Q&A for How to Relieve Hip Pain in Dogs

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  • Question
    What can I give a dog for hip pain?
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Your dog can have NSAIDs prescribed by a veterinarian to bring down inflammation and prevent pain.
  • Question
    Can you give a dog Tylenol?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be given to dogs, provided they aren't on other medication and have healthy kidneys. The dose is 10 mg per 1 kg body weight, given twice a day with food.
  • Question
    Should a pet undergo knee surgery if the vet also found a hip problem?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    This depends on the type of hip problem. Sometimes having a bad knee places an extra strain on the hip as the dog shifts its weight differently. If the hip is sprained because of this, then correcting the knee problem also helps the hip. Also, altered weight bearing can put extra pressure on the hip and, under certain circumstances, potentially causes early arthritis as a secondary problem in the hip, so corrective knee surgery is of benefit.
  • Question
    What can cause a dog to have swollen bumps on both sides of its hips?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    In a heavy dog if the bumps are symmetrical, equal in size, and not painful, then there's a distinct possibility they could be fat pads.
  • Question
    What can you give a dog for hip pain?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    For long term use, the safest medications are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatories supplied by your vet. Also, let the dog take things easy so they don't cause further inflammation.
  • Question
    How can I help my dog with arthritis pain?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    There are several options for pain relief for arthritis. Because anti-inflammatories are cleared through the dog's kidneys, it's best to work with your vet to find the safest drug for the dog. A food supplement containing chondroitin and glucosamine can help condition the joints and slow deterioration.
  • Question
    Can a dog have a dislocated hip?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Yes, dogs can dislocate their hips. This is intensely painful and the dog will be very lame. Always see a vet if you suspect a dislocation.
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