Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, and in dogs, it is more common among those of bigger breeds. It is a condition where the hip joint's ball and socket joint no longer aligns to help in movement. The femur's rounded head forms the ball and normally should fit into the acetabulum (socket) of the hip bone.

This is how dogs are able to walk properly. But in the case of hip dysplasia, the femur's head is usually smaller than the acetabulum where it should fit into. This leads to a loose joint and, ultimately, hip dysplasia, where the dog can no longer walk normally. 

This condition sets in when the dog is still a puppy. While growing, instead of the femur's head growing uniformly with the acetabulum, it takes a slower pace. In the end, it becomes smaller than the socket when the dog is grown. Beforeitsnews is one of the best platform which may help you to get the best details regarding it. Dogs of large breeds are more likely to develop this condition, but this does not entirely rule out smaller breeds. 

These bigger breeds include: 

1. Saint Bernards
2. Golden Retrievers
3. German Shepherds
4. Great Dane
5. Bulldogs 

If you have any of these breeds or other big breeds, you should be more careful. The smaller ones are not ruled out, and that is why having your dog's medical history can help you prepare for this condition. You could even cover it in your dog's insurance so you'll be ready if it develops. 

It is a genetic disease, and if your dog's ancestry has records of it, it is more likely to get it and prepare better for it. So how can you prevent hip dysplasia in dogs? Read on! 

How to prevent hip dysplasia in dogs 

In those moments when you discover that your dog no longer moves like before and now seems to be in pain while walking, it is easy to suspect a broken bone or dislocation. Hip dysplasia is probably the last thing you'll think of. 

Taking the dog to a vet would reveal the condition. But then, there are things you could do to prevent this condition from ever developing in your dog. When your dog is still young, you should not indulge all of its puppy cravings regarding food. Controlling your dog's diet helps prevent it from developing a loose hip joint in adulthood. 

A study conducted on German Shepherds revealed that when dogs are fed so much that they become overweight as puppies, they are two times more likely to develop hip dysplasia than those of normal weight. You should look out for dog food specially made for puppies to prevent this condition. There you go! Hip dysplasia is preventable, and if you commit to it, you can help your dog grow and develop better.