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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 08/21/2025
While we all love our fur babies and their zest for life, did you know that some dogs are more prone to certain joint issues, sometimes even before their senior years? Just like in humans, genetics, body structure, and daily activities can unfortunately increase the risk of common conditions like hip dysplasia in dogs.
This isn’t just a concern for much older pups; it’s a developmental condition that can begin early, making many of our beloved fur babies more vulnerable than others. From the proud and fast German Shepherd to the bubbly Golden Retriever, breed-specific traits can sadly contribute to this painful hip issue.
Spotting the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs early is super important. You might notice your pup struggling to get up, showing stiffness after a nap, or even hesitating to jump on the couch for cuddle time. Many pet owners might mistake these easy-to-miss cues for simply “slowing down” instead of recognizing them as signs of discomfort.
In this blog, we’ll explore what hip dysplasia is in dogs, discuss its causes, and highlight the most commonly affected breeds to watch for. We’ll also share essential care tips and insights. Understanding these risks can help your pup stay active, comfortable, and by your side for years to come.
So, what exactly is canine hip dysplasia? It’s a condition where your dog’s hip joint doesn’t develop properly. Think of a hip as a ball-and-socket joint, where the top of the thigh bone (the ball) fits snugly into a cup in the pelvis (the socket).
In a healthy hip, these parts fit perfectly and move smoothly. But with dysplasia, that connection becomes looser than it should be, meaning the ball can move in and out of the socket abnormally rather than just rotating [1].
Over time, poor fit and extra movement wear down the protective cartilage, eventually causing painful bone-on-bone rubbing. This process is often called osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD) [1]. Although any dog can develop it, it is generally a bigger concern and more common in larger breeds.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs is crucial to ensuring you can help your dog sooner rather than later. They can be subtle and mistaken for just ‘slowing down. Here are some key things to watch for [1]:
Slowness of trouble getting up from a sitting or lying position
Hesitation or disinterest in playing for long periods
Tiring easily on walks or needing to sit and rest more often
A “wiggling” gait in their hind limbs
Sensitivity of pain when their rear end is touched
Noticeably poor muscle development in their hind limbs, or hips appearing more pronounced
Whining, crying, or other behavioural changes (like being less tolerant of contact)
Limping or reluctance to move
Occasionally, hearing or feeling a “pop” in their hip area as they move
If you notice any of these changes in your dog, even if they seem minor, it’s always a good idea to chat with your veterinarian. These subtle signs are often your fur baby’s way of telling you they’re uncomfortable, and early screening and detection can make a big difference in managing canine hip dysplasia and keeping them comfortable!
So, what’s really behind dog hip problems? It’s usually a combination of factors, not just one single cause. The most significant factor by far is genetics. If a dog carries the gene, they can pass it on, making their puppies more at risk, often within the first couple of years of life [2]. While larger breeds are more prone, genetic predisposition can affect any furry companion.
The second component is nutritional factors; specifically, excessive weight can put a significant strain on those hip joints, exacerbating any existing issues and leading to increased friction [2].
Environmental factors and lifestyle patterns also play a large role. Activities such as excessive or high-impact movements, including jumping or scaling stairs, can trigger or exacerbate hip dysplasia. On the other hand, regular, properly planned exercise (best guided by your veterinarian) is a crucial part of managing the condition.
Lastly, injuries to the hip joint’s ligaments, muscles, or tendons can cause misalignment and degeneration, damaging those crucial support structures. Luckily, this cause is often most preventable by avoiding activities that could lead to such injuries [2].
remember that it can affect a surprising range of dogs! Here’s a look at some of the breeds that are commonly at a higher risk [3, 4]:
German Shepherds: Often considered a “poster child” for canine hip dysplasia, these regal companions can show signs later in life, sometimes as late as seven years old. Remember not to over-exercise too much during their growth.
Labrador Retrievers: As America’s most popular breed, their sizable frame and genetic makeup put them high on the list for developing hip dysplasia.
Rottweilers: These powerful pups are another large breed prone to the condition, so pet parents should keep a careful eye on their gait.
French Bulldogs: You might be surprised, but these charming, smaller pups are also known to experience hip dysplasia, often due to hereditary traits.
Saints Bernards: Thanks to their truly giant size, these gentle giants are predisposed to various degenerative joint conditions, including canine hip dysplasia.
Basset Hounds: Despite their smaller stature, Basset Hounds have a high incidence of hip dysplasia, possibly due to the unique shape and structure of their limbs.
Being aware of your specific breed’s risks is a massive step in proactive care, and ensuring you adjust their lifestyle accordingly to minimize them.
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✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
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So, if hip dysplasia isn’t always preventable, what can we, as pet parents, actually do? Well, while you can’t completely prevent the condition if your dog is genetically predisposed, there are many proactive steps that can be taken to significantly reduce its impact on their comfort and quality of life [5].
From smart choices when bringing a new pup home to ongoing daily care, every little bit helps protect their hips and joints. And yes, incorporating things like high-quality supplements and even natural options, such as Camelina Oil, can play a huge role!
Since many dogs affected by hip dysplasia are born with the predisposition, one of the most impactful things you can do, especially if you’re getting a puppy, is to choose a reputable breeder [5].
They should be more than transparent and happy to share info about their breeding lines, ensuring both the male and female parent dogs (especially in high-risk breeds) have undergone and passed relevant joint tests from breeding. This step significantly reduces the risk of bringing home a puppy with a high genetic predisposition to developing hip dysplasia [5].
One of the best things that can be done to protect a dog’s hips and joints throughout their life is to ensure they maintain a healthy weight. Extra pounds put extra strain on their joints, which can worsen any existing hip issues or contribute to their development.
Maintaining your pup's lean and well-muscled physique, alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise, is crucial for their overall joint health [5].
Following up on weight, a proper diet is essential for maintaining overall joint health. While specific diets may not be a “cure,” a balanced, high-quality diet provides the necessary nutrients needed to support healthy bone and joint development and maintenance [5]. Providing the body with the right building blocks and preventing excess weight is essential for optimizing hip health.
Even before you notice any signs of your dog slowing down, it’s a fantastic idea to integrate quality joint supplements into their routine. Discussing options with your vet early on can be beneficial.
Supplements, such as those containing fish oils, glucosamine, or chondroitin, can help reduce inflammation and slow joint damage, potentially easing discomfort [5].
Remember, not all supplements are created equal, so do your research and consult with your veterinarian for recommendations. Natural options, such as camelina oil, can also be an excellent addition, offering omega-3 fatty acids that support overall joint health and reduce inflammation.
Exercise is vital for dogs, but when it comes to hip health, it’s all about the right amount and type of exercise [5]. You want to build and maintain strong muscles around the hips without causing injury or excessive wear and tear.
Low-impact activities, such as leash walking and swimming, are often excellent choices for most dogs. It’s about choosing exercises that suit your dog’s body type, age, and current joint health to keep them active and minimize the risk of accidental injury [5].
While you can’t precisely “prevent” a dog from being born with the genetic predisposition, testing and monitoring early can make a huge difference in managing canine hip dysplasia. If you’re getting a puppy, ensuring the breeding lines have been tested can help you make an informed choice [5].
For any dog, being observant of those early, subtle signs of discomfort is crucial. The sooner you identify potential issues, the sooner you and your vet can create a management plan to promote comfort and longevity.
Learning about hip dysplasia in dogs can feel a bit heavy, but remember, knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your furry family member. By understanding what causes dog hip problems, recognizing those subtle signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs early on, and actively applying care tips to stay proactive with their health, you’re giving your pup the best possible chance at a comfortable, active life.
Your dedication to their well-being can make a world of a difference in managing this condition and ensuring they continue to live their lives to the fullest. Making sure you have more happy, comfortable years with your fur baby by your side!
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
[1] https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=11852220
[2] https://walkinpets.com/blogs/blog/prevent-hip-dysplasia?srsltid=AfmBOopGyiCI6Bb4WBDyf-pnoygz38AcDH5r7qSg756tYl5etY4kLemW
[4] https://www.trupanion.com/en-ca/pet-blog/article/dog-hip-dysplasia
[5] https://www.greatpetcare.com/dog-health/10-dog-breeds-prone-to-hip-dysplasia/
"Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso."
