Hip dysplasia is a concerning physical condition that can be very discomforting for your dog. Not only does it cause mobility issues, but it also significantly reduces their quality of life and increases their risk of other complications. If your dog loves to walk with you, you will have to carefully manage your walking sessions to ensure your dog’s comfort and safety.
Signs of Canine Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a degenerative condition where the hip joint is malformed, resulting in pain and discomfort when your dog moves around. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty or inability to move around or stand up
- Reduced range of motion in the affected hip
- Limping or “bunny hopping”
- Unstable or hip-swaying gait when moving
- Loss of interest in physical activities
- Loss of muscle mass in the affected hip/thigh
- Hip stiffness after resting
While hip dysplasia commonly affects larger dog breeds, it can also impact other smaller breeds. Hip dysplasia has no cure, but it can still be managed effectively.
Why Your Dog Should Still Walk
Regular physical activity remains necessary to prevent your dog’s muscles from weakening and maintain joint flexibility and strength. Not only does it help maintain a healthy weight alongside a well-balanced diet, but it also improves a dog’s physical well-being. A sedentary dog will slowly gain weight, which places additional pressure on the affected joint and causes further pain and discomfort. Keeping your dog active helps ensure it can better cope with its condition or even slow its progression.
Here are some ways to help your dog stay active.
Have Short Walks
If you usually take your dog on a long walk, try breaking it into smaller walking sessions to prevent a flare-up of pain or discomfort. That way, you can ensure your dog gets some exercise each day without overexerting their hip.
Start slow and take note of how your dog feels during these short walks. Adjust your walking schedule as needed based on your dog’s condition. Several 15-minute sessions a day are a reasonable duration, and you can adjust their frequency according to your dog’s condition or as advised by your veterinarian.
Walk your dog on soft surfaces, such as grass and dirt, to minimise pressure on their joints. Consider using a leash for better control over your dog’s movements and to prevent it from making sudden movements that could cause injury.
Restrict Certain Movements
If your dog loves to run and jump, you will need to minimise these movements with positive reinforcement. Your dog will generally avoid these due to the discomfort it experiences, but habits can be difficult to break. The same applies to dogs that like to zoom around and quickly change directions as they go; these movements can also aggravate their condition. Patience is key in teaching them not to jump or run too much.
Massage Before Walks
Gentle massages can also benefit your dog before a walk. Massaging your dog’s hip joints can stimulate blood circulation and relieve pain. However, pay close attention to your dog’s reactions, as some massages can cause them discomfort instead. Be mindful of any sensitive areas around their hips and use slow, gentle strokes to stimulate the area around the joint.
Low-Impact Games
Dogs love to be entertained, so fun, low-impact activities can provide the stimulus they need to stay active. These games can encourage your dog to move and keep them engaged, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. You can try simple counting activities, short-distance ball passes, and even ramp exercises. You can also take your dog swimming, as it helps gradually strengthen and condition your dog’s muscles and overall endurance, thanks to water’s unique properties.
Home Modifications
Hip dysplasia can gradually alter your dog’s gait and posture, placing extra pressure on their already weakened joints. Simple home modifications can help overcome this problem by adding traction on slippery surfaces. Rugs, doggie ramps, and other tools can be beneficial in this regard, allowing your dog to move freely while minimising pressure on their joints.
An orthopaedic bed is also a valuable consideration, as it uses orthopaedic foam that distributes your dog’s weight across its entire body for much-needed pain relief. That can be vital to improve your dog’s sleep quality and minimise mobility issues. While it rests, add a blanket on particularly cold nights to minimise joint discomfort when they sleep.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a comprehensive treatment plan that utilises personalised water-based exercises to address your dog’s hip dysplasia. It provides your dog with low-impact muscle conditioning and strengthening exercises tailored to its current needs, improving joint stability and flexibility, as well as overall endurance. Trained hydrotherapists will be there to support your pet through these exercises, ensuring its safety and comfort.
Underwater treadmill therapy is one form of hydrotherapy that provides a low-impact environment, helping your dog improve its mobility, strength, and overall physical health. The treadmill’s speed, depth, water resistance, and session length can be adjusted as needed to provide a comfortable workout that meets your dog’s treatment goals.
Start Professional Dog Hydrotherapy in Singapore Today
Are you interested in knowing more about canine underwater treadmill therapy? Contact Bluewater Veterinary Services today through our website or WhatsApp to learn more about our canine hydrotherapy services.