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My dog's dislocated hip hurts, Rimadyl isn't working. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 20 lbs

So we recently discovered that our dog has a dislocated hip but that since she’s young it can heal on its own. They prescribed him Rimadyl 25mg but he’s still in a lot of pain and I don’t think the medicine is working. He also just wants to sit on the floor all day instead of going on a bed. Is there anything else I can give him for pain? Or make him a bit more comfy? He barley slept due to the pain and his vet is closed for the day. What do you suggest?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on January 4th, 2018

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear Syo appears to be in some discomfort from his hip issue. If the Rimadyl does not appear to be doing the trick, there are other medications you can obtain from your veterinarian that may help in better pain relief. As far as at home ways to help reduce pain, I would recommend a heating blanket or heating pad to the effected area for 15-20 mins a few times daily. Be sure the heating pad is between a blanket when placed over the area to prevent burning. I hope this helps and I would recommend seeing Syo's veterinarian soon when they open so you can discuss other paid medications that may work better for Syo. Thanks again for posting and best of luck to you both!

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Oh my. Poor guy. I would have to disagree here. Dislocated hips don’t usually heal on their own. I wonder if the terminology that you are using to describe the hip isn’t quite accurate? However the pain you describe indicates that he likely does have subluxation of his hip, which means that the hip bone is out of the socket. This requires it to be put back into the socket while your pet is under a mild sedative. This needs to be corrected quickly because the longer it is out the harder it is to get the hip bone (femur head) back into the joint space. Some pets will even require surgical correction. Here is more information on hip dislocation in pets and information on the procedures mentioned above. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2210 Also to help with his pain I would highly recommend having the pet prescribe an opiate (like Tramadol) and also Gabapentin can be useful to help manage his pain while you sort through which procedure you wish to move forward with to correct his hip. I would not recommend any over the counter pain medicine because they can be very toxic to pets. Provide him some soft comfy thick bedding and help him move around by placing a towel underneath his belly like a sling. He should take it easy from now until his hip is completely healed. I hope that Syo is able to get this corrected soon. Best wishes and take care.

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