Avoiding Hip Dysplasia later in life?

From what I have heard (I don't live in the US) Canidae IS a good quality food.  I wouldn't be concerned about that, especially if she is active, obviously healthy and a good weight.  All of those things, at her age, will mean good things for her joints in general.  Keeping her lean is a big part of prevention.
 
I have owned nothing but breeds known to be susceptible to HD, so I know where you are coming from.  Right now I have a Labrador puppy, and in addition to a healthy kibble, he gets a supplement of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, B-Complex and fish oil once a day.  It's a complete healthy joint supplement, if you don't have something similar in the US (if that is where you are) then I am sure you can find those things separately, the ones important for the joints are the gluc. and chon. (give those together) and the fish oil.  I think some people use ester-c as preventative as well.  I am sure others will be around to recommend brands. 
 
It's great that you are thinking of this in advance, I am sure when she is older and pain-free she will thank you.
 
Hope this helps!
 
Kate

Have you heard anything about "hyaluronic acid"
it's supposed to be really good stuff for humans, good for the joints..

From what I've read, HP isn't really avoidable in all cases.  It can depend on the dog's breed, its blood line, and other factors.

I could be way off the mark here, though, so I'll let the others offer their advice.

Hyaluronic acid is also called "joint fluid".  When I couldn't find my usual glucosamine w/chondroitin at Costco (and didn't want to grow old and die in there walking around looking for it) I picked up a bottle of Move Free by Schiff figuring it was pretty much the same thing.  Move Free has hyaluronic acid in it, and I don't know if it was the acid or not, but I noticed an amazing difference in about a week - I have arthritis in my knees. I don't know why that wouldn't be OK for dogs just like all the other human joint medicines out there.

Joyce

I have my 2 Dobies on Vita Pet Plus with Glucosamine ...hopefully it will help their bones/joints.

some dogs are simply going to be genetically predisposed to get hip dysplasia no matter what.
I had a GSD who was born with it - no avoiding it there.
You can probably help slow down the progress of it with good diet, good weight and excercise.
But I think, like people who have joint issues in their family, if the dog is going to get it eventually it'll simply be there.

ORIGINAL: Roxie865
From what I've read, HP isn't really avoidable in all cases.  It can depend on the dog's breed, its blood line, and other factors.

 
Totally agreed, but there are preventative measures that can be taken in order to slow down the process and lessen the severity if it does happen.  As far as I know, HD can also occur due to stress or trauma on the joints, and by giving supplements that increase joint flexibility, that can be prevented, in some cases.
 
IMO, it's like anything - heart disease can run in a person's family, but by not smoking, drinking heavily or eating a diet heavy in saturated fat, you can prevent heart disease being caused by THOSE factors.  (Not that I necessarily follow that advice [].)
 
Kate

HA is fine for dogs also.  Doug the Dog is on it - it works when it is going to work (heavy work always makes him stiff no matter what).

The ABCA (working BC registry) is helping fund a project looking at the genetics of CHD.  It is of particular interest to the working BC folks because we have not found the current clinical screening methods to be a reliable predictor of disease in our dogs, nor of the real inheritance pattern from generation to generation.  We need a better way to seperate genetics from nurturing environment, wear and tear, and the BC's unique physiology.

Something we have found is that early exercise patterns seem to make some difference, in addition to proper nutrition and as good genetics as possible.  Avoid repetitive play or training exercises until growth plates are closed.  Avoid a lot of jumping and, if at all possible, stair climbing.  Focus play and light training on what a puppy would naturally choose to do, rather than forcing any motion.  Keep all training sessions very short.

 I'm sure you've also heard to keep your pup on the slim side.  Long happy walks, swimming, and wrestling with doggy friends, will build strong muscle and connective tissue.  This is what you want.  One of the theories some of my friends in BCs, are toying with, is that connective tissue health may possibly be more important than joint conformation, overall.  That's where offering a diet with a good wide range of high quality proteins, comes in, in addition to exercise.

Good luck and have a great time with your new pup!

Since I've heard nothing but good stuff about HA, does anyone know what the dosage should be for a dog, and how often? I won't give it to her unless I find out for sure that it's ok and the right dosage amount but I figure it won't hurt to ask in here..
thanks  

ORIGINAL: dax702

I'd like to know if there are any things I can do for my dog to lower her odds of getting Hip Dysplasia,

The best thing you could do now is have her xrayed to see if she shows any current signs of HD.  If she does - you know you have to start NOW to work on keeping her thin and supplementing her.  If she has great hips then you don't have to worry.

hip dysplasia is mostly genetic and is best avoided by buying pups from parents who have been certified to have excellent hips.
Some people suspect that feeding rich puppy foods that promote too-rapid growth contribute to the development of hip dysplasia. Young dogs should be skinny. Very skinny. Long walks, jogging, jumping, and other such stressful exercises before the dog finishes growing can increase the chance of the dog developing joint problems.