6 Things Every Dog Owner Should Know About Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a common debilitating disorder in dogs. Once symptomatic, it's difficult and expensive to treat. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce your puppy's chances of developing hip dysplasia.
What is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the socket joint of the hip bone where the thigh connects to the rest of the body. Hip dysplasia is a polygenic trait. Meaning that a number of different genetic factors lead to hip joints that are too lax (loose, weak or unstable) to function properly. Which in turn eventually causes the pain and limited mobility seen in hip dysplasia. Environmental factors play a role as well.
What Are the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
- Arthritis: This is not the same as the common "arthritis" humans get in old age, but it does share characteristics of joint pain and stiffness. You may hear clicks and pops when the affected joint moves.
- Lameness or Abnormal Gait: Your dog may have difficulty walking or even lose the ability to get around altogether, with many dogs developing a characteristic "hopping" gait. You may notice your dog having a harder time standing up or otherwise moving after rest. A dog with hip dysplasia may also have difficulty jumping or going up stairs.
- Muscle Weakness: This is usually secondary and caused by disuse. Depending on the dog's behavior (reduced overall activity vs. adopting an abnormal gait), muscle weakness may be confined to the hind legs or seen in the front legs as well.
- Irritability: Dogs with hip dysplasia deal with significant pain and, unlike humans, can't understand why. As a result, they may become fearful or angry and lash out.
Although all these symptoms are classic signs of dysplasia, they can be caused by many other conditions. Be sure to bring your dog to a vet for diagnosis.
Which Dog Breeds Are Most Likely to Get Hip Dysplasia?
According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, popular dog breeds with the highest incidences of hip dysplasia include:
- Pugs
- Bulldogs
- Norfolk Terriers
- Mastiffs
- St. Bernards
- German Shepherds
- Great Danes
- Labrador Retrievers
- Newfoundlands
- Rottweilers
How Can Dog Owners Prevent Hip Dysplasia?
Genetic susceptibility doesn't mean developing this condition is a sure thing. Environmental factors are a major cause that makes the difference between a quirk in a dog's genetic code and a painful disease. The good news? The most important environmental factor is one you can easily control as a dog owner: Their diet.
How Diet is Related to Hip Dysplasia
A classic cause of hip dysplasia is too-rapid, rapid bone growth. This can occur when puppies are overfed or given diets with excessive calcium. Dog owners should stick to a balanced diet and avoid calcium supplements. Obesity can also put added stress on already overtaxed joints, leading to hip dysplasia and worsening its symptoms. A diet that is properly portioned and nutrient-rich is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. Protein content is another major dietary factor. Although some still believe that high protein diets contribute to canine skeletal disease, this is based on outdated information that has since been refuted by more recent and scientifically rigorous studies.
Is Raw Dog Food the Best for Preventing Hip Dysplasia?
Diet is clearly the biggest controllable influence for growing puppies. Unfortunately, commercial pet foods are high in carbohydrates, contain imbalanced nutrient profiles, and are made with questionable ingredients. That's why many dog owners today are turning to high-quality raw pet foods. Compared with commercial alternatives, raw pet food is:
- High in protein, which helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Nutritionally balanced, providing just the right amount of nutrients.
- Made with the natural ingredients dogs have adapted to thrive on.
The bottom line? Don't let low-quality foods slow your dog down!
