10/19/2026
HIP DYSPLASIA IS GENETIC, SO THERE’S NOTHING I CAN DO… RIGHT?
🚫 FALSE!
Genetics can play an important role in canine hip dysplasia (CHD), but they don’t necessarily determine the entire story.
Your dog’s body weight, nutrition, muscle strength, exercise, environment, and daily activity can all influence how they move, function, and cope with hip discomfort over time.
The good news? There are things you can do. 💪🐾
🦴 WHAT CAN YOU DO?
⚖️ Keep them lean
Extra body weight means additional stress on the hips. Maintaining a healthy body condition can help reduce the load placed on compromised joints.
💪 Build strength
Appropriate, regular exercise can help maintain the muscles that support and stabilize the hips. A rehabilitation professional can help develop an exercise program tailored to your dog.
🥣 Feed appropriately
Balanced nutrition is especially important during puppyhood, when rapid or excessive growth can affect musculoskeletal development. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate nutrition for your dog’s age, breed, and size.
🏠 Improve footing & manage impact
Slippery floors can make movement more difficult. Rugs, runners, and other traction solutions can help your dog move more confidently.
For growing puppies—particularly those at increased risk—consider limiting repetitive stair climbing and jumping on and off furniture. For dogs with hip dysplasia, repetitive high-impact activities may also place additional stress on the joints.
❤️ GENETICS MAY SET THE STAGE — BUT DAILY MANAGEMENT MATTERS.
If your dog has hip dysplasia or is at risk, early assessment and an individualized rehabilitation plan can make a difference in how they move and function.
📩 Talk to your veterinarian or veterinary rehabilitation professional about ways to support your dog’s hips for the long term.
