Finding out your canine companion has hip dysplasia is a heavy moment for any pet owner. The condition often starts showing signs early in your dog’s life, and without proper measures, it can significantly affect their mobility as they age.

Getting a diagnosis is an important first step, but you’ll likely immediately have a bunch of questions that you’ll want answered. One of the most common questions is what to do for a dog with hip dysplasia: seek out surgery to help mitigate the problem, or focus on managing the condition without it? 

Understanding your options with regard to how to treat dog hip dysplasia is the first step toward restoring or maintaining your dog’s quality of life. Hip dysplasia in dogs isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition, and the right option depends on your dog’s age, the severity of the joint degradation, and your lifestyle goals.

In this guide, we’ll explore modern treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs at every stage of life.

How to Treat Dog Hip Dysplasia: Surgical Options

Surgical treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs offers the most definitive path toward a pain-free life, particularly those with severe joint laxity (abnormally loose joints) or advanced osteoarthritis. With these conditions, the ball and sockets in one or both hip joints are simply too mismatched for physical therapy alone to compensate. In this case, surgical intervention can restructure the affected joint or replace it entirely.

Thankfully, modern veterinary medicine has made incredible strides, offering treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs that range from preventative measures in puppies to total joint reconstructions in adults.

Surgical Options for Dog Hip Dysplasia

Total Hip Replacement (THR)

Total hip replacement is one of the most successful long-term options for treating hip dysplasia in dogs who have finished growing. Much like the human version of the procedure, THR involves a complete overhaul of the joint.

During the surgery, the veterinary surgeon removes the arthritic femoral head and damaged acetabulum, replacing the entire joint with high-tech prosthetics typically crafted from cobalt-chrome stainless steel and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. This approach is exceptionally effective because it entirely eliminates the diseased bone and cartilage, thereby removing the bone-on-bone friction that causes chronic, debilitating pain. Consequently, most dogs regain near-normal function, with owners frequently reporting a dramatic return to their natural movement and an improved quality of life. While it is the most expensive surgical option due to the specialized equipment and expertise required, the one-time investment often outweighs the cumulative cost of lifelong pain management, especially for younger adult dogs with many active years ahead of them.

Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)

Timing is everything with JPS. This is a preventative surgical option for very young puppies, ideally between 12 and 18 weeks of age.

It’s a preventative procedure that utilizes electrocautery to prematurely close the pubic symphysis, a specific growth plate in the pelvis. By tethering the bottom of the pelvis while the rest of the pelvic bones continue to develop normally, the surgery forces the hip sockets to rotate outward, providing better coverage over the femoral heads as the puppy grows.

The primary goal of this intervention is to naturally improve the fit of the ball-and-socket joint, thereby eliminating the joint laxity that eventually leads to debilitating arthritis. Because JPS is minimally invasive and typically performed as an outpatient procedure, most puppies are able to walk the same day. However, the procedure's success is entirely dependent on timing; it requires very early screening—often before a puppy shows any outward signs of discomfort—to be performed within the critical developmental window.

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)

FHO is often described as a salvage procedure. It is frequently recommended for smaller dogs, cats, or in cases where a Total Hip Replacement is not financially or medically feasible.

During an FHO procedure, the surgeon entirely removes the ball of the hip joint, leaving the socket empty. Rather than maintaining a bone-on-bone joint, the body’s natural healing process creates a "false joint" or pseudoarthrosis composed of dense fibrous tissue, which allows the hip muscles to take over the responsibility of holding the leg in place. While the resulting leg may be marginally shorter or have a slightly different range of motion, the primary benefit is the total elimination of grinding bone pain. Because success is entirely dependent on post-operative physical therapy, building up the gluteal muscles is essential to allow the false joint to properly support the dog's weight. 

Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)

TPO is a corrective surgery designed for adolescent dogs (usually 6 to 10 months old) who exhibit significant joint laxity but have not yet developed the wear and tear associated with arthritis.

During a TPO surgery,  the surgeon makes three strategic cuts in the pelvic bone to "freewheel" the hip socket, which is then rotated into a better position to cover the femoral head and secured with a specialized bone plate. The primary goal of this procedure is to surgically realign the anatomy so the joint functions normally, effectively "stopping the clock" on osteoarthritis before it can begin. For the right candidate, a more modern variation called the Double Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO) may be used; this version involves only two cuts and is considered less invasive while achieving similar results. 

Incorporating a therapeutic joint supplement like TRI-ACTA H.A. after surgery supports the recovery process by strengthening joint structures. TRI-ACTA products contain 100% natural ingredients, including dog-approved glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which are proven to strengthen joints over time through consistent daily dosing. TRI-ACTA H.A. includes hyaluronic acid, which provides additional joint lubrication, making it the ideal choice for dogs with chronic joint conditions.

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Pets

Our maximum strength formula is optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint conditions.

Learn More

Non-Surgical Options for Dog Hip Dysplasia Treatment

Surgery isn't the only treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs. Whether due to age, health status, or financial considerations, conservative management becomes the cornerstone of your dog's care.

In many cases, non-surgical management of hip dysplasia in dogs is highly effective.. In fact, many dogs with moderate hip dysplasia lead full, active lives without ever requiring surgery.

The goal of non-surgical dog hip care is to reduce inflammation, maintain muscle mass, and protect the existing joint structures. Feeding a joint supplement like TRI-ACTA H.A. daily is essential to maintain joint strength. While supplements don't “cure” the underlying joint deformity, they are an essential tool for treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs.

Weight Management

Managing your dog’s weight is important for their comfort when they’re living with hip dysplasia. Because the hip joint is a weight-bearing structure, every extra pound is multiplied by the force of gravity and movement.

Excess weight in a dog with hip dysplasia creates a vicious cycle:

• More weight causes more pain;

• More pain leads to less movement; 

• Less movement leads to more weight gain. 

Breaking this cycle is essential in treating a dog with hip dysplasia. Even a 5% to 10% reduction in body weight can significantly decrease a dog’s pain levels and improve their mobility. 

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Keeping a dog with hip dysplasia stationary is one of the most common mistakes owners make. While it may seem intuitive to let a stiff dog rest, inactivity can lead to muscle atrophy. Without strong muscles to hold the joint in place, the ball slips even further out of the socket.

"Motion is lotion," but it must be the right kind of motion.

1. Low-impact movement: The focus must be on quality over quantity. Avoid high-jumping or sharp turns (like chasing a frisbee). Instead, focus on controlled leash walks and swimming.

2. Hydrotherapy: Swimming or using an underwater treadmill is the gold standard for dysplasia. The buoyancy of the water supports the dog’s weight, allowing them to build muscle without any impact on the hip joints.

3. Physical therapy: A canine physical therapist can teach you specific exercises, such as sit-to-stands (also known as doggy squats) or cookie stretches, which target the gluteal and core muscles. Strengthening these areas provides a natural brace for the unstable hip.

Pain Management

When a dog is in an acute flare-up, veterinarians often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Carprofen or Meloxicam. These are highly effective as dog hip dysplasia medicine because they block the enzymes that cause pain and swelling.

NSAIDs are excellent for breaking the cycle of pain so your dog can actually participate in the physical therapy they need.

While powerful, long-term use of NSAIDs can be hard on the internal organs. While powerful, long-term use of NSAIDs can be hard on the internal organs. This is why it’s important to use joint supplements alongside NSAIDs, as over time, many dog owners find that they can either lessen the dose or even stop the use of the drug entirely because the joint supplement provides all the support their dog requires.

Joint Supplements

TRI-ACTA and TRI-ACTA H.A. work by providing the building blocks of healthy cartilage and joint fluid (glucosamine and chondroitin), helping your dog’s body mend joint structures more effectively.

1. Strengthen the joint: By improving the quality of the synovial fluid, you reduce friction and pain.

2. Reduce reliance on meds: With consistent daily use, many pet owners find they can safely wean their dogs off of daily NSAIDs, using the supplement as the primary maintenance tool.

3. Synergy: TRI-ACTA can be used safely in conjunction with prescribed medications without the risk of side effects.

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Pets

Our maximum strength formula is optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint conditions.

Learn More

Alternative Therapies For Dog Hip Dysplasia Treatment

When we look at the big picture of canine joint health, we often find that the most successful outcomes come from an integrative approach. 

While traditional veterinary care and daily supplementation form the foundation of most treatment plans, alternative and supportive therapies can provide that extra layer of comfort and stability. 

Beyond the clinic and the medicine cabinet, several holistic treatments have gained significant traction in the veterinary world for their ability to manage the secondary symptoms of hip dysplasia. 

By addressing the compensatory muscle tension and the neurological perception of pain, these therapies help your dog feel better from the inside out.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has found a very modern home in canine rehabilitation. By inserting hair-thin needles into specific points where nerve bundles and blood vessels meet, we can stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms. 

For a dog with hip dysplasia, the focus is often on the lumbosacral region and the hind limbs, where the most tension is carried. 

This process helps to stimulate blood flow to the area and triggers the release of natural endorphins and encephalins, which are the body’s own built-in pain relievers.

Many pet parents find that their dogs become incredibly relaxed during these sessions, often seeing an immediate improvement in how their dog rises from a nap or navigates the stairs.

Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive method for treating deep-seated joint inflammation using light energy. Unlike surgical lasers, these cold lasers don’t cut or burn tissue.

Instead, they use specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and reach the hip joint itself. When this light energy is absorbed by the cells, it stimulates the mitochondria to produce more energy, which in turn accelerates the repair of damaged tissues and helps flush out inflammatory markers. 

It’s a painless and quick treatment that is particularly effective for soothing flare-ups and reducing the heat often felt in an arthritic hip.

Stem Cell Treatments

We are living in an exciting era of veterinary medicine where we can use a dog’s own cells to help heal their body. Stem cell therapy involves harvesting a dog’s master cells, usually from fat tissue or bone marrow, and injecting them directly into the dysplastic hip joint. 

These cells possess the unique ability to transform into the specific types of cells required for repair, thereby helping to mitigate the inflammatory environment and potentially regenerate some of the lost cartilage cushion. While this is a more advanced procedure, it offers a biological alternative to synthetic treatments and can significantly improve a dog's long-term comfort.

Hip Brace

For dogs that have lost significant muscle mass or those who struggle with stability on slippery floors, a dog hip brace can significantly improve stability and comfort

These braces work by providing external compression and support to the hip joint, helping to keep the femoral head more securely in the socket. 

Beyond the physical support, the brace provides what we call proprioceptive feedback. It helps the dog’s brain better understand where their hind legs are in space. This added confidence can stop the "scooting" or "drifting" often seen in dogs with bilateral dysplasia, allowing them to walk with a more centered and stable gait.

CBD Oil for Dogs

Many pet owners are now turning to CBD for dogs as a way to manage the chronic anxiety and systemic inflammation that often accompany long-term joint issues. 

CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to help modulate the way a dog perceives pain signals. 

It’s particularly helpful for dogs that have developed a learned fear of movement because they expect it to hurt. By helping the dog feel more relaxed and less reactive to discomfort, CBD can make it easier for them to participate in the physical therapy and exercise they need to stay strong. 

Dog Breeds Prone to Hip Dysplasia

While any dog can develop hip issues, genetics play a massive role. Being aware of your breed's predisposition allows for earlier intervention.

Large-Breed Dogs

Large breeds are the most frequent visitors to orthopedic specialists. Because they grow so rapidly—sometimes gaining several pounds a week during puppyhood—their bones can easily outpace the development of the supporting soft tissues, leading to joint laxity.

• German Shepherds: Perhaps the breed most synonymous with this condition. Due to a breeding history that favored a sloped "roach back" topline, their hind end geometry is uniquely vulnerable. Early intervention for German Shepherd hip dysplasia is crucial in preventing early-onset osteoarthritis.

• Golden Retrievers: These "eternal puppies" are known for their stoicism. They often won't whimper or cry out, making it hard to spot Golden Retriever hip dysplasia until the dog is struggling to get off the couch.

• Labrador Retrievers: As the most popular breed in North America, Labs experience high rates of dysplasia. Their love for food also makes them prone to obesity, which is the number one accelerator for hip pain.

• Rottweilers: These powerful working dogs carry a significant amount of muscle mass. When their hips are dysplastic, that weight puts immense pressure on the joint, often leading to CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) tears as they try to compensate for hip pain.

• Saint Bernards & Newfoundlands: In giant breeds, the shear force on the hip joint is massive. For these "gentle giants," maintaining slow and steady growth during the first 18 months is the best defense.

• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers: Known for their ruggedness, "Chessies" can be prone to hip issues that are often complicated by their high-intensity exercise needs in cold water.

Brachycephalic Dogs

It surprises many owners to learn that Frenchies and Pugs are high-risk candidates. In these breeds, the condition is often related to their chondrodystrophic (short-limbed) nature and compact pelvic structures.

• French Bulldogs: Their heavy front-end load and corkscrew tails (which can indicate spinal issues) mean their hips are often under-supported and improperly aligned.

• Pugs: A significant percentage of Pugs exhibit some degree of hip laxity. Because they are low-to-the-ground, owners often mistake their waddle for a cute breed trait rather than a sign of joint discomfort.

• English Bulldogs: With their wide-set frames, English Bulldogs almost universally show some degree of hip dysplasia on X-rays. Management here focuses on keeping them lean and mobile.

Small Dog Breeds

Small dogs are frequently underdiagnosed because they are often light enough to compensate for hip issues for years without showing a dramatic limp.

• Shih Tzus & Boston Terriers: These breeds often suffer from a shallow acetabulum (the "socket" part of the hip), which can lead to early wear and tear.

• Corgis: Their long backs and short legs (intervertebral disc disease risks) make hip stability even more vital. If the hips fail, the spine has to take the brunt of the movement.

• Poodles: Standard Poodles carry similar risks to other large breeds. However, even Toy and Miniature Poodles can exhibit signs of hip laxity, often accompanied by luxating patellas (kneecaps that dislocate).

• Yorkshire Terriers: In Yorkies, hip issues are sometimes confused with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, making proper Yorkie puppy care and early imaging essential for a correct diagnosis.

Bilateral Hip Dysplasia Dog

In many cases of hip dysplasia, the issue isn't confined to just one side. A dog with bilateral hip dysplasia has improperly formed joints on both the left and right sides.

Bilateral dysplasia is a hereditary condition where the ball (femoral head) does not fit snugly into the socket (acetabulum) on either side. Because the instability is symmetrical, these dogs often don't have a distinct limp on one leg. Instead, they exhibit a stiff, stilted gait in both back legs.

Some facts about bilateral hip dysplasia include:

1. Worsens with age: While it starts as a bone alignment issue in puppyhood, it inevitably progresses into osteoarthritis. As the cartilage wears away on both sides, the body attempts to stabilize the joint by growing bone spurs (osteophytes), which further limit the range of motion.

2. The weight-nutrition nexus: Genetics establishes the risk, while nutrition and weight management influence how quickly symptoms progress. High-calorie diets that cause puppies to grow too fast can cause the soft tissues to stretch and fail before the bone is mature enough to hold weight.

3. Quality of life impacts: Dogs with bilateral dysplasia often struggle with "bunny hopping" (moving both back legs together when running) and may have significant difficulty rising after rest.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treatment for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Navigating a hip dysplasia diagnosis often brings up more questions than answers. 

Here are the most common concerns we hear from pet parents seeking the best path forward for their dogs.

Is it bad to walk a dog with hip dysplasia?

Not at all! In fact, inactivity is the enemy. Short, frequent walks on soft surfaces (like grass) are much better than one long trek on concrete. Avoiding exercise leads to muscle atrophy, which further destabilizes the joint.

How expensive is it to treat hip dysplasia in dogs?

The cost of treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs varies significantly depending on your location and the path you pursue.

For families choosing conservative management, monthly costs typically range from $50 to $150, which covers high-quality supplements, occasional medication, and maintenance therapies. If surgery is required, an FHO can cost between $3,000 and $5,000, while a total hip replacement typically ranges from $7,000 to over $10,000 per hip. 

Can hip dysplasia correct itself in dogs?

Unfortunately, no. It is a structural, anatomical abnormality. However, with the right combination of supplements, such as TRI-ACTA, and lifestyle changes, the symptoms can be managed so effectively that the dog lives a completely normal life.

How long can a dog live with hip dysplasia?

With proper care, dogs with hip dysplasia can live a full, natural lifespan. It is a condition of quality of life, not necessarily quantity, and most cases can be managed successfully for years.

Next Steps for Your Dog’s Hip Health

Whether you choose the surgical path or the non-surgical route, the goal remains the same: to keep your dog comfortable, mobile, and happy. By combining weight management, appropriate exercise, and a high-quality joint supplement like TRI-ACTA, you can give your dog the support they need to keep tail-wagging for years to come.

Ready to support your dog’s joint health? Shop TRI-ACTA today to help your dog move better and feel better. You can also learn where to buy at a store near you.

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Pets

Our maximum strength formula is optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint conditions.

Learn More