Understanding hip dysplasia in dogs

If your dog seems a little stiff getting up, is suddenly less keen on the stairs, or has developed an unusual walk, it’s worth paying attention. These can all be signs of hip dysplasia, a common joint condition in dogs.

Hip dysplasia happens when the hip joint doesn’t develop as it should. This can make the joint loose and unstable, causing pain and changes to the joint over time and, in some dogs, eventually leading to arthritis.

While a diagnosis can sound worrying, there are ways to manage hip dysplasia. Many dogs with hip dysplasia can remain comfortable and active with appropriate management, which may include weight management, suitable exercise, pain relief and, when needed, surgery.

Here’s what to know about the causes of hip dysplasia in dogs, the signs to look out for, and the treatment options your vet may recommend.

Table of contents

• What is hip dysplasia in dogs?
• What may cause hip dysplasia?
• Signs of hip dysplasia in dogs
• How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?
• Treatment options for dogs with hip dysplasia
• Can hip dysplasia in dogs be prevented?
• Living with hip dysplasia: what to expect
• How pet insurance can help with managing your dog’s treatment costs

What is hip dysplasia in dogs?

A healthy hip works a bit like a ball and socket. The top of the thigh bone fits neatly into the hip socket, allowing the joint to move smoothly. With hip dysplasia, the joint doesn’t develop quite as it should. Instead, there can be too much movement or looseness between the thigh bone and the socket.

Over time, that extra movement can cause damage to the joint, potentially leading to arthritis, pain, and reduced mobility.

What may cause hip dysplasia?

There isn’t one single cause of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition, which means some dogs are more predisposed to developing it than others. Because genetics is such an important factor, responsible breeding also matters. The RSPCA recommends screening breeding dogs for inherited conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and not breeding from affected animals to help reduce the risk of passing these conditions on to future generations.

But genetics isn’t the only factor that may influence whether hip dysplasia develops or how severe it becomes. While it’s more common in medium and large dogs, it can affect any dog. How a puppy grows and develops may also play a role. Rapid growth and overfeeding in dogs who are already predisposed may influence the severity of the condition. If you’re raising a puppy who may be at increased risk of hip dysplasia, ask your vet for guidance on an appropriate diet.

Signs of hip dysplasia in dogs

Hip dysplasia doesn’t look exactly the same in every dog. While some dogs may start showing signs when they’re young, others may not show any until they’re older.

Common signs may include:

• A swaying or ‘waddling’ walk, or a ‘bunny-hopping’ gait, where a dog moves both back legs together when running
• General stiffness or lameness in the back legs
• Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
• Tiring more quickly than usual on walks
• Discomfort after exercise
• Stiffness after resting
• Changes in the way your dog moves or stands

Of course, dogs can be stiff, sore or reluctant to exercise for many reasons. If you notice any changes in the way your dog moves, it’s a good idea to speak with your vet.

How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?

Your vet will usually start by examining your dog’s hips and legs. They may check how freely the joints move, whether there’s any pain or discomfort, and whether the hip feels unusually loose.

If they suspect hip dysplasia, they’ll generally recommend X-rays to get a clearer look at the joint. These are often taken while your dog is sedated or under anaesthesia so they can be positioned correctly and comfortably.

There are also formal hip-screening programs that may be used to assess dogs for hip dysplasia. In Australia, examples include the Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) and PennHIP, which can help assess hip joint health and identify dogs who may be at increased risk of hip dysplasia.

Treatment options for dogs with hip dysplasia

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating hip dysplasia. What works best will depend on things like your dog’s age, weight, lifestyle, and severity of the condition.

Treatment aims to help keep dogs as comfortable and mobile as possible, supporting their quality of life.

Non-surgical treatment

Not every dog with hip dysplasia needs surgery. For dogs with mild to moderate hip dysplasia, your vet may recommend a combination of:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Adjusting the amount or type of exercise
• Vet-prescribed pain relief
• Physiotherapy or hydrotherapy, where appropriate

Surgical treatment

For dogs with more severe hip dysplasia, surgery may be recommended. There are different types of surgery, and the right option will depend on things like your dog’s age and the severity of the condition.

Your vet can talk you through the options, explain what’s involved, and recommend the most suitable approach for your dog.

Can hip dysplasia in dogs be prevented?

Because genetics plays an important role, hip dysplasia can’t always be prevented. However, responsible breeding is one of the most important ways to help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in future generations. The RSPCA recommends appropriate screening for inherited conditions before breeding and avoiding breeding from affected dogs.

For pet parents, the focus is more on supporting healthy growth and development. Keeping growing puppies at a healthy weight, feeding them an appropriate diet, and providing them with appropriate exercise may all help support healthy growth, development, and reduce the severity of hip dysplasia in dogs who are predisposed to it.

If you’re concerned your puppy may be at increased risk of hip dysplasia, your vet can help you work out an appropriate diet and exercise routine as they grow.

Living with hip dysplasia: what to expect

A hip dysplasia diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean the end of walks, playtime, or your dog’s favourite activities. Many dogs with hip dysplasia can remain comfortable, active, and maintain a good quality of life with appropriate management. The right mix of weight management, suitable exercise, pain relief and, when needed, surgery can make a meaningful difference to their comfort and mobility.

Because hip dysplasia is a lifelong condition, regular vet check-ups are important too. Your dog’s needs can change over time, so their care plan may need to change along with them.

How pet insurance can help with managing your dog’s treatment costs

The management of hip dysplasia can involve ongoing vet care. Depending on your dog’s needs, care might include consultations, diagnostic tests, medication, or even surgery.

Pet insurance can help cover some of these expenses, providing financial relief and allowing you to focus on what matters most: your dog’s wellbeing.

With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can also customise your dog’s cover, with annual cover limit options up to $35,000, benefit percentage options up to 90%, a zero excess option, and a wide range of optional extras.

Every policy also contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives, including rescue, rehab, and rehoming efforts. So, while you’re helping to protect your own pet, you’re also making a difference for other animals in need.

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 11 September 2026.

 

References 

[1] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Canine hip dysplasia (CHD). Available from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/canine-hip-dysplasia-chd

[2] Merck Veterinary Manual. Hip Dysplasia in Dogs (Professional version). Available from: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/arthropathies-and-related-disorders-in-small-animals/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs

[3] Merck Veterinary Manual. Hip Dysplasia (Pet owner version). Available from: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/bone-joint-and-muscle-disorders-of-dogs/hip-dysplasia

[4] RSPCA Australia. Position Paper A5: Responsible Companion Animal Breeding. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/downloads/position-papers/pp-a5-responsible-companion-animal-breeding

[5] RSPCA Knowledgebase. I think my dog has arthritis, what can I do? Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/health-issues/i-think-my-dog-has-arthritis-what-can-i-do

[6] Dogs Australia. CHEDS (Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme). Available from: https://www.dogsaustralia.org.au/members/health-wellbeing/cheds-canine-hip-and-elbow-dysplasia-scheme

[7] American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Canine Hip Dysplasia. Available from: https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/canine-hip-dysplasia/

[8] Antech. PennHIP. Available from: https://www.antechdiagnostics.com/imaging-services/pennhip/