Best Dog Hip Dysplasia Braces - Help hip dysplasia, weakness, arthritis and more

Q: Hi, we have a 11 year old German Shepard with severe hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in all four legs. Please could you advise on a supportive brace and harness or something that will give her support and comfort to help with walking etc?

A: Firstly, for the hip dysplasia, there are hip braces, such as the Orthodog hip brace. Separately, if you have wooden floors, you may want to think about non-slip socks so that she has a bit more grip walking around indoors. If the dysplasia is really interfering with mobility, it may be worth considering a wheelchair. They're an investment but they can be amazing for giving dogs their mobility back. If you want any further information on this, as we know it can feel a bit overwhelming to consider one at first, please let us know and we can talk you through it all.

Q: Hi, I am considering buying a hip brace for my elderly lab - he has hind leg hip weakness and is losing muscle mass and sways when walking and trying to run - I want to prevent collapse as long as possible and wondered whether you thought this was the right product or could you recommend something else?

A: Thank you for the email. The Orthodog hip brace is very good at holding the hips and giving them firm support, most dogs who benefit have hip joint weakness or hip dysplasia. If your Lab has either of these, then the hip brace would be a very good aid as he can wear it around the house or on walks all day long.

Q: Hi, I have a 13 year old Staffie. She has a right hip dislocation which was only diagnosed about 5 years ago, she's never limped but I noticed she had muscle wastage on that Rt leg. Because it was so long ago, surgery was not advised. She also has arthritis in both back legs. She is quite wobbly when walking and I use a sling to help her move around at the moment but wondered if a wheelchair would be better? and if would be painful?

A: We have many dogs going onto wheels who they have hip weakness, hip arthritis or severe hip dislocation/dysplasia.

Wheels can be a very good idea as they will take the weight off her back legs (and you won’t need to use a sling) but she can still put her back legs on the floor and therefore will keep some tone in her leg muscles and keep the legs active for as long as possible but there is less weight on her back legs.
In terms of pain - they should reduce her pain as her hips will be supported and carry less weight and therefore be under less stress and pressure.

Q: Hello, our dog came to us at 10 months old and has just had his 13th birthday. He is a black and white English Springer spaniel who was born with hip dysplasia. His dysplasia has not slowed him down until about 2-3 years ago, but it is now chronic. His health is otherwise good (although we do occasionally have an off day). He still walks (his front legs are extremely strong) but he is a bit wobbly on the back. We were wondering how we could give him more support on his joints and wondered if you could suggest a brace or something? We have thought about a doggie chariot but his hydrotherapist said not a good idea, as he wouldn't be using his hind legs and will lose muscle tone.

A: We have the Orthodog Hip Brace, which is really great for dogs with hip dysplasia and/or arthritis. This brace stabilises your dog's hips and lower back area, allowing your dog to walk more comfortably. It gets great feedback from our customers and also works to reduce pain and inflammation. It's easy to fit as you pull the brace up like a pair of trousers and then secure with Velcro over your dog's back and attach to a harness. It can be worn for long periods during the day, although we would recommend taking if off when your dog is sleeping overnight.

Just a note on the wheelchairs, if you do think this is an option for the future. They can be used in two ways: the dog can still use its back legs but the wheelchair helps to take the weight off their hind legs and back or alternatively, if the dog has little or no use of its back legs, they can be put up into stirrups so that they don't drag.

It sounds as though a brace would be a good starting point for your dog however.

Q: Hello, I have a 13 year old Border Collie with hip dysplasia in his rear right hip. He also has arthritis in both hind legs and struggles to keep his footing, with his back legs splaying at home. I have had a look at your website and saw you have the Orthodog brace and the Biko brace, could you given me some advice about which might suit him best? He's quite large and thick set for a Collie.

A: The Biko Brace is great, but is most useful for dogs with nerve damage or degenerative myelopathy. It sounds as if your dog would benefit from physical support around the hip area, in order to help weakness in the lower back and hip dysplasia.

It can make a visible and immediate improvement in dogs who suffer from hip dysplasia by helping to stabilise the hips and lower back. The way in which it supports the hip joint is also meant to help reduce pain from arthritis. It is a soft, comfortable brace which can be worn for long periods of time, including while lying down.

We have the Walkin Traction Dog Socks which have a strong non-slip, waterproof silicone base and they would help to stop your dog from slipping or splaying out. They also have Velcro around the top of the sock part to help keep them on.