Watching your dog pause mid-run, hind leg lifting slightly as if unsure, it’s hard not to wonder if movement is doing more harm than good—especially when hip dysplasia is part of the picture. These common joint issues, where the hip socket doesn’t fit snugly, can make even simple steps feel uncomfortable, but the answer to whether they need exercise isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” It’s about balance, and getting it right keeps them healthy and aligned with the rules that protect our four-legged friends.
Hip dysplasia weakens the joints over time, but letting them lounge all day only makes things worse. Muscles around the hips atrophy without use, leaving less support for the fragile joints, which can speed up deterioration. That’s why vets across Europe and North America agree: the right kind of movement matters. Short, gentle walks—10 to 15 minutes twice a day—keep muscles tight and flexible, acting like a natural brace. A golden retriever in Amsterdam I met last year, diagnosed with hip dysplasia at age three, thrived on daily strolls through the city’s tree-lined canals; his owner stuck to flat paths, avoiding cobblestones that jostled his hips, and he stayed active well into his senior years.
The key is choosing the right activities. Swimming, for example, is a game-changer. The water supports their weight, letting muscles work without straining hips—vets in places like Ontario and Bavaria often recommend it as a low-impact staple. Short, slow walks on soft grass (avoiding pavement or gravel) are better than long jaunts; think 10 minutes after breakfast, another after dinner, rather than a single hour-long hike. And skip the roughhousing: jumping for frisbees, bounding up stairs, or sudden turns can grind those joints further, which isn’t just painful—it might run afoul of animal welfare laws in countries like Sweden or Australia, where owners are legally required to prevent unnecessary suffering.
What to avoid is just as important. High-energy games like fetch that involve quick stops and starts? They’re a no-go. So are steep hills or agility courses with jumps—even if your dog loves them, the strain on their hips can lead to inflammation and more damage. In parts of the UK, animal welfare inspectors note that dogs with untreated hip pain often show signs of distress, which can trigger checks on care routines; keeping exercise low-key helps you stay on the right side of those regulations. It’s why many local councils in Germany publish guides to “joint-friendly play” for dogs with conditions like dysplasia—guidelines that double as good practice.
Your vet should be your co-pilot here. They’ll check the severity of the dysplasia—whether it’s mild, causing occasional stiffness, or more advanced—and tailor a plan. Maybe they’ll suggest adding glucosamine to meals to support joint health, or adjusting walk length based on how your dog acts afterward. A Labrador in Brussels, for instance, went from limping after walks to trotting happily once his owner followed the vet’s advice: swapping morning runs for 15-minute swims in a local pet pool.
Pay attention to the small signs: a slower rise from their bed, a reluctance to climb onto the couch, or a whimper when stretching. These aren’t just “old age”—they’re clues that your current routine needs tweaking. Hip dysplasia doesn’t mean a life of inactivity—it means a life of thoughtful movement. When you match their energy to their needs, you’re not just easing discomfort; you’re honoring the trust they put in you, keeping them happy and healthy in the world we share.
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