Last updated: May 6, 2026
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If your dog has started moving a little differently — a subtle bunny-hop on the stairs, a reluctance to stand up after resting, or a stiffness that seems worse on cold mornings — you may be looking at one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs. Dog hip dysplasia affects hundreds of thousands of dogs every year, and while it can be a serious diagnosis, understanding what it is, what causes it, and what can be done about it puts you in a much stronger position to help your dog live a comfortable, active life.
What Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition in which the ball-and-socket joint of the hip does not form properly. In a healthy hip, the head of the femur (the thigh bone) fits snugly into the acetabulum (the socket in the pelvis), and the two surfaces glide against each other smoothly with the help of cartilage and joint fluid. In a dog with hip dysplasia, the fit is loose. The ball may be misshapen, the socket may be too shallow, or both. This poor fit allows excessive movement within the joint, which leads to abnormal wear on the cartilage, chronic inflammation, and eventually osteoarthritis.
The condition can affect one or both hips, and the severity ranges widely. Some dogs with mild dysplasia show few outward signs and manage well throughout their lives with minor adjustments. Others develop significant pain, loss of mobility, and progressive joint degeneration that requires ongoing medical intervention. What makes dog hip dysplasia particularly challenging is that it often begins developing when a dog is still a puppy, long before any symptoms become visible to the owner.
Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Hip dysplasia is not caused by a single factor. It results from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental influences that interact during a dog’s growth and development. Understanding these causes is important because some of them are within your control.
Genetics
The strongest predictor of hip dysplasia is heredity. The condition is polygenic, meaning it is influenced by multiple genes rather than a single one. A puppy born to parents with hip dysplasia is significantly more likely to develop the condition themselves, though it is not a certainty — environmental factors still play a role. This is why responsible breeders screen their breeding dogs through organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and only breed dogs with good or excellent hip scores. If you are considering adopting a dog of a breed known for hip dysplasia, you can explore options through our adoption page, where many dogs have been evaluated by veterinary professionals.
Rapid Growth and Nutrition
Puppies that grow too quickly are at higher risk for hip dysplasia, particularly large and giant breed puppies. Diets that are too high in calories, calcium, or protein during the critical growth phase — roughly the first twelve to eighteen months of life — can accelerate skeletal development beyond what the soft tissues can support. The bones grow faster than the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are supposed to stabilize the joints, creating the conditions for abnormal joint formation. Feeding a large-breed puppy formula that controls growth rate is one of the most effective preventive steps an owner can take.
Excess Weight
Carrying too much body weight places additional mechanical stress on the hip joints, and this stress is particularly damaging during the developmental period when the joints are still forming. Studies have consistently shown that dogs kept at a lean body condition have a lower incidence of hip dysplasia and develop clinical signs later in life compared to dogs that are overweight. This relationship between weight and joint health continues throughout a dog’s life — maintaining a healthy weight is one of the single most impactful things you can do for a dog with or at risk for hip dysplasia.
Exercise and Environmental Factors
The type and amount of exercise a growing puppy receives also matters. Repetitive high-impact activities — prolonged running on hard surfaces, jumping from heights, or climbing steep stairs — can stress developing joints. On the other hand, moderate and varied exercise on soft surfaces helps build the muscle mass that supports and stabilizes the hips. The goal during puppyhood is controlled, appropriate activity rather than restriction or excess.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia by Age
One of the tricky aspects of dog hip dysplasia is that symptoms can look quite different depending on the dog’s age and the stage of the condition.
Puppies and Young Dogs (Under 2 Years)
In puppies and adolescent dogs, the primary issue is joint laxity — the looseness of the hip joint itself. Signs at this stage often include a bunny-hopping gait when running (both hind legs move together rather than alternating), difficulty rising after lying down, reluctance to climb stairs or jump into a car, a narrow stance in the hind legs, and occasional lameness after vigorous play. Some puppies show intermittent symptoms that come and go, which can lead owners to dismiss early warning signs as normal growing pains.
Adult and Senior Dogs (2 Years and Older)
In older dogs, the symptoms are driven more by the osteoarthritis that has developed as a consequence of years of abnormal joint wear. Common signs include visible stiffness — especially after rest or in cold weather — a swaying or waddling gait, reluctance to exercise or play, loss of muscle mass in the hind legs, audible clicking or popping from the hip area, difficulty with transitions like sitting down or standing up, and behavioral changes such as increased irritability when the hips are touched. Some dogs gradually reduce their activity over months or years, and owners may attribute the change to aging rather than recognizing it as pain.
If you notice any combination of these signs, a veterinary evaluation is worthwhile. Early detection opens up more treatment options and better long-term outcomes.
Breeds Most at Risk
While any dog can develop hip dysplasia, certain breeds have a significantly higher prevalence due to their genetic makeup and body structure. Large and giant breeds are disproportionately affected, though some medium-sized breeds also carry elevated risk.
Breeds with the highest rates of hip dysplasia include:
- German Shepherds — one of the breeds most commonly associated with the condition
- Labrador Retrievers — widespread prevalence despite the breed’s general athleticism
- Golden Retrievers — frequently affected, often diagnosed in middle age
- Rottweilers — heavy body weight compounds genetic predisposition
- Great Danes — giant breed size creates additional joint stress
- Saint Bernards — among the highest incidence rates of any breed
- Bulldogs — both English and French Bulldogs carry significant risk
- Mastiffs — all Mastiff-type breeds are predisposed
- Bernese Mountain Dogs — commonly affected alongside other orthopedic conditions
- Boxers — moderate to high risk with a genetic component
Mixed-breed dogs are not immune, particularly if they have significant heritage from any of the breeds listed above. You can learn more about specific breed characteristics and health profiles in our dog breeds directory.
How Hip Dysplasia Is Diagnosed
A veterinarian will typically begin with a physical examination, manipulating the hip joints to assess range of motion, check for pain responses, and test for laxity using techniques like the Ortolani sign. However, a definitive diagnosis requires imaging.
Radiographs (X-rays) are the standard diagnostic tool for hip dysplasia. They allow the veterinarian to visualize the shape and fit of the hip joint, measure the degree of subluxation (displacement), and assess any arthritic changes that have already occurred. For formal screening — the kind used by breeders — the OFA evaluation requires a specific positioning and is typically performed at two years of age, when the skeletal system is mature enough for reliable assessment.
PennHIP evaluation is another widely used method that measures joint laxity using a distraction technique. It can be performed on dogs as young as sixteen weeks and provides a distraction index — a numerical score that indicates how loose the hip joint is relative to other dogs of the same breed. A higher distraction index correlates with a greater likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
In some cases, a veterinarian may also use CT scans or MRI for more detailed imaging, particularly when surgical planning is involved.
Treatment Options for Dog Hip Dysplasia
Treatment for hip dysplasia depends on the dog’s age, the severity of the condition, the degree of pain, and the owner’s resources. The approach generally falls into two categories: conservative (non-surgical) management and surgical intervention.
Weight Management
This is the cornerstone of any hip dysplasia treatment plan, regardless of whether surgery is also pursued. Reducing a dog’s body weight by even ten to fifteen percent can produce a measurable improvement in mobility and pain levels. For an overweight dog with hip dysplasia, achieving and maintaining a lean body condition is arguably the single most effective intervention available. Work with your veterinarian to determine your dog’s ideal weight and create a feeding plan that reaches that target gradually — rapid weight loss is not the goal.
Joint Supplements
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are the most commonly recommended supplements for dogs with hip dysplasia. These compounds are natural components of cartilage, and supplementation may help support cartilage health, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA from fish oil, have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties that can complement glucosamine therapy. Some veterinarians also recommend green-lipped mussel extract or methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as additional joint support.
Supplements work best when started early and used consistently over time. They are unlikely to reverse existing joint damage, but they can meaningfully contribute to comfort and function as part of a broader management plan.
Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as carprofen, meloxicam, or deracoxib are frequently prescribed to manage pain and inflammation associated with hip dysplasia. These medications can significantly improve quality of life, though they require regular veterinary monitoring due to potential effects on the liver and kidneys with long-term use. In more severe cases, veterinarians may also use gabapentin for nerve-related pain or adequan injections (polysulfated glycosaminoglycans) to support joint health from within.
Surgical Options
When conservative management is not sufficient to maintain a good quality of life, surgery may be recommended. Several procedures exist, each suited to different situations:
- Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS): Performed on puppies under twenty weeks of age, this minimally invasive procedure fuses a portion of the pelvic growth plate to change the angle of the hip socket as the puppy grows. It is most effective when performed early, before significant joint changes occur.
- Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO): This procedure is typically performed on dogs under ten months of age that have significant joint laxity but have not yet developed arthritis. The pelvis is cut in three places and rotated to improve the coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum.
- Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO): In this procedure, the head of the femur is removed entirely, and the body forms a “false joint” of scar tissue. It is most commonly performed on smaller dogs or as a salvage procedure when other options are not viable. The results are generally good for dogs under about forty pounds.
- Total Hip Replacement (THR): This is the gold standard surgical treatment for severe hip dysplasia. The damaged joint is replaced with artificial components — a metal ball and a plastic socket — that restore normal, pain-free function. THR has a very high success rate and is the only procedure that truly restores normal biomechanics, though it is also the most expensive option.
Exercise Modifications for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia
Exercise remains important for dogs with hip dysplasia — strong muscles around the hip joint help compensate for the structural instability — but the type and intensity of exercise need to be adjusted.
Swimming is widely considered the best exercise for dogs with hip dysplasia. It provides excellent cardiovascular conditioning and builds muscle without placing any impact on the joints. Underwater treadmill therapy, available through many veterinary rehabilitation centers, offers similar benefits in a more controlled setting.
Leash walks on flat, soft surfaces — grass, dirt trails, or sand — provide low-impact conditioning and help maintain healthy body weight. Keep the pace moderate and the duration consistent. Several shorter walks per day are generally better than one long walk.
Avoid high-impact activities such as jumping, rough play with other dogs, extended fetch sessions (especially on hard surfaces), running alongside a bicycle, and navigating steep or slippery terrain. Stairs should be minimized where possible, and ramps can be used to help dogs get into cars or onto furniture.
Physical rehabilitation — sometimes called canine physical therapy — can be highly beneficial. A certified canine rehabilitation therapist can design a targeted exercise program that builds the specific muscle groups that support the hips while protecting the joints from further damage.
Preventing Hip Dysplasia
Because hip dysplasia has a strong genetic component, it cannot be entirely prevented in predisposed dogs. However, several strategies can significantly reduce the risk or delay the onset and severity of symptoms.
- Choose responsible sources. If acquiring a puppy of a breed at risk for hip dysplasia, prioritize breeders who perform OFA or PennHIP evaluations on all breeding dogs. If you are adopting, our adoption page can connect you with dogs whose health backgrounds have been assessed.
- Feed appropriately for growth rate. Use a large-breed puppy formula that controls calcium and caloric intake to prevent excessively rapid skeletal growth.
- Maintain a lean body condition. Keep your dog at a healthy weight from puppyhood through adulthood. This is the single most modifiable risk factor for hip dysplasia.
- Provide controlled exercise during growth. Avoid repetitive high-impact activities during the first twelve to eighteen months of life. Focus on moderate, varied exercise on forgiving surfaces.
- Consider early screening. For breeds at high risk, PennHIP evaluations can be performed as early as sixteen weeks, allowing for early intervention strategies like JPS if significant laxity is detected.
- Provide joint-supportive flooring. Slippery floors — tile, hardwood, laminate — can contribute to abnormal joint forces, especially in growing puppies. Area rugs, rubber mats, or carpet runners in high-traffic areas give dogs better traction and reduce the micro-traumas that add up over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do dogs typically show signs of hip dysplasia?
Some dogs begin showing signs as early as four to six months of age, particularly in severe cases. More commonly, clinical symptoms become apparent between one and two years of age as the joint laxity leads to early arthritic changes. In dogs with milder dysplasia, symptoms may not become obvious until middle age or later, when the cumulative effects of abnormal joint wear finally produce enough discomfort to alter the dog’s movement or behavior.
Can small dogs get hip dysplasia?
Yes, small dogs can develop hip dysplasia, though it is far less common than in large and giant breeds. Breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and some small terrier breeds have been documented with the condition. In small dogs, hip dysplasia may be less debilitating simply because the joints bear less weight, and procedures like femoral head ostectomy tend to produce very good outcomes in dogs under forty pounds.
Is hip dysplasia painful for dogs?
Hip dysplasia can cause significant pain, though many dogs are remarkably good at hiding discomfort. Dogs do not express pain the way humans do — they are more likely to quietly reduce their activity level, avoid certain movements, or shift their weight forward rather than vocalize. What may look like laziness or slowing down with age can actually be a dog managing chronic joint pain. If your dog’s behavior or movement patterns have changed, a veterinary evaluation is always a good idea.
Can hip dysplasia be cured?
Hip dysplasia itself — the abnormal formation of the joint — cannot be reversed once the skeleton has matured. However, the pain, inflammation, and functional limitations it causes can be effectively managed in most dogs through a combination of weight management, supplements, medication, exercise modification, and in some cases surgery. Total hip replacement comes closest to a cure, as it replaces the damaged joint entirely and restores normal function. For most dogs, the goal of treatment is not a cure but a sustained quality of life that allows them to move comfortably and enjoy daily activities. You can browse dogs looking for a caring home on our adoption page — many dogs with manageable conditions like hip dysplasia make wonderful companions.
How much does hip dysplasia treatment cost?
Costs vary widely depending on the approach. Conservative management — supplements, medications, weight management, and regular veterinary check-ups — might run a few hundred dollars per year. Physical rehabilitation sessions typically cost between fifty and one hundred dollars each. On the surgical side, femoral head ostectomy generally ranges from one thousand to three thousand dollars, while total hip replacement can cost between three thousand and seven thousand dollars per hip, depending on the facility and geographic location. Pet insurance, if obtained before diagnosis, can help offset these costs significantly.
