Is there something i can do for my lab mix now to prevent further hip problems?

Question

My lab mix is a wonderful dog! She is very slim not overweight at all I make sure of that b/c I do not want to lose her prematurely. However I know labs are prone to hip problems and like i said she is a lab mix. She is only two years old and she already backs up to me and wants me to rub her hips all the time. She goes crazy when I do. She loves to run and jump its her favorite thing and her hips never seem to hurt her I just worry about her cuz she is already wanting them rubbed all the time I know she is prone to more serious problems in the future. I was not sure if there was any supplements or something I could ask my vet for or anything I could do to try to prevent these problems as much as possible. Please any ideas would be helpful she is my baby and I dont want her to be in any pain.

Answer 1

A glucosamine/chondroitin supplement can help (ask your vet first) to protect and lubricate her joints, as will keeping her at a good weight as she is now.   Try to prevent her from jumping, especially for example if throwing a ball or frisbee, where she is up in the air and lands on her back legs.

There are some exercises you can do with her.  This article, although talking about German Shepherds, is useful for any dog.

http://www.sheprescue.org/Hip%20Dysplasi...

Answer 2

I believe there are excercises to strengthen hips in dogs prone to dysplasia.  You'll want to check with your vet or find a naturopathic vet/physiotherapist (yes they have them for dogs).  

One of the ones i've heard is getting your dog to walk backwards on its hind legs.  You can pick their front feet up, get them to back up one or two stops, praise and repeat.  

Tug-of-war is supposed to be strengthening for these joints also (backward pulling motion.)

But definetely check with your vet to make sure you wont' be doing any damage, every dog is different.

Answer 3

Glucosamine supplements.  You can give her the human-grade stuff from Walgreens (cheaper than the stuff they make for dogs) - just call her vet to see about the dosage.

My dog has been on this supplement since being diagnosed with luxating patellas a year ago, and there has been no noticable progression since.  

Answer 4

Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements Nutro Ultra food has it in all their foods also there is a brand of supplement at Pet Smart called 21st Century you get 120 liver flavored chews for $25 it has made a world of difference in our Mastiff.