Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: What Australian Pet Owners Need to Know

If you share your home with a dog, few diagnoses are as worrying as hip dysplasia. This is one of the most common orthopaedic problems that affects dogs in Australia, and it can have a significant effect on the quality of life of your pet. The good news is that with the correct care and with the right know-how, your dog with hip dysplasia can still live a happy and comfortable life.

This guide contains all the information that you need to know about hip dysplasia in dogs, from what the condition is and which breeds are at risk of developing the condition, through to how it is diagnosed and treated, and then some helpful tips for dog owners who have a pup with hip dysplasia in their care.

What Is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a skeletal condition in which the hip joint — a ball-and-socket joint — doesn’t develop correctly. The ball (the head of the femur) and the socket (the acetabulum of the pelvis) don’t fit snugly together. Over time, this causes the joint to grind and wear down, leading to joint deterioration, pain, and, in many cases, osteoarthritis.

The condition is developmental, meaning it occurs during the dog’s growth phase. However, the symptoms manifest later in life. In some cases, only one hip is affected, while in others, both hips are affected.

Which Breeds Are Most at Risk?

Hip dysplasia happens most often with large and giant dog breeds, though it can also happen to medium-sized and occasionally smaller breeds too. In Australia, the breeds most frequently affected include:

• German Shepherds
• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Rottweilers
• Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Great Danes
• Saint Bernards
• Bulldogs and French Bulldogs

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that is influenced by many factors, so even mixed-breed dogs can develop it. Growing too fast, having excess weight, overdoing certain types of exercise during puppyhood, and a poor diet can all affect how severely the condition develops.

Causes and Risk Factors

Hip dysplasia is primarily genetic, but environmental and lifestyle factors play a significant role in how the condition progresses. Key contributing factors include:

• Genetics: A dog whose parents or grandparents had hip dysplasia is significantly more likely to develop it. Responsible breeders screen breeding pairs using scoring systems like those offered by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).
• Rapid growth: Puppies of large breeds that grow too quickly — often due to overfeeding or high-calorie diets — can develop joint problems before the muscles and connective tissue have time to catch up.
• Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional strain on the hip joints, accelerating wear and worsening symptoms.
• Inappropriate exercise: High-impact activities like jumping, rough play on hard surfaces, or excessive running during the critical growth phase (before 12–18 months) can aggravate developing joints.
• Nutrition: Diets too high in calcium or calories during puppyhood can interfere with healthy bone development in susceptible breeds.

Hip dysplasia is primarily genetic. However, there are several other factors that contribute to the development of this condition. The primary factors that contribute to hip dysplasia include:

• Genetics: Breeding dogs that have a genetic predisposition to hip dysplasia should not be bred. Breeders responsible for breeding dogs should ensure that breeding pairs do not have a genetic predisposition to the condition. For example, if a dog’s parent or grandparent had hip dysplasia, it is more likely that the dog will also have the condition. Breeding dogs can be screened for hip dysplasia using systems like those established by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).
• Rapid growth: If the puppy is a large breed dog, and the puppy experiences rapid growth, it is possible that the dog will develop hip dysplasia. Rapid growth of puppies can be the result of overfeeding the puppy too much food too quickly.
• Obesity: If the dog is too heavy for its breed, it can place additional strain on its hip joints. This additional strain can contribute to the development of symptoms of hip dysplasia.
• Inappropriate exercise: If the dog is a puppy, and it regularly jumps off of objects, plays roughly with other dogs, or runs excessive distances, it may develop hip dysplasia. Similarly, if the dog is experiencing rapid growth, and it regularly runs excessive distances, the dog may develop hip dysplasia.
• Nutrition: the diet of the dog can be a contributing factor to the development of hip dysplasia. If the dog is provided with a diet that is too high in calcium or calories, especially during its puppy years, it may develop hip dysplasia.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Hip dysplasia can appear in dogs as young as five months, but many owners first notice symptoms in middle-aged or older dogs when arthritis has set in. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include:

• Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position
• A “bunny hop” gait — moving both back legs together when running
• Reluctance to climb stairs, jump, or exercise
• A swaying or wobbly rear end when walking
• Stiffness or lameness in the hind legs, especially after rest
• Decreased activity levels or obvious reluctance to play
• Muscle wasting in the hind legs (the thigh muscles may look smaller than usual)
• Clicking or grinding sounds from the hip area
• Signs of pain when the hip is touched or manipulated

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, consult your vet as soon as possible. Early intervention can make a significant difference to your dog’s long-term comfort and mobility.

How Is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of a physical examination and imaging. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your dog to assess its gait, examine how the dog rises and moves, and manipulates the dog’s hip joints to assess for looseness or pain in the joint. 

X-rays (radiographs) of your dog’s hips can help your veterinarian to confirm a diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Your veterinarian may sedate or anesthetize your dog to take X-rays of the hips. 

In Australia, breeders can have their dogs assessed for hip dysplasia through the AVA Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme. Dogs are assessed through X-ray evaluations of their hips, and a lower score indicates healthier hips.

Treatment Options

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for hip dysplasia. The best approach depends on your dog’s age, weight, the severity of the condition, and your circumstances. Treatment generally falls into two categories:

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management

For many dogs — especially those with mild to moderate hip dysplasia or older dogs who are not good surgical candidates — conservative management can be enough to manage the condition. This may include:

• Weight management: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the most effective things you can do. Every kilogram less means significantly less pressure on those joints.
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): Vets commonly prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling. 
• Joint supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids are popular supplements that may help support joint health and slow cartilage breakdown. Talk to your vet about the right products and dosages.
• Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy: Controlled exercise, massage, and water-based therapy can strengthen the muscles around the hip, improve mobility, and reduce pain without adding stress to the joint.
• Environmental modifications: Orthopaedic bedding, ramps, non-slip mats, and limiting high-impact activities can help ease your dog’s everyday life.
• Acupuncture: Some dogs respond well to veterinary acupuncture as part of a pain management plan.

Surgical Options

For dogs with more severe hip dysplasia or for dogs who are significantly affected, these surgical procedures can be performed:

• Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO): For dogs under 10 months that have not developed arthritis yet, vets can cut the pelvis in three places and rotate it to improve the coverage of the femoral head. 
• Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS): This is a preventive procedure that is performed in very young puppies (before 16–20 weeks). The pelvic growth plates are fused to alter pelvic development and improve hip conformation.
• Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO): For smaller dogs breeds, this procedure is more commonly performed in which the femoral head is removed, allowing scar tissue to form a false joint. 
• Total Hip Replacement (THR): This is the gold standard surgical option for severe cases of hip dysplasia in which the entire hip joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant. Most dogs can return to near-normal function after this procedure, though it is a major surgery and can be costly. 

Your vet or a veterinary orthopaedic specialist will help you understand which option is most appropriate for your dog’s individual situation.

Living With a Dog With Hip Dysplasia: Practical Tips

A diagnosis of hip dysplasia doesn’t have to mean a diminished life for your dog. In fact, with the right adjustments to your pet’s routine, many dogs with this condition are able to continue to thrive throughout their lives. Here are some ways to help your dog at home:

• Keep them lean: Work with your vet to determine an ideal body weight and adjust feeding accordingly. Use a slow feeder or puzzle bowl to prevent rapid eating.
• Choose low-impact exercise: Gentle, regular movement is better than sporadic bursts. Short walks on soft ground, swimming, and controlled play are ideal. Avoid ball-throwing, jumping, and rough play on hard floors.
• Invest in a quality orthopaedic bed: Memory foam beds or orthopaedic pet mattresses provide cushioning for sore joints and make getting up easier.
• Use ramps and steps: Help your dog access the car, couch, or bed without needing to jump.
• Warm them up before activity: A slow, gentle walk before more active movement helps warm up the joints and reduce stiffness.
• Monitor for pain: Watch for signs of discomfort such as panting, reluctance to move, and changes in appetite or behaviour. 
• Schedule regular vet check-ins: Hip dysplasia is a progressive condition. Regular monitoring allows your vet to adjust management strategies as needed.

Can Hip Dysplasia Be Prevented?

Because hip dysplasia has a genetic component, there is no way to entirely prevent it. However, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in a puppy that is to be added to the home. 

If the breed is known to have a high risk of developing hip dysplasia, there are steps that can be taken to ensure that the puppy is healthy and does not have any issues with their hips. These steps include working with a breeder who breeds registered dogs, who have passed screenings for the AVA Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme. Additionally, the breeder should be able to provide the hip scores for the dogs, as lower scores indicate that there is less risk of hip dysplasia. 

The breeder should also be willing to disclose the health results of their dogs, ensuring that they prioritise the health of their dogs over any other factors.

Once you have your puppy home, focus on:

• Feeding a high-quality, age-appropriate diet — especially formulated large-breed puppy food for bigger dogs
• Avoiding overfeeding and keeping your puppy at a lean, healthy weight
• Limiting high-impact exercise and jumping until growth plates have closed (usually around 12–18 months for large breeds)
• Regular vet check-ups to monitor your puppy’s development

When to See a Vet

Don’t wait until the symptoms of canine arthritis are severe before seeking help from a veterinarian. If you notice any changes in your dog’s gait, willingness to exercise, or ability to rise from a comfortable position, schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible. Early intervention for arthritis in dogs, before it becomes significant, provides more treatment options and better long-term outcomes for the dog.

If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, continue to keep in regular contact with the veterinarian who prescribed the treatment. If you feel that the veterinarian is not providing the best care for your dog, or if you would like to try a different approach to treating the arthritis, do not hesitate to ask for a referral to a veterinary orthopaedic specialist.

Final Thoughts

Hip dysplasia is a challenging condition to diagnose and treat. However, with the right approach, thousands of Australian dogs with the condition are able to lead active and comfortable lives. 

Whether you are caring for a dog that already has the condition, if you are considering acquiring a dog breed that is predisposed to developing hip dysplasia, or if you are simply interested in learning more about the condition, it is always best to gain as much knowledge as possible about the condition. 

Speak with your veterinarian about the condition, learn as much as you can about how to best care for your dog, and ensure that your dog remains a happy and beloved member of your family.