Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common hereditary condition. This condition can cause dogs to suffer during walking, exercise and during normal daily activities. In this article, we’re going to tell you all about causes, symptoms and treatment methods. This way you can give your faithful four-legged friend the best life!

What is hip dysplasia in dogs?

In a healthy dog’s hip, all joints fit together properly. In hip dysplasia, the hip joints do not fit together properly. This can cause pain and eventually manifest into other conditions. Thus, it can cause severe wear of cartilage and eventually in osteoarthritis.

How do you know if your dog has hip dysplasia?

The symptoms of hip dysplasia in a dog vary widely. However, there are often some characteristics that are the same in many dogs. If you think your dog is suffering from this condition, watch for the following symptoms:

• Lameness, the dog limps or sometimes lifts a paw;
• Stiffness, especially after resting or getting up;
• Difficulty with movement, such as difficulty running, jumping or climbing stairs;
• Decrease in activity and other behaviors, for example, less enthusiasm and less desire to play;
• Change in posture, the dog may sit or lie down differently.

Which dogs are prone to hip dysplasia?

The condition is more common in larger dogs. Small dogs are generally less likely to experience it. There are also certain breeds in which hip dysplasia is more common:

• German Shepherd;
• Labrador Retriever;
• Golden Retriever;
• Rottweiler;
• Bernese Mountain Dog;
• Boxer;
• Dobermann;
• Mastiffs.

It is important to note that the condition can occur in any dog. In smaller breeds, it’s just a little rarer.

Can hip dysplasia in a dog be cured?

Because it is an inherited condition, hip dysplasia in dogs cannot be completely cured. Fortunately, however, there are many ways to reduce symptoms and improve a dog’s quality of life. For example, more and more people are using red light therapy with their dogs. We will go over the treatments in detail later in this article.

How old does a dog with hip dysplasia get?

The life expectancy of a dog with this condition can vary. Many dogs, with proper treatment, can live lives comparable to healthy dogs. Life expectancy need not decline as a result. In severe hip dysplasia, this may be different.

Many people think they have to put down a dog with hip dysplasia, but in most cases, with proper treatment, this is not necessary at all. There are plenty of things you can do to give the dog a still nice life.

What to do with a dog with hip dysplasia?

If you think your dog has hip dysplasia, we always recommend visiting the veterinarian. Only he/she can give a definitive answer and can also recommend a method of treatment. In addition, though, there are additional treatments that can be done. These are possible treatments for a dog’s hip dysplasia:

Weight Management

It is important to keep the dog at a healthy weight. This can reduce pressure on the hip joints.

Physiotherapy

This type of therapy can help strengthen muscles. In addition, by doing so, you also improve the dog’s mobility.

Medication

Some dogs benefit from certain medications and painkillers. For this, always ask the veterinarian what is the best thing to do.

Nutritional supplements

There are certain nutritional supplements that can help the dog. For example, glucosamine and chondroitin are good for supporting joints and cartilage.

Surgery

In severe cases, the dog may also undergo surgery. In some dogs, the hip is replaced or other procedures may be considered.

Red light therapy

This form of laser therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation. In addition, it can promote healing processes by improving blood flow. Red light therapy can be a complete treatment method, but can also be used as an adjunct to reduce pain and promote healing processes.

Hip dysplasia in dogs and red light therapy

Red light therapy, also called low level laser therapy, is a good treatment for your dog’s hip dysplasia. Laser therapy is also a good treatment method for other complaints in dogs.

Does laser therapy work for dogs?

Low-level laser therapy uses low levels of laser light to stimulate cellular processes. This can help relieve pain and symptoms. Here’s why laser therapy can work for your dog:

• Pain relief;
• Anti-inflammatory effect;
• Better blood flow;
• Accelerated recovery.

Is there science behind red light therapy?

The use of low level laser therapy, also called red light therapy, is scientifically proven. This therapy uses laser devices with a special frequency of low-level laser light energy. This light creates interactions with the tissues in your dog’s body. This reduces pain, swelling, inflammation and various conditions. This therapy can also be used with other animals é

What can PowerCure do for your dog?

The PowerCure laser has already helped many dogs reduce pain, complaints and conditions. Thus, we have already received many good experiences from dogs and their owners. The cost of laser therapy in dogs is also often less than what you have to pay for other treatment methods.

You can purchase the PowerCure (Pro) laser yourself for home use. So you can treat your beloved four-legged friend yourself in their familiar place. And the laser is not only useful for your dog, but it can also be a good tool for yourself, your roommates and your other pets. And it can be used for almost any complaint!

Want to learn more about the PowerCure (Pro) laser and what it can help you with? Then especially take a look here.