Home Remedies for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

I have always been somewhat anxious about my dog Atticus’s joints. When you have a 100-pound Rottweiler bounding about with the enthusiasm of a pup half his size, it’s hard not to picture those powerful limbs taking one misstep too many. The thought of hip dysplasia, a condition that plagues so many large and extra-large breeds, often lingered at the back of my mind. Large and purebred dogs, including Rottweilers, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards, often face a host of health challenges, some of which, like Atticus’ lymphoma, are beyond our influence. Yet, conditions such as hip dysplasia can often be mitigated with proactive care, ideally, before they even begin to take hold. 

To safeguard your dog’s mobility and comfort, here are the best home remedies and lifestyle adjustments to help prevent hip dysplasia in dogs, from early puppyhood to their golden years.

The Foundations of Prevention: Responsible Breeding and Early Care

For those yet to bring home their furry companion, prevention starts before a puppy even sets foot in your home. Hip dysplasia is largely hereditary, so if you are acquiring a large or giant breed, choose a breeder who performs hip evaluations on their breeding stock. Reputable breeders will have hip scores certified by organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP, ensuring that only dogs with sound joint health are bred.

Beyond genetics, early puppy care plays a pivotal role. Rapid growth exacerbates joint issues, so feeding your puppy an appropriate diet is crucial. Avoid excessive calories or overfeeding, as this can encourage fast growth and undue stress on developing joints. Instead, opt for a protein heavy, large-breed puppy food formulated to support steady, controlled growth.

Weight Management: The Ultimate Joint Protector

Keep your dog at a healthy weight as excess weight is the enemy of healthy joints, adding unnecessary pressure and increasing the risk of dysplasia and arthritis.

Atticus, for all his brawn, is lean. He used to eat a homemade raw diet consisting of 70% muscle meat, 10% raw, edible bone, 10% organ meat, and 10% eggs or plain Greek yogurt. However, since Atticus was diagnosed with lymphoma, the vet advised against feeding raw, and so now we feed a premade frozen dog food. Raw diets or high-quality human-grade dog food brands are excellent for maintaining a healthy weight. If you can afford it, opt for those with fewer or no grains to support optimal health.

A good rule of thumb? You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without them being visible. If they’ve lost their waistline, it’s time to reassess portion sizes and activity levels.

Joint Supplements: A Helping Hand for Hips

Prevention is proactive. Even if your dog isn’t showing any stiffness or discomfort, supplementing their diet with joint-supportive ingredients can keep those joints cushioned and well-lubricated.

Atticus took Berte's food supplement minerals in his raw food diet every day. Many of the fancy dog food brands add similar ingredients to their foods. These compounds support cartilage health and help delay wear and tear. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, are also great, helping to reduce inflammation and support overall joint function. Additionally, green-lipped mussel and turmeric serve as natural anti-inflammatories, aiding mobility and comfort. For the more advanced, you can introduce collagen supplements, which promote connective tissue repair, and boswellia, a herbal extract known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. A well-rounded supplement routine ensures that their joints remain resilient. 

Exercise: Movement that Supports Joint Health

The key to exercise for large breeds is moderation and consistency. While Atticus might fancy himself an Olympian, sprinting at full speed around the garden, I’ve always encouraged low-impact activities to protect his joints.

When possible, daily walks on soft terrain, think grass or dirt rather than pavement, help to build muscle without undue strain. Swimming is an absolute gift for joint health, providing resistance training without the impact of running. Atticus, unlike most Rottweilers, adores the water and swims every day now in San Francisco.

For puppies and young dogs, avoid high-impact activities such as excessive stair climbing, jumping from heights, or forced running. Their joints are still developing, and repetitive stress can lead to long-term damage.

Home Modifications: Small Changes, Big Impact

Your home should be a haven of comfort for your dog’s joints. A few thoughtful adjustments can make all the difference:

Orthopedic Dog Beds: A supportive bed is essential in cushioning pressure points and alleviating joint stress. At Enid Blythe, we designed our beds precisely for this reason—providing both style and orthopedic support, ensuring that even the most distinguished of dogs rest in comfort.

Ramps & Stairs: If your dog sleeps on your bed, a ramp or dog-friendly stairs can reduce the strain of jumping on and off furniture.

Non-Slip Flooring: Hardwood and tile floors can be treacherous for large dogs, especially as they age. Consider rugs or non-slip mats in high-traffic areas to prevent slips and falls.

Getting In and Out of the Car: Jumping in and out of vehicles can be particularly harsh on the hips. A dog ramp is a worthwhile investment to reduce impact and preserve joint health.

A Lifetime of Care

Preventing hip dysplasia isn’t a one-time effort, it’s a commitment woven into your dog’s daily life. By choosing a responsible breeder, maintaining a lean weight, supplementing wisely, engaging in appropriate exercise, and creating a joint-friendly home with thoughtful additions like an Enid Blythe orthopedic dog bed, you are setting the stage for a life of mobility and comfort.

I am not a veterinarian, and the information shared in this article is based on my personal experience and research. Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, exercise routine, or healthcare plan, especially if they have an existing medical condition.