How to Take Care of Dogs with Bad Hips

Canine hip dysplasia effects large breed dogs and elderly dogs as well. It makes it hard for them to walk, because it affects the formation of their hip sockets. This painful condition can be moderated with special care and attention to your dog's needs. Knowing how to take care of a dog with bad hips makes it easier for your pet to live a happy and relatively comfortable life with its condition.

Things You'll Need

• Dog bed
• Recommended medication
• Doggy wheelchair

Step 1

Provide your dog with a fluffy, soft dog bed of a large enough size to lay comfortably. Laying on hard surfaces or just carpet may inflame your dog's hip joints, making it feel uncomfortable or even pained.

Step 2

Take your dog to a trusted vet who is experienced in treating hip dysplacia. Veterinarians who primarily work with dogs are ideal. From here your vet will outline the options available to you for treating your dog's hip problem. These options range anywhere from medication and wheelchairs to surgery.

Step 3

Follow your vet's directions by administering painkillers to your dog at recommended times. Use only the painkiller prescribed by the veterinarian. Using human-formulated painkillers may injure your dog and do more harm than good.

Step 4

Use a doggy wheelchair to take your dog out for walks. This alleviates the pressure put on your dog's rear haunches, and therefore takes the strain off the hips.

Step 5

Observe your dog's behavior. If it begins to show signs of becoming crippled, surgery may be your only options. Dogs with hip dysplasia can progress from uncomfortable to excruciatingly painful. Schedule an appointment with your vet if your dog shows signs of pain frequently.