Difference between revisions of "Prevent Hip Dysplasia in Dogs"
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| − | Hip dysplasia is a common degenerative condition in dogs that occurs when your dog’s hip joint does not form properly. Most dogs are born with normal hips, but a combination of genetics and other factors can cause the soft tissues surrounding the joint to develop abnormally. This condition can affect any dog, male or female, small, medium, or large sized. However, more than 50 percent of some large breeds, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Old English Sheep Dogs, are usually affected and this condition is often less common in smaller dogs.<ref>http://bakerinstitute.vet.cornell.edu/animalhealth/page.php?id=1104</ref> Adjustments to your dog’s weight, care, and exercise routine can help to prevent hip dysplasia from becoming a problem for your pup. | + | Hip dysplasia is a common degenerative condition in dogs that occurs when your dog’s hip joint does not form properly. Most dogs are born with normal hips, but a combination of genetics and other factors can cause the soft tissues surrounding the joint to develop abnormally. This condition can affect any dog, male or female, small, medium, or large sized. However, more than 50 percent of some large breeds, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Old English Sheep Dogs, are usually affected and this condition is often less common in smaller dogs.<ref name="rf1">http://bakerinstitute.vet.cornell.edu/animalhealth/page.php?id=1104</ref> Adjustments to your dog’s weight, care, and exercise routine can help to prevent hip dysplasia from becoming a problem for your pup. |
[[Category:Dog Joint Health]] | [[Category:Dog Joint Health]] | ||
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Feeding Your Dog a Healthy Diet=== | ===Feeding Your Dog a Healthy Diet=== | ||
| − | #Give your dog high quality food full of nutrients and minerals. Most vets argue that extra weight on your dog’s frame can lead to stress and pressure on his joints, especially his hip joints. A poor diet, lacking in nutrition, can also lead to poor bone growth and other joint and cartilage abnormalities in puppies and adult dogs. Manage your dog’s weight to prevent obesity and avoid putting unnecessary stress on his joints.<ref>http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Hip-Dysplasia/Causes.aspx</ref><ref>http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/healthy-pets/dog-hip-dysplasia/</ref> | + | #Give your dog high quality food full of nutrients and minerals. Most vets argue that extra weight on your dog’s frame can lead to stress and pressure on his joints, especially his hip joints. A poor diet, lacking in nutrition, can also lead to poor bone growth and other joint and cartilage abnormalities in puppies and adult dogs. Manage your dog’s weight to prevent obesity and avoid putting unnecessary stress on his joints.<ref name="rf2">http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Hip-Dysplasia/Causes.aspx</ref><ref name="rf3">http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/healthy-pets/dog-hip-dysplasia/</ref> |
| − | #*Look for high quality commercial dog food that is preserved with vitamin E or another natural preservative. These products will have no chemicals and contain high-quality meat instead of meat byproducts. You may have to pay more for higher quality dog food that is full of good sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. But it will be worth it if it keeps your dog healthy and ensures he does not end up overweight.<ref>http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/nutrition/choosing-the-right-dog-food</ref> | + | #*Look for high quality commercial dog food that is preserved with vitamin E or another natural preservative. These products will have no chemicals and contain high-quality meat instead of meat byproducts. You may have to pay more for higher quality dog food that is full of good sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. But it will be worth it if it keeps your dog healthy and ensures he does not end up overweight.<ref name="rf4">http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/nutrition/choosing-the-right-dog-food</ref> |
#*You should also look at your dog’s current physical state. Does he look bloated or overly round in his middle area? Research has proven that dogs who are kept very lean during their early, puppy years may have a reduced risk of developing hip problems. Keeping your dog thin and active can help prevent any issues associated with obesity. | #*You should also look at your dog’s current physical state. Does he look bloated or overly round in his middle area? Research has proven that dogs who are kept very lean during their early, puppy years may have a reduced risk of developing hip problems. Keeping your dog thin and active can help prevent any issues associated with obesity. | ||
#Consider giving your dog dietary supplements. You should ensure your dog is getting enough vitamins and minerals by giving him antioxidant vitamins C and E. You can also give him Perna supplements. These supplements contain 57 nutrients and are good for strengthening your dog’s joints. | #Consider giving your dog dietary supplements. You should ensure your dog is getting enough vitamins and minerals by giving him antioxidant vitamins C and E. You can also give him Perna supplements. These supplements contain 57 nutrients and are good for strengthening your dog’s joints. | ||
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#*Your dog may also have certain allergies or other conditions that may be causing obesity. Ask your vet to check for other health issues that may be affecting your dog’s weight. | #*Your dog may also have certain allergies or other conditions that may be causing obesity. Ask your vet to check for other health issues that may be affecting your dog’s weight. | ||
===Creating an Exercise Routine=== | ===Creating an Exercise Routine=== | ||
| − | #Do not allow your dog to run or leap when he is a puppy. Over-exercising your dog when he is young can lead to bone and joint issues that may lead to the development of hip dysplasia. Gentle, low impact exercises can be beneficial for puppies, but avoid letting your pup run, leap, or jump until he is physically mature.<ref>https://www.usdaa.com/article.cfm?newsID=2288</ref> | + | #Do not allow your dog to run or leap when he is a puppy. Over-exercising your dog when he is young can lead to bone and joint issues that may lead to the development of hip dysplasia. Gentle, low impact exercises can be beneficial for puppies, but avoid letting your pup run, leap, or jump until he is physically mature.<ref name="rf5">https://www.usdaa.com/article.cfm?newsID=2288</ref> |
#*High impact sports like jumping and leaping can be hard on your puppy’s developing joints, so avoid doing these activities with your puppy until he is fully developed. | #*High impact sports like jumping and leaping can be hard on your puppy’s developing joints, so avoid doing these activities with your puppy until he is fully developed. | ||
| − | #Take your dog on walks or runs when he is an adult. Keep your dog active to help him stay physically fit with moderate exercise like running, walking, and swimming. Dogs with large, strong leg muscle mass may be less likely to develop hip dysplasia than dogs with a smaller muscle mass.<ref | + | #Take your dog on walks or runs when he is an adult. Keep your dog active to help him stay physically fit with moderate exercise like running, walking, and swimming. Dogs with large, strong leg muscle mass may be less likely to develop hip dysplasia than dogs with a smaller muscle mass.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Avoid doing a lot of jumping activities with your dog. Activities that might apply too much force on your dog’s joints, such as jumping for a Frisbee or leaping for a ball, can lead to development of hip issues. Consistent walking, running, and swimming can help your dog build muscle strength without putting too much stress on his body.<ref | + | #Avoid doing a lot of jumping activities with your dog. Activities that might apply too much force on your dog’s joints, such as jumping for a Frisbee or leaping for a ball, can lead to development of hip issues. Consistent walking, running, and swimming can help your dog build muscle strength without putting too much stress on his body.<ref name="rf3" /> |
===Screening Your Dog for Hip Dysplasia=== | ===Screening Your Dog for Hip Dysplasia=== | ||
#Bring your dog to the vet for testing. Your dog may not show [[Recognize-Signs-of-Hip-Dysplasia-in-Dogs|signs of hip dysplasia]] until he is between four month and one year old. There is a spectrum of symptoms, from no symptoms at all to wobbling, weaving, or an unsteady gait. Your dog may also bunny hop when he runs, or be averse to strenuous exercise or activity. | #Bring your dog to the vet for testing. Your dog may not show [[Recognize-Signs-of-Hip-Dysplasia-in-Dogs|signs of hip dysplasia]] until he is between four month and one year old. There is a spectrum of symptoms, from no symptoms at all to wobbling, weaving, or an unsteady gait. Your dog may also bunny hop when he runs, or be averse to strenuous exercise or activity. | ||
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#*Total Hip Replacement is recommended for dogs with degenerative arthritis or chronic hip dysplasia. | #*Total Hip Replacement is recommended for dogs with degenerative arthritis or chronic hip dysplasia. | ||
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== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
