Gentle, customized therapy to support mobility and comfort in dogs with hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is a progressive condition that affects joint stability, comfort, and mobility—often becoming more noticeable as dogs age.
A condition of the hip joint (imagine a ball-and-socket joint) in which the head of the femur (the “ball”) does not fit properly into the too-shallow acetabulum (the “socket”). Additionally, the ligaments connecting these two bony surfaces to one another are not strong enough to keep them together. Over time, the continuous abnormal movement at the unstable hip joint can result in a loss of cartilage, formation of bone spurs, pain, loss of mobility, and general discomfort.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia often show up as mild at first and progress over time. More often than not, symptoms don’t even show up until middle age or later. Some symptoms to look for include stiffness in the hips, lameness/limping, muscle loss in the hind legs, and running with a “bunny hop” gait.
Have you noticed your pup slowing down in their hind quarters, having difficulty transitioning from laying to standing, or showing signs of discomfort with mobility and regular movements? Are they hesitant to do things they used to love like long walks, running in the park, or playing with other pups? If so, it is possible they may be dealing with hip dysplasia.
Through our proven framework, we will start by helping them feel better and move better, before working with you to gradually build an exercise routine at home that will build up strength. Consistency is key, and because of that we work to empower the pet parent to learn what to do at home, both for short and long-term goals.
Lifelong Mobility Starts with Movement
Hip dysplasia is more commonly diagnosed on younger dogs with significant hip laxity due to dysplasia, which over time can lead towards degenerative changes. On the other hand, older dogs with chronic hip dysplasia would develop arthritis, leading towards joint inflammation and cartilage breakdown over time.
Both cases would benefit from physical therapy to build up strength if treated conservatively, or recover from surgery with more significant cases.
When Less Movement Causes More Problems
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that generally affects larger breeds, It can often be exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle and excess weight, both of which are common as dogs get older.
Breeds most commonly affected include Bulldogs, Dogue de Bordeauxs, Pugs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Otterhounds, and Saint Bernards. More common breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers frequently experience it as well.
Breaking the Inactivity Cycle
A certified canine rehabilitation therapist can evaluate your dog’s strength, flexibility, gait pattern, and daily functions to develop a treatment plan that will get them moving with more ease.
They will utilize hands-on manual therapy techniques to ease pain and create a customized therapeutic exercise program to help build stability in the joints and make functional movements easier and less painful.
The K9PT has helped countless pups and their pet parents overcome the challenges of hip dysplasia—restoring strength, mobility, and confidence through personalized rehabilitation programs!
Your veterinarian can make the diagnosis of hip dysplasia based on specific palpation methods and specially positioned hip x-rays. In puppies, the PennHIP distraction method with x-ray is most often recommended in order to make a proper diagnosis. Whether hip dysplasia can be treated best conservatively or with surgery depends on the severity of the condition as well as the dog’s age.
Regardless of the treatment you choose, a certified canine rehabilitation therapist can make a meaningful difference in the recovery.
If your dog has undergone surgery for hip dysplasia, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovery. Working with a certified canine rehab professional can help your dog regain strength, rebuild muscle, and restore full mobility.
Through guided exercises, hydrotherapy, and pain management techniques, your pup can safely return to their favorite activities—whether that’s walking, running, or playing fetch.
Surgery isn’t always the only option! Many dogs with mild to moderate hip dysplasia can benefit from conservative rehabilitation programs.
A canine physical therapist will evaluate your dog’s condition and design a custom plan that may include strengthening exercises, joint mobilization, laser therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
TheK9PT is Chicago’s top-rated dog physical therapy clinic, established in 2017 with a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2020.
Our fear-free, positive reinforcement approach ensures every dog has their own private treatment room — free from contact with other dogs. We focus on comfort, trust, and individualized care.
Conveniently located in the Mayfair / Irving Park neighborhood, just half a mile from I-94, our clinic is easily accessible throughout Chicagoland.
We offer FREE on-site parking with two exclusive spots directly in front of the clinic, and our team is always happy to assist with your pet’s entry or exit if needed.
Get Directions →
Private, Fear-Free Treatment Facility
We have put together some of the best educational content for pet parents about hip dysplasia. Download our newsletter (currently free) to start helping your pup right away…
This content outlines conservative management strategies for dogs with hip dysplasia, designed to help pet owners understand non-surgical rehabilitation options that can improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life.
Download →Hear directly from pet parents whose dogs regained mobility, confidence, and quality of life through canine rehabilitation at TheK9PT.
“We’re so happy with the evaluation and treatments by TheK9PT! Francisco was very thorough and developed a customized treatment plan. Our dog is now the most active he’s ever been and able to enjoy long walks and hikes again.”
“Each session is tailored specifically to my dog’s needs, and the education provided for at-home work is where the real value is. My dog loves therapy and has gained strength, confidence, and focus. Worth every penny.”
“After just two weeks of PT, our 12-year-old poodle showed drastic improvements in mobility and confidence. He’s moving like he’s years younger. We’re so grateful we found TheK9PT.”
