Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Signs, Treatment and Prevention

What it is

In a healthy hip, the ball at the top of the thigh bone sits snugly in the socket of the pelvis, and both grow at matching rates. In hip dysplasia they do not. The joint ends up loose, and the constant abnormal movement wears away cartilage and leads to osteoarthritis.

It is a multifactorial condition. Genes set the stage, while growth rate, weight, diet, muscle mass and exercise also play a part. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that large-breed dogs are affected most often, though small breeds can develop it too.

Signs depend on the dog. Some pups show hind-leg weakness at a few months old, while others seem fine until the arthritis builds up years later. Typical signs are stiffness after rest, trouble rising, limping, a bunny-hopping run, and pulling back from jumping or stairs. VCA points out that lameness does not always match what shows up on X-rays: some dogs with big changes seem comfortable, while others with mild changes are in real pain.

Causes and risk factors

Cause	What it means
Heredity	VCA describes hip dysplasia as a genetic disease, which is why it runs in families.
Large or giant breed size	It is seen most often in big dogs, though small dogs can be affected.
Rapid growth as a puppy	When bone growth outpaces muscle development, the joint can end up loose.
Overfeeding and extra weight	Puppies fed unlimited food were more likely to develop hip dysplasia than puppies fed measured meals in one study VCA describes.
Diet and exercise during growth	Nutrition and exercise are listed as contributing factors, alongside genetics.
Early spay or neuter	VCA says early sterilization may raise the rate in some dogs, so timing is worth discussing with your vet.

What you can do at home

Weight management is the most useful thing you can do at home. Keep your dog lean for life, because every extra pound adds load to sore hips. If you are unsure whether your dog is carrying extra weight, our guide on how to tell if your dog is overweight is a good place to start.

Aim for regular, moderate activity. VCA recommends steady daily exercise and avoiding high-impact activities such as jumping, while the ACVS suggests limited, comfortable leash walks. Many vets also recommend physical therapy such as hydrotherapy. Ask your vet to design a plan, since the right mix depends on your dog's age and the degree of looseness.

Never give human pain medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen on your own, since they can be toxic to dogs. If your vet prescribes an anti-inflammatory, give it exactly as directed and keep up with recommended blood tests. Joint supplements are a common question, and sources disagree: the ACVS says there is no peer-reviewed evidence that cartilage supplements help, while VCA recommends vet-approved supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids for most affected dogs. Ask your vet which, if any, is worth trying.

What happens at the vet

Your vet will watch your dog move, feel the hips for looseness and pain, and usually take hip X-rays, which often need light sedation or anesthesia to get the dog positioned correctly. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) offers grading of hip X-rays. A second method called PennHIP measures looseness directly and can estimate the future risk of arthritis.

Treatment depends on age, weight and how the joint is behaving. According to Merck, surgery is unnecessary for most affected dogs. Conservative care means weight control, activity changes, physical therapy and prescription anti-inflammatory medicines, with regular blood tests to check the kidneys and liver.

Surgery can help dogs that do not respond or that are severely affected. According to the ACVS, loose hips can be detected from about 10 weeks, and a procedure called juvenile pubic symphysiodesis must be done before 18 weeks of age. Pelvic osteotomy suits young dogs, ideally under 8 to 10 months, before arthritis shows on X-rays, and total hip replacement is for dogs at least a year old. Removing the ball of the joint can be done at any age, and in dogs under about 60 to 70 lb (27 to 32 kg) it can give enough comfort to avoid daily pain medicine. A board-certified surgeon can explain which one fits your dog.

Prevention

You cannot fully prevent a condition that is largely inherited, but you can reduce the odds and catch it early.

Start with the breeder. Ask whether the parents' hips have been screened with OFA grading or PennHIP. VCA notes that the genetic tests available so far are of questionable validity, so the parents' hip screening results are the better guide.

Feed a large-breed puppy diet through the first year, give measured meals instead of free-feeding, and keep your puppy at a normal, lean weight. Our puppy weight calculator can help you check whether your pup is on a sensible growth track.

Ask your vet to check the hips at puppy visits. The ACVS says early detection widens treatment options, and some procedures only work before arthritis has formed. Finally, discuss the timing of spay or neuter with your vet, because VCA notes that early sterilization may increase the rate in some dogs.

For dogs already affected, keeping them lean is a core part of care. See arthritis in dogs for what comes next.

Frequently asked questions

At what age do dogs show signs of hip dysplasia?

It can show up in puppies a few months old, but it is most common to notice signs at 1 to 2 years of age. Many dogs show little until arthritis has built up over years, so a normal puppy does not rule it out.

Can hip dysplasia be cured?

It is a lifelong condition, but many dogs live comfortably with weight control, moderate exercise, pain relief and physical therapy. Merck notes that surgery is unnecessary for most affected dogs, though surgery can help severely affected dogs and those who do not respond to conservative care.

Is hip dysplasia painful?

It can be, especially once arthritis develops. Dogs may be sore after exercise or after rest, but VCA notes that signs do not always match X-ray findings. Ask your vet about safe pain relief, and never use human pain medicines.

Can I prevent hip dysplasia in my puppy?

You cannot remove the genetic risk, but you can choose a breeder who screens parents, feed measured meals of a large-breed puppy diet, keep your puppy lean and have the hips checked at puppy visits.

What exercise is best for a dog with hip dysplasia?

Steady, moderate activity such as controlled leash walks is usually advised, with high-impact moves like jumping avoided. Hydrotherapy and other physical therapy can also help. Your vet can tailor a plan to your dog.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy