Does your dog suffer from Hip Dysplasia or Hip Weakness?

Does your dog suffer from hip dysplasia or hind leg weakness? Or maybe it's just old age that's affecting your dog's hind leg mobility.

If you notice any rear leg weakness in your dog, even if you're convinced it's down to natural ageing, it's essential you take your dog to the vet for a check up. There can be many causes of rear leg weakness, some of which can be fatal, so it's wise to identify the specific cause in your dog and not assume it's just 'old age' - although it may well ultimately be down to natural 'wear and tear', it's far better for your vet to confirm that.

Hip dysplasia is an extremely common musculoskeletal condition that can affect any dog, although it's seen in young puppies as well as older dogs. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs can include:

• Stiffness
• Difficulty getting up
• "Bunny hopping" (using both legs together while walking)
• A shift in muscle tone
• Decreased activity
• Decreased range of hip motion
• Abnormal gait (back legs may be crossing or weaving) - it may look as if your dog's swaying while walking
• Exercise intolerance

Whatever the issue a hip brace for dogs will help stabilise the rear of your dog, offering support to the hips in comfort.

The Orthodog Hip brace has been designed to support dogs who suffer from mild to moderate hip dysplasia, decreased endurance during activity, hip pain, lower back pain or weakness, and back leg limping. In certain cases, it can also make a positive difference for dogs suffering from arthritis. The Orthodog Dog Hip Brace gives your dog freedom of movement, stability, and peace of mind knowing your dog's being supported during activity. This hip brace for dogs can be left on all day and removed at night.

Check the girth of your dog's chest for more accurate sizing

Harness: Measure the girth of your dog's chest (Position the tape measure in your dog's front leg armpits and around the torso to size for the harness.)

• Small - 12-19"
• Medium - 20-28"
• Large - 29-37"
• X Large - 38-43"

Hip Brace: Measure the height from your dog's tailbone to the floor for the correct hip brace size:

• Small - 13-17"
• Medium - 18-25"
• Large - 26-31"
• X Large - 32+

You can mix and match harness and hip braces sizes, for example if your dog has a broad chest but narrow hips.

If hip dysplasia or hip weakness has reached the point where your dog's mobility is being seriously impacted, but they still have a love of life and strong front legs, it may be time to think about a dog wheelchair. Dog wheelchairs can have a transformative effect by restoring a dog's freedom of movement and independence. 

Good quality joint supplements can also make a significant difference. It's worth researching and investing in supplements that have a good track record.

Learn more about dog rear leg weakness, signs, causes, and treatments here: https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/rear-leg-weakness-in-your-dog

Learn more about signs, causes, and treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs here: https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/dog-hip-dysplasia