How to Take Care of Dogs With Bad Hips

Numerous breeds of dog develop hip problems, such as hip dysplasia. The large or giant dog breeds -- among them, English Mastiffs and Great Danes -- are most prone to hip problems, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. One way you can tell if your dog is having hip problems is if it is limping and showing tenderness or pain during activity. As the hip condition worsens, the dog may lose muscle tone in its rear legs and have trouble standing up or switching positions when lying down. According to Peteducation.com, genetic tests may predict the chances of your dog having hip problems; certain procedures can address them; and proper nutrition and daily exercise help to prevent them.

Things You'll Need

  • Mobility ramp
  • Orthopedic bed
  • Medications recommended by a veterinarian
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have your dog thoroughly checked by a vet. The vet will not only tell you what is wrong with your dog, but also will provide the best treatment options as well. Depending on the cause of the problem, the doctor may advise diet, exercise, medication, surgery or a combination.

    • 2

      Help your dog lose weight, or keep weight off, to help ease the pressure on his hips. Watch the quality and quantity of food you give your dog. With veterinarian approval, switch to a lower calorie food. Keep an eye on the amount of treats you hand out.

    • 3

      Exercise your dog regularly. If walks are too difficult or painful, swimming is an excellent substitute and causes less strain on the hips.

    • 4

      Purchase aids to assist your dog with its day-to-day activities. Install ramps in locations your dog would normally jump up on, or off of, such as the couch, car, or your bed. A portable ramp is moved easily from location to location to allow your dog access to his favorite spot. Buy an orthopedic dog bed, made with memory foam, and use a heating pad in the winter to prevent stiffness.

    • 5

      Give your dog a joint formula, which helps joints heal and decreases pain. Adequan (Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan injection) is now FDA approved for dogs and has produced positive results. This compound stops the decay of cartilage and builds new cartilage.

    • 6

      Give your dog pain medications after consulting with your vet. They are effective but you may have to experiment to find out which one works best for your dog. One option is buffered aspirin, which is sometimes used alongside glucosamine and chondroitin. One side effect of buffered aspirin is gastric upset and, very rarely, gastric ulceration.

    • 7

      Discuss surgical intervention with your vet. The triple Pelvic Osteotomy involves moving the thigh bone slightly to reduce pressure on the joint. This treatment works best with dogs that have little or no previous hip problems but belong to certain breeds of dogs that are prone to hip dysplasia later in life. Another option is hip replacement surgery. This procedure is expensive but will provide your dog with a pain-free, higher quality of life. A third option is the femoral head and neck incision, for dogs under 50 pounds. This treatment replaces the existing head of the hip joint and with an artificial joint.