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How long does it take a dog to recover from hip surgery?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 08, 2026

If all goes well, you can expect your dog to fully recover and return to normal activity in approximately 16 weeks post-op. For the first 6-8 weeks after surgery, your dog must be confined when left alone, but can be out with you when you are at home if you can carefully supervise them.

How long before a dog can walk after hip surgery?

Most dogs can stand and walk on the new hip implants the day after surgery and are able to go home after 3-5 days of total hospitalization. However, total hip replacement patients must be confined to a crate and allowed outside only on a leash to eliminate for 3 months after surgery.

How successful is hip dysplasia surgery in dogs?

Total hip replacement is the gold-standard surgical treatment for dogs with moderate to severe hip dysplasia. This means that it is the most effective, permanent and successful treatment available that restores an animal to return to a healthy, happy, and normal life for the dog (or cat).

How long does it take for a dog's hip to heal?

Expect a 12-week recovery period in order to allow time for proper healing to occur. If your dog is suffering from hip dysplasia in both hips, surgery may only be performed on one hip at a time, with a three-to-six-month gap between surgeries.

How long should you walk a dog with hip dysplasia?

Exercising A Dog With Hip Dysplasia

Walking and moderate running can help strengthen the muscles around the joint. Your veterinarian may recommend that you try for two 20-minute walks each day — be sure to let your dog set the pace. As a general rule, try to avoid jumping or running for long distances.

41 related questions found

What is the life expectancy of a dog with hip dysplasia?

How Long Can a Dog Live With Hip Dysplasia? With proper surgical and medical management, a dog with hip dysplasia can live a normal, healthy life. Your dog should see your veterinarian every six months for a physical examination to ensure joint health and promote muscle strength and mobility.

Do dogs with hip dysplasia walk funny?

Some individuals refer to the hip dysplasia gait as a “bunny hop,” as it is similar to the way a rabbit moves when walking. It is a very strange-looking gait for a dog. Since it is quite noticeable, it is sure to stand out as a symptom if your dog shows it.

How can I help my dog recover from hip surgery?

After the surgery, your dog's activity will need to be restricted to limited on-leash exercise when outdoors, and confined in a small area indoors with no opportunities for strenuous activities. This activity restriction will need to be maintained until your pet is fully healed.

Can a dog walk with a broken hip?

Depending on the severity of the injury, a dog with a broken or fractured hip might not be able to walk. Even if he is able to do so, most vets recommend that the dog be kept to strictly necessary movements to allow the joint a chance to heal.

Can a dog walk on a dislocated hip?

Can dogs walk with a dislocated hip? Dogs may be able to walk, but their movement will be impaired with a severe, toe-touching lameness for which veterinary treatment is recommended.

Can a dog fully recover from hip dysplasia?

Your veterinary surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for caring for your dog after FHO surgery, but you will need to prevent your dog from doing any strenuous physical activity for at least 30 days. In most cases, you can expect your pup to completely recover about six weeks following the operation.

Can dogs recover from hip dysplasia?

There is no cure for hip dysplasia in dogs. However, there are many treatments that have proven to be effective in providing pain relief in older dogs and preventing further damage in puppies. The most basic treatments are also the most important: maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.

What happens if hip dysplasia is left untreated in dogs?

If left untreated, dogs with hip dysplasia usually develop osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). Dogs with hip dysplasia commonly show clinical signs of hind limb lameness, pain, and muscle wasting (atrophy).

Is hip surgery worth it for dogs?

Total hip replacement is considered the most effective surgery for treating hip dysplasia. THR involves using plastic and metal implants to replace the entire hip joint, returning your dog's hip function to a more normal range and eliminating most of the hip dysplasia related discomfort.

Does hip surgery work on dogs?

Total hip replacement is typically the first choice for surgical treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs, since it is the most effective. THR involves using plastic and metal implants to replace the entire hip joint, bringing hip function back to a more normal range and eliminating most hip dysplasia-related discomfort.

How much does dog hip replacement cost?

In a total hip replacement, the entire joint is replaced with artificial components making it the most expensive surgery at $3,500 to $7,000 per hip. However, at this stage of hip dysplasia, both joints are usually affected which puts the surgery closer to $7,000 to $14,000.

How can I comfort my dog in pain?

You can keep your dog as comfortable as possible by providing a soft bed or couch with fluffy blankets for it to lie on. Give your dog a luxurious massage, his favorite toys, and favorite food. However, don't forget to provide your dog with a balanced diet to keep it as healthy as possible during its sickness.

How long does a dog's broken leg take to heal?

WHAT IS A DOG'S BROKEN LEG HEALING TIME? The healing time for a broken leg in a puppy is relatively short (2 to 4 weeks). Younger dogs have more bone building cells and are growing anyway, so their bones are constantly remodeling. For adult dogs, the healing time for a broken leg is 6 to 12 weeks.

How much does pelvic surgery cost for dogs?

For the procedure to be carried out on both hips, most dog owners can expect to pay in the region of $3,000. The bulk of this cost is due to the extensive time and attention to detail required of the surgeons.

How do dogs sit when they have hip dysplasia?

When your dog takes on a lazy sit, she will sit with both legs to one side and flop onto her hip. The lazy sit has other variations. Sometimes, a dog will sit with a leg on each side but instead of the legs being under the hips, they will be splayed out.

How painful is hip dysplasia in dogs?

Some pets with significant signs of hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis on X-rays may not exhibit any clinical signs, while others with minimal changes may experience severe pain and lameness.

Can dogs with hip dysplasia go up stairs?

Steer Dogs Away From Stairs

Repeatedly going up and down stairs can gradually injure joints and may lead to hip dysplasia in dogs that are susceptible to the disease. The negative impact of stair climbing is especially pronounced in puppies whose joints are still forming and whose muscles are still weak.

Can a dog live a happy life with hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia should not shorten your dog's life at all. As long as it receives treatment and is well taken care of at home, any dog with the condition should go on to lead a full and active life. Problems only occur if the dog eats too much or discomfort prevents them from exercising enough to keep their weight down.

Can a dog live comfortably with hip dysplasia?

Dogs with hip dysplasia can live comfortably, long into their golden years, so even if your dear canine has been diagnosed with the condition you can expect many joyful years together. If your dog is over 7 years old, they may need additional support as they age – read more about caring for a senior dog here.

How fast does hip dysplasia progress in dogs?

Puppies with a genetic predisposition are born with normal hips, but changes begin within a few weeks of birth. In some cases, lameness and gait abnormalities begin as early as 3 months of age, while other dogs may not exhibit signs for years.