My Older Dog's Hips Are Giving Out: What Should I Do?
It's a painful thing for a dog parent to see. Your senior dog (or geriatric dog) is having trouble walking around, supporting themselves, and even standing up.
They have difficulty rising, their legs collapsing, and your furry friend is looking to you, their pet parent, for love and support.
Perhaps you see your senior dog "bunny hopping" to deal with the joint pain.
Joint pain in senior dogs is not uncommon. If you notice your older dog's hind legs shaking or collapsing under themselves, several things could be happening.
As our beloved dogs age, understanding why their rear legs are weakening could reveal degenerative joint disease, canine hip dysplasia, or simple hind leg weakness.
Whether giant breed dogs or pint-size puppies, understanding your dog's hip joint issues is crucial for any dog parent.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of any health concerns regarding your pet.
Older Dogs Hips Giving Out
Your older dog's back legs have a huge impact on a dog's quality of life. Understanding hip joint inflammation and joint pain in older dogs is crucial.
Our dog's joints are critical for a happy life. Maximizing joint health is a critical step to giving your furry friend the best care they deserve.
Hind Legs: It Might Not Be the Hips
The hips don’t lie, but sometimes they do!
It is true, that canine hip dysplasia and hip arthritis are very common in dogs, and the effects of these diseases become more evident as dogs age.
There are however other areas of the body that can become affected by arthritis or injured in ways that can mimic the signs of hip pain.
One of the most common injuries occurs in the knee and is known as a ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL).
This is similar to the ACL in humans. This ligament can become partially or completely torn at any stage of a dog’s life, though the effects of an untreated CCL injury in a senior dog tend to be more severe.
The common signs include holding a hind leg up in the air, swelling of the knee, an audible “click” when your dog flexes the knee, and a floppy posture while sitting.
Another common affliction of the senior dog’s hind end can be arthritis of just about any weight-bearing joint, but especially the lower back and knees. Arthritis occurs when there is inflammation in a joint. This inflammation can lead to:
- pain
- swelling,
- decreased range of motion, and
- roughening of the joint surface
If a dog is lucky enough to be enjoying their golden years, then they are likely experiencing some form of arthritis, somewhere in their body. It just might not be in the hips.
Luckily for everyone, a detailed history and physical exam can help your veterinarian pinpoint the cause of your dog’s mobility concerns.
Hip Joint: Sometimes It Is Indeed, All in the Hips
When the knees and lower back aren’t to blame, a dog's hip joint may in fact be the culprit. Most dog guardians are familiar with the term hip dysplasia, and will often remark on how their senior dog’s mobility is declining because of this condition.
This may be true, however, it is important to understand the difference between the common issues that can affect the hip.
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic malformation of the hip joint.
It is more common in larger breed dogs than small and toy breeds. Because the hips are improperly formed, it can lead to abnormal wear and tear on the joints which makes your furry friend feel uncomfortable.
The resulting scenario can be hip pain and arthritis.
Senior dogs can also get hip pain for other reasons. They can injure a muscle called the iliopsoas which is a hip flexor. They can also experience:
- fractures,
- dislocations, or
- tumors that will affect the hip
This is all to say, that your senior dog may indeed have hip pain, and that all of these conditions come with their own sets of prognoses and treatment plans.
Radiographs and medical imaging are an important diagnostic step
Why does your veterinarian suggest radiographs (x-rays) even when they have just told you they suspect your dog has arthritis?
This is a great question and deserves a thoughtful response.
The first is that a physical exam can help pinpoint the body system that is affected by a disease but not a confirmed diagnosis.
Radiographs allow for the bones and joints to be visualized. If arthritis is present, it is easily observed on radiographs and the severity of the arthritis can be seen.
There are also times in which we discover unexpected diseases such as bone tumors, bone cysts, or suspected fungal infections.
Think of a radiograph as a roadmap that shows how the bones, joints, and soft tissue of your dog’s body relate to one another.
The details on this map help to guide your veterinarian in making recommendations that will improve your dog’s life.
Blood work can help determine the safest treatment options
If you were wondering why your veterinarian would suggest radiographs to diagnose your dog’s hip pain, then you will certainly be wondering why they are suggesting blood work before starting treatment.
And rightly so!
Your veterinarian may suggest routine screening blood work before starting treatment for your dog’s pain to ensure that their internal organ function is working to full capacity.
For example, some pain-relieving drugs may be avoided if signs of early or advanced kidney disease are detected. This does not mean that your dog will be without treatment, more so that your veterinarian will select safer alternatives for your dog’s health picture.
Likewise, in some parts of the country where tick borne diseases are prevalent (such as Lyme disease and Anaplasma), infectious arthritis may be mistaken for age-related arthritis, though the treatments are vastly different.
Standardized blood testing can help to rule this in or out immediately.
Treatment can be tailored to your dog’s individual needs
Our senior dogs have never been so lucky. We live in an age of possibility when it comes to the treatment of pain (including hip pain) and mobility concerns.
Of the many treatments available, some include:
- monthly injectable medication with monoclonal antibody therapy,
- dog-safe pain relievers,
- omega 3 supplements,
- glucosamine/chondroitin joint supplements,
- physical therapy, and
- integrative medicine including acupuncture and laser therapy
The key is understanding that as our older dogs continue to age, their needs will change, and so too will their treatment plan.
Be sure to connect with your veterinarian frequently and openly about any changes that you notice, so that they can help your senior dog enjoy their life to the fullest.
Fun and Games: How to Keep Your Senior Dog Active Without Hurting Their Hips
Keeping your senior dog engaged in low impact activities means they stay active and healthy without hurting their hips.
Happy Joints
As your older dog’s hips and joints start to show signs of wear and tear, it’s easy to let them lounge all day.
But a little movement is better than nothing! Low impact activities like slow walks and swimming are great for keeping your dog active and protecting their joints.
Brain games can mix things up for their minds without putting strain on their hips. Puzzle toys and scent games are fun and engaging ways to keep your dog occupied.
Don’t Forget to Stretch!
Just like humans, dogs need to stretch! Simple stretches can help with flexibility and mobility and ease discomfort.
Ask your vet about stretches that are safe for your dog. A short massage can also help relax stiff muscles and make them feel like the pampered dog they are.
When Treats Turn Troublesome: How Diet Affects Joint Health
A good diet is key to healthy joints as too many treats can add to your senior dog’s hip pain and mobility issues.
Weight and Hip Health
Your dog’s favorite treats might be doing more harm than good.
Carrying extra weight can put a lot of strain on their hips and joints and make existing problems worse. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can improve their mobility and reduce hip pain.
Ask your vet about switching to a joint friendly diet with omega-3s and glucosamine for extra joint support. It could be the difference between a happy walk and a painful limp!
Healthy Snacks for Happy Hips
You don’t have to cut out treats altogether!
There are plenty of healthy alternatives, low calorie snacks and veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes that won’t add extra pounds to your dog’s body. Treat your dog right, treat their body right too!
The Power of Love: How Your Support Helps Heal Hip Pain
Your presence and care gives them emotional and physical comfort and helps them cope with hip pain and aging.
Create a Comfort Zone at Home
Your senior dog has been there for you through everything and now it’s your turn to be there for them.
Simple changes around the house can make a big difference. Think orthopedic dog beds, non slip rugs and ramps to help them get around the house more easily.
Less jumping and climbing can reduce the strain on their hips and legs and keep them comfortable and safe as they age.
The Emotional Boost: You Matter
Never underestimate the healing power of you! Being present and positive with your dog can ease their anxiety and pain.
Dogs pick up on your energy so your love and patience can work wonders for their wellbeing as they go through this stage of life.
Conclusion
A dog's joints are crucial to their health and wellbeing, particularly as they get older. Monitoring their health, particularly their hind legs and hip joint, can help mitigate the risks of hip dysplasia.
Make sure to speak with your veterinarian as your senior dog ages so you can understand the various risk factors and what you can do for your furry friend today.
In the end, the love you have for your senior dog is unmatched, and their happiness is your top priority. With a little guidance and support, you can give them the care they need to thrive. Let’s keep this journey together.
FAQs
1. What is "bunny hopping"?
Bunny hopping is a movement that dogs use to alleviate pressure on their hind legs when they are in pain. It can be seen with hip dysplasia, knee pain, lower back pain, and certain conditions that affect the nerves.
2. Does my older dog have hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia in dogs is very common, and it is considered a developmental disease that occurs during growth. Speak with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has hip dysplasia. Several other issues could also be impacting your older dog that are not related to hip dysplasia, so having this conversation is crucial.
3. Is weight management helpful?
Weight management is crucial for a dog's hips in order to support joint health and lessen joint pain. A healthy diet and joint health can be really helpful, particularly before hip dysplasia in dogs sets in. Managing joint health in a dog's early years is a great foundation to mitigate the effects of hip dysplasia.
4. What about physical therapy?
Physical therapy can be very beneficial for dogs with hip dysplasia. It helps improve muscle strength, increase joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life.
Physical therapy can help strengthen a dog's rear legs, as well as help address joint pain.
Try low-impact exercises like slow walks or swimming to help manage joint pain while ensuring your senior dog gets the physical therapy they need.
Ask your veterinarian if referral to a trained canine physical therapist is right for your dog.
5. What if my dog is diagnosed with canine hip dysplasia?
After diagnosing hip dysplasia in your dog, a veterinarian will lay out a comprehensive plan. Treating hip dysplasia in dogs is very common, especially in older dogs or giant breed dogs.
There are several joint supplements on the market that can be beneficial to supporting a dog with hip dysplasia.
6. Does my senior dog need a total hip replacement?
A total hip replacement is a serious step to take. As you monitor your dog's hip joints and their hip dysplasia, you can speak with your veterinarian regarding a total hip replacement. At that point, it is also important to assess the dog's overall quality of life before undertaking such an invasive procedure.
