Comments on: DOG HEALTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?

By: Mandy c

Mandy c — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:51:59 +0000

There is no way you can avoid hip dysplasia, the dog either has it or not. All you can do to avoid symptoms is to keep the dog at a good weight, so you can feel the ribs but not see them. Being overweight can exaggerate the problem.
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By: Naysaツ R.I.P Michael Jackson

Naysaツ **R.I.P Michael Jackson** — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:28:59 +0000

To avoid it you must get the dog from a reputable breeder. I’ve had GSD’s all my life and are ‘prone’ to hip dysplasia… yet none of them have ever got it… why my dad buys from reputable breeders, who test hips and elbows and only breeds dogs that does NOT have hip/elbow problems.
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By: oregano13

oregano13 — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:11:59 +0000

You don't avoid it in a dog you already bought- it's a genetic condition, and if the dog has it, they have it. That's why it is important with breeds prone to the condition to make sure you only purchase puppies from breeders who research pedigrees and have their stock tested before breeding, or if you are rescuing, to make sure the dog was vet-checked and showed no apparent signs of a joint problem. Keeping the dog's weight to a proper level and feeding a quality diet and perhaps joint supplements will help to alleviate symptoms if the dog has the condition.
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By: Sybil

Sybil — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:04:59 +0000

You avoid that problem by buying a dog from a reputable breeder that has had the sire and dam both tested for hip and elbow problems, if they are clear your pup should be too. Another thing i was told is to avoid letting your dog climb stairs or do anything that will put stress on the hips before he is fully grown.
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By: walking lady RIP Tom

walking lady RIP Tom — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 11:18:59 +0000