Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Recognising Early Changes Before Mobility Declines Further
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions seen in dogs — but the signs are not always obvious early on.
Many owners expect severe limping or dramatic pain. In reality, the earliest symptoms are often subtle:
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Slowing down on walks
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Struggling to get up
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Stiffness after exercise
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Reluctance to jump
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Reduced stamina
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Changes in posture or gait
Some dogs compensate so well that owners only realise something is wrong once arthritis or muscle loss has already developed.
At Balance Vet Rehab, we regularly help owners across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Scenic Rim identify mobility changes associated with hip dysplasia and develop rehabilitation plans aimed at improving comfort, strength, and long-term function.
Just trying to work out whether your dog’s symptoms could be hip dysplasia? We’re happy to answer questions and help guide you.
What Is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition affecting the hip joint.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint:
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The “ball” is the top of the femur
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The “socket” is part of the pelvis
In dogs with hip dysplasia, the joint develops abnormally, often leading to:
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Joint looseness (laxity)
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Instability
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Inflammation
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Abnormal wear
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Arthritis over time
Some dogs show signs very young, while others compensate well until adulthood or senior years.
To learn more about the condition overall, see
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Common Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Difficulty Getting Up
Many owners first notice their dog:
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Hesitates before standing
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Pushes up awkwardly
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Uses the front legs heavily to rise
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Appears stiff after resting
This stiffness is often worse:
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First thing in the morning
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After naps
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Following exercise
Bunny Hopping When Running
One of the classic signs is “bunny hopping,” where both hind legs move together during running.
Dogs may do this because:
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It reduces hip extension
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It minimises discomfort
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It compensates for weakness or instability
Reluctance to Jump
Dogs with hip discomfort often become hesitant to:
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Jump into the car
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Climb stairs
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Get onto furniture
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Jump during play
Some owners mistakenly interpret this as ageing or laziness.
Limping After Exercise
Many dogs with hip dysplasia appear relatively normal during activity but become sore afterward.
Common patterns include:
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Limping after long walks
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Stiffness after playing
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Slower recovery after exercise
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Soreness the next morning
This happens because fatigued muscles provide less support around unstable joints.
You may also find helpful:
Dog Limping After Exercise – Hip Dysplasia
Even intermittent limping can sometimes indicate underlying weakness or hip instability.
Reduced Stamina
Some dogs gradually:
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Tire more easily
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Stop wanting long walks
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Sit or lie down during outings
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Lag behind during exercise
This may happen long before obvious limping develops.
Muscle Loss Over the Hindquarters
Dogs with chronic hip discomfort often lose muscle over:
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The thighs
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Gluteal muscles
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Hindquarters generally
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Muscle loss can further reduce joint stability and worsen mobility.
Want a clear hip dysplasia guide you can read later?
If you're still gathering information, you may find it helpful to read through our Hip Dysplasia Guide in your own time.
It covers:
• what hip dysplasia is and why it develops
• the common signs to look for
• how hip dysplasia is diagnosed
• treatment options, from conservative management to surgery
• ways to keep your dog comfortable, active and mobile
• what to expect in the short and long term
👉 Download the Hip Dysplasia Guide
Waddling or Swaying Gait
Some dogs develop:
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Swaying hips
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A rolling gait
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Reduced hindlimb extension
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Altered posture
These changes often develop gradually.
Difficulty With Stairs
Stairs place increased load through the hips.
Dogs may:
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Slow down on stairs
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Hesitate
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Take one step at a time
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Avoid stairs entirely
Reduced Enthusiasm for Play
Owners often describe dogs that:
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No longer initiate games
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Stop roughhousing earlier
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Avoid chasing balls
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Seem quieter generally
This is commonly mistaken for “slowing down with age.”
Signs in Puppies & Young Dogs
Young dogs with hip dysplasia often show slightly different patterns.
Common signs include:
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Intermittent limping
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Bunny hopping
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Soreness after exercise
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Difficulty after rough play
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Poor stamina
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Awkward sitting posture
Some young dogs only show signs after unusually intense activity.
Early rehabilitation may help improve muscular support and movement quality during growth.
Signs in Older Dogs
Older dogs often show signs associated with secondary arthritis.
These may include:
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Progressive stiffness
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Slower movement
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Difficulty rising
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Reduced mobility
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Reluctance to walk
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Muscle wasting
Importantly, many older dogs with arthritis can still enjoy good quality of life with appropriate management.
You may also find useful:
Why Signs Often Fluctuate
Hip dysplasia symptoms commonly vary day to day.
Dogs may appear:
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Better after rest
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Worse after overexertion
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More sore in cold weather
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Stiffer after vigorous activity
This variability can make the condition difficult for owners to interpret early on.
Other Conditions Can Mimic Hip Dysplasia
Not all hindlimb limping is caused by hip dysplasia.
Other possibilities include:
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Cruciate ligament injuries
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Patella luxation
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Iliopsoas strain
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Lower back pain
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Arthritis
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Neurological conditions
Dogs with hip dysplasia may also develop secondary compensation injuries elsewhere in the body.
You may also find helpful:
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Patella Luxation in Dogs
Why Early Recognition Matters
Early management may help:
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Improve muscle support
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Reduce compensatory strain
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Improve movement quality
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Slow functional decline
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Maintain mobility longer
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Improve comfort
Many owners wish they had recognised subtle signs earlier.
Rehabilitation Often Helps More Than Owners Expect
Rehabilitation commonly focuses on:
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Strengthening muscles around the hips
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Improving mobility
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Improving balance and coordination
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Reducing compensatory movement patterns
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Supporting safe exercise
Many dogs become:
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More active
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Less stiff
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More confident moving
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Better able to tolerate exercise
You may also want to read:
Not sure whether your dog’s signs are mild or significant? Rehabilitation assessment may help clarify what is contributing to their mobility changes.
Helping Dogs Across Brisbane, Gold Coast & Scenic Rim
We regularly assess dogs with:
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Intermittent hindlimb lameness
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Post-exercise soreness
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Reduced mobility
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Muscle loss
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Early arthritis
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Weakness
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Declining exercise tolerance
Many owners come to us because they feel something is “not quite right” long before severe limping develops.
Many Owners Initially Think It Is “Just Ageing”
One of the most common things we hear is:
“We thought our dog was just slowing down.”
Often, subtle mobility changes are the first signs of underlying discomfort rather than simple ageing alone.
Identifying those changes early may allow better long-term management.
FAQ: Signs of hip dysplasia
Concerned About Changes in Your Dog’s Movement?
Small changes in mobility can sometimes signal early hip discomfort long before severe arthritis develops.
Our rehabilitation approach focuses on helping dogs maintain strength, mobility, confidence, and quality of life through tailored rehabilitation and exercise programs.
Still Exploring Whether Hip Dysplasia Could Be the Cause?
Whether your dog has occasional stiffness, limping after exercise, or more obvious mobility decline, we’re happy to help you better understand what may be contributing to their symptoms.
No pressure and no commitment — we’re happy to answer questions and help owners explore their options.