Hip dysplasia is an inherited disease that can affect larger dogs. The hip joint doesn't fit together as tightly as it should and can be painful for the dog. Later on, it can lead to arthritis. Many factors work together to cause this disease, which is a combination of a dog genetically inclined to get this disease interacting with environmental factors that bring about the symptoms. These environmental factors include excess calcium in the diet of puppy food for large breed dogs, along with obesity, high protein and calorie diets and a lack of or too much exercise. The breeding of dogs that already have hip dysplasia is one of the primary reasons the disease is still present. A dog that has hip dysplasia in one socket is prone to having a problem with the ligaments of the knee in the other leg (anterior cruciate rupture).

Canine Hip Dysplasia symptoms are as follows: yowling or grumbling when handled or lifted; lameness; a lack of motivation to move; stiffness; increased sensitivity to touch; a marked change in behavior; a faint popping sound coming from the back legs with each step; difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position; while moving, moving both rear legs in unison; difficulty climbing stairs; a painful or violent reaction to an extension of their rear legs; play or exercise taking more of a toll than it used to; reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or play; and/or hiding or disappearing from sight.

Read more about hip dysplasia.