When dealing with hip dysplasia in Labradors, I have discovered that weight plays a significant role. When a dog becomes overweight their hips become stressed and stretched out. Limiting food intake and providing quality food are some of the remedies I have found to cure the problem. Supplementing with gloucosamine/chondriotant will help with pain and healing the ligament, as well as, limiting dry dog food. When feeding an older dog, limit dry food and make sure to add hot water to the smaller amount so that it does not expand after consumption. This will limit the displacement of the hip joint. Try to use dry dog food as a cereal and make sure it is an organic healthful brand which does not contain all filler products such as corn meal. Try to incorporate eggs in the diet a few time per week. Nutrients found in vitamin supplements will also help. Wet food such as Alpo or other brands will help to loosen the stools so that the dog may have an easier time eliminating. I have noticed that when the dog had trouble walking he was fine after he did his business. He would walk with a hitch and then after going would be chasing squirrels in no time. Also,Think about his supplements as a meal. Using cheese or meat to feed tablets can add to calories to manage the diet strictly. Dog bones are high calorie treats to be used sparingly. I have also used salmon, liver, or steak in a food processor with veges such as carrot, broccoli orblended vegetable left overs. Vitamin C helps ligaments.

Gentle exercise, including walking on sidewalks (which grinds down nails) is also a consistent way to rebuild joint ligaments. Forget the ball and frizbees, because if your dog is like my lab, he will retrieve until he drops. When Labs are young, they require this form of work-out, however, the aging dog may not be able to handle the stress on their hip joints. Be careful not to over work young dogs, because this could contribute to paralysis later on in life. Swimming is one of the best therapies for dogs. Obviously, water dogs are designed to swim. Make sure your exercise plan includes swimming a couple time per year at least. Therapy pools such as Pet Depot’s indoor dog pool are the ideal way to give a lab the work-out he requires. They offer grooming after the swim which is simple since the dog is already wet.

Don’t despair if you dog comes up lame as he gets older. Limit diet, gentle but consistent exercise, supplemental nutrients, and support will bring him back to good health. If he has a bout with lameness, support him up and down steps with the use of a wide,long leash. Gently wrap it under his belly and help lift him through the rough periods. When the dogs weight is reduced, not only will you save his life, you will save money, because his consumption will be less. You will not have to worry about expensive vet bills, he will be easier to lift in the event that he has a bad day. You can extend the life of your ideal bud and he will be able to take you for walks like the good young days!