Does Your Dog Have Sore Hips?

Have you noticed your dog bunny hopping, hesitating at the stairs, or taking longer to stand up? Perhaps they seem stiff after resting or less comfortable during colder months. These subtle changes can be easy to overlook, but they may be early signs of hip pain.

Hip problems rarely develop overnight. They tend to progress gradually, with small shifts in movement or behaviour that become more noticeable over time. Without intervention, discomfort can worsen and lead to longer term joint damage.

In this blog, we explore how to recognise the signs of hip pain, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options available, from lifestyle adjustments and medical management to surgical solutions such as total hip replacement.

Understanding the Hip Joint

The canine hip is a ball and socket joint designed to allow smooth, stable and pain free movement. The femoral head, or ball, fits into the acetabulum, or socket, of the pelvis. This joint is supported by strong ligaments and surrounding muscles, which help maintain stability and control movement.

In a healthy dog, the socket is deep and holds the ball securely in place, allowing a full range of motion. This stability is essential for walking, running, climbing stairs and playing.

However, the hip is a weight bearing joint that is used constantly. Because of its complex structure and the demands placed upon it during growth and throughout life, it can be vulnerable to developmental conditions, wear and tear, and injury.

Spotting the Signs of Hip Pain

Sore hips can be difficult to recognise, as the changes are often gradual and subtle. However, spotting the early signs is key to timely intervention and effective management.

One of the most noticeable indicators is a change in your dog’s gait. This may present as limping or lameness, particularly after exercise or periods of exertion, or maybe difficulty with jumping or going up stairs. That said, hip discomfort isn’t only evident after activity. You may also notice stiffness, hesitation when lying down, or difficulty standing up after rest.

Behavioural changes can also signal hip pain. Dogs experiencing discomfort may become less playful or more withdrawn or lethargic. Some may vocalise more than usual, especially when moving or being touched around the hips. Some dogs will become more reactive around other dogs or when touched around the hips.

In more advanced cases, you may notice a reduction in muscle mass around the hips and hind limbs. This muscle loss, known as atrophy, occurs when the joint is not being used normally due to pain, leading to decreased strength and stability over time.

Common Causes of Hip Problems

In a healthy hip joint, the socket is deep and securely supports the femoral head, or ball, enabling smooth and stable movement. When this structure develops abnormally, problems can arise early in life. In younger dogs, hip pain is most commonly linked to hip dysplasia, a developmental condition in which the ball and socket do not form correctly. The socket may be too shallow or the femoral head irregular in shape, leading to joint instability. Over time, this instability causes inflammation, cartilage deterioration, arthritis and ongoing discomfort.

Hip dysplasia is more frequently seen in medium-large breeds, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds, and clinical signs can appear from as young as six months of age. Genetics plays the major role in the development of hip dysplasia.

In older dogs, hip pain is more commonly associated with osteoarthritis, usually secondary to hip dysplasia. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of hip discomfort in senior dogs and develops due to gradual wear and tear of the joint cartilage over time. As cartilage breaks down, inflammation develops, resulting in stiffness, reduced mobility and pain. Excess body weight places extra pressure on the hips, compounding existing issues.

How Hip Problems Are Diagnosed

If you suspect your dog may be experiencing hip pain, there are several diagnostic tools available to confirm the cause. The three most commonly used methods are clinical examination, radiographs and CT scanning. Early detection is crucial, as prompt diagnosis can significantly improve your dog’s comfort and long term joint health. If your dog is showing any of the previously mentioned signs, it’s best to seek veterinary assessment as soon as possible.

A clinical examination is usually the first step. During this assessment, a veterinary surgeon will evaluate your dog’s gait, mobility and overall body condition. They will gently manipulate the hips to assess range of motion, joint stability and any signs of discomfort that may not be obvious at home. This examination helps determine whether hip pain is present and gives an indication of its severity.

Radiographs, commonly known as X rays, are one of the most widely used diagnostic tools for hip conditions. They are particularly useful for diagnosing hip dysplasia, assessing joint laxity and evaluating the presence and progression of osteoarthritis. Radiographs provide a clear image of the bone structures within the joint and are often used alongside a clinical examination to build a comprehensive picture of hip health.

CT scanning is a more advanced imaging technique that provides detailed cross sectional images of the hip joint. This is especially helpful for complex cases of hip dysplasia. During the procedure, your dog is positioned within a specialised scanner that captures multiple images to create a highly detailed view of the joint. These images can assist in guiding treatment decisions, particularly when surgical intervention is being considered.

Treatment Options

There are several ways to treat and manage hip problems in dogs, and the most appropriate option will depend on the underlying cause, pet age and severity of the condition.

A common treatment is the use of NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications help reduce inflammation and block pain signals, making them particularly effective for conditions such as osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries or post-surgical recovery. They can significantly improve comfort and mobility but must always be prescribed by a vet.

Rest is also a vital component of recovery and management. Whether your dog has undergone a surgical procedure such as total hip replacement, or is being managed conservatively, controlled activity is essential to allow healing and prevent further strain on the joint.

A conservative management approach may include several supportive strategies. Physical therapy can help improve mobility, strengthen surrounding muscles and reduce discomfort. Weight management is crucial, as maintaining a healthy body condition reduces pressure on the hips. Modifying or limiting high impact activities can prevent flare ups, while hydrotherapy can support joint movement in a low weight bearing environment and promote muscle strength. NSAIDs are often used alongside these measures to provide pain relief.

If conservative treatment is not working or if long-term pain medication is needed to control the problem, then surgical intervention may be considered. Total hip replacement (THR) is often recommended for dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis that significantly affects their quality of life. This procedure has advanced considerably over time and is now a very routine procedure in a clinic with experienced THR surgeons such as ours. THR has a high success rate with patients expected to get back to full mobility without pain.

Prognosis and Long-Term Outlook

The outlook for dogs with hip problems can vary depending on several factors, including age, body weight, the extent of joint deterioration and the presence of arthritis. Early intervention and appropriate management play a significant role in improving long term comfort and mobility.

Many dogs go on to live full and active lives, whether managed conservatively or treated surgically. For some, weight management, controlled exercise, pain relief and physiotherapy are enough to maintain a good quality of life. Maintaining a healthy body condition is particularly important, as excess weight increases strain on the hip joint and can accelerate degeneration.

For dogs that undergo total hip replacement, the prognosis is generally very positive. Studies report complication rates of approximately 5 to 10 percent, meaning around 90 percent of dogs experience no significant complications before, during or after surgery. When successful, total hip replacement can provide long lasting pain relief and a significant improvement in mobility and overall wellbeing.

Post operative restriction is essential to achieving the best outcome following surgery. Recovery requires strict adherence to veterinary guidance, including restricted activity during the initial healing period. Controlled lead walks are gradually introduced to rebuild strength, while preventing excessive strain on the new joint.

Physiotherapy often forms part of rehabilitation. This may include guided range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening work and balance training.

Although recovery can be demanding and requires commitment to medication schedules and activity restriction, the long term benefits are substantial. With careful management and appropriate rehabilitation, many dogs regain excellent function and enjoy a comfortable, pain free life for years to come.

Final Thoughts

If your dog is limping, reluctant to jump, or showing signs of discomfort in their hind legs, it is important not to ignore it. Subtle changes in mobility, posture or behaviour can be early indicators of hip pain.
Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference to your dog’s comfort, mobility and long term joint health. From simple lifestyle adjustments and weight management to medical therapy and advanced surgical procedures such as total hip replacement, there are a range of options available to support dogs with hip conditions.

At The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic, we can offer all appropriate treatment options and are very happy to assess your dog’s hips.