the time.If you notice that your dog is spending more time grooming itself, it's a good idea to check for hair loss or rashes as both of these things can be caused by excessive grooming.Check your dog's Hips Flanks legs.
Step 7: There are pressure sores on your dog's body.
In active dogs, areas on their body that have the least padding are more likely to develop bed sores.The problem gets worse if the dog is lying on hard floors.Check the Elbows Points on the hip Shoulders of your dog.
Step 8: To see if your dog has lost muscle mass, feel its back legs.
It is possible that your dog will lose some of its muscle mass as it stops using its back legs.There is a condition called atrophy.You can feel along your dog's back legs for things like being able to feel its bones more easily.
Step 9: If your dog has a hard time moving around, you should watch it.
Hip dysplasia can be seen as early as 5 to 10 months of age.Your puppy may have a harder time moving around than other puppies.Hold its back legs together and use its front legs more so that it can hop like a bunny.
Step 10: Look to see if your puppy is tired after playing.
While playing might be fine for your puppy, you should still keep an eye on it to see how it sleeps.A dog with hip dysplasia is more likely to lie down for longer and act like it doesn't want to wake up.When resting after activity, its hips become stiff.
Step 11: If your dog is hesitant to jump up, you should see it.
If your dog has hip dysplasia, it won't jump up on couches, your lap, or anything else.It could hurt to exert enough force on its back legs to jump up onto things because they are not as strong as its front legs.Pat is next to you.Your puppy may have hip dysplasia if it looks like it wants to jump up but doesn't or whines in pain.
Step 12: If your dog has a wobbly, wobbly gait, you should watch it.
Puppies and young dogs with hip dysplasia have a harder time moving around than other dogs.This could lead to your dog developing a walk that is wobbly and tipping over a lot.
Step 13: If your puppy puts more weight on its front legs, look at how it stands.
Puppies and young dogs with hip dysplasia tend to stand with their rear legs slightly forward, so that their front legs can support more of their weight.Their forearms are more developed than their hind legs.Check to see if the hind legs are pressed forward when your puppy is standing.Feel its forearms, which may be muscular, compared to its hind legs.
Step 14: If you notice signs of hip dysplasia, take your dog to the vet.
If you notice a change in your dog's appearance, talk to your vet.There are ways to prevent the hip dysplasia from getting worse, as well as supplements and medications that your dog to take to keep it from feeling pain caused by the dysplasia.Talk to your vet about giving your dog supplements.Natural supplements can help strengthen your dog's bones.Omega 3, Antioxidant, and Joint supplements are included in these supplements.Your vet can prescribe a medication for your dog.It's important to know when and how often your dog should get this treatment.
Step 15: Feed your dog food that will help keep his bones strong, but don't over feed him.
Studies show that obese dogs are more likely to have hip problems.You can ask your vet for a feeding guide.Follow the recommended feeding amount for most dog foods.When the daily feed allowance is exceeded, your dog can become obese.Your dog doesn't get enough exercise when it consumes high energy snacks.
Step 16: Make sure your dog is doing gentle exercises.
The hip dysplasia is not made worse by gentle exercises.Swimming is a gentle exercise that can keep your dog fit.Break your dog's exercise up into short exercises.If you want to take your dog for a long walk, go for two 10-minute walks and then let him swim for 10 or 20 minutes.
Step 17: Discuss surgery with your doctor as a last resort.
There are several different surgical procedures that can be done on your dog.The surgery recommended for your dog will depend on its age, weight, and size.There are different surgeries that are used on puppies.For dogs with chronic hip dysplasia, total hip replacement is recommended.