When a dog develops hip dysplasia, the snugness of the ball and socket that form their hip become more and more loose due to generation of the tissues and continues grinding of the two hard surfaces. Joint tissues and vital joint lubricants deteriorate, leading to painful arthritis that will worsen and can completely debilitate a dog if not treated.

A dog developing, or having developed hip dysplasia shows the relatively same general signs with more or less emphasis on a certain symptoms based on the dog at hand. You have to remember, some dogs have had the issue sense birth and develop a much higher tolerance for the pain and discomfort and learn to live with it better then a mature dog beginning to develop hip dysplasia. So, if your puppy or young dog is showing even small signs of any of the symptoms below, it is probably best to get them checked out before it is too late.

As a puppy, signs of canine hip dysplasia are generally a discomfort of the hind hips and can occur as early as 5 months. Your dog might resemble a rabbit, by hopping the back legs forward instead of an extended gate with separate motion of the legs and hesitation getting up after prolonged periods of rest. Your dog might also extend his legs straight forward or backward while resting; Some people describe it as chicken legs–or frog legs.

• Worsening trouble getting up after sleeping
• Wining and a general unwillingness to get up
• Change in the way your dog walks–resembling a bunny hopping
• Anxiety or displeasure toward people rubbing their hips
• Signs disappear once the dog is on their feet and active

Development of hip dysplasia in mature dogs usually happens around 4 or 5 years of age for the degeneration to be advance enough and pain and discomfort become obvious. Pain usually is worst after exercise or in the morning but works out once the dog is up and moving. It is important to bring your dog to your vet when any signs of discomfort in their legs is present, dogs are built to run–pain is not in their blood.

The most important part is to take your dog to the vet even if you are unsure their is an actual issue. Examining any dog (or human) and treating an issue before it develops is the number one way to ensure your dog won’t live in pain the rest of his life if they do indeed have hip dysplasia. Treatments range from anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers to surgery depending on the dog and severity of the case to further develop.