Common Growth Problems in Puppies

This publication highlights several developmental orthopedic diseases seen in young, growing puppies — including carpal flexural deformity (“knuckling over”), hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and panosteitis. The most common issue is knuckling over, which is not genetic and can appear in any breed, large or small. It develops when bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments grow at different speeds due to inappropriate diet, excessive calories, poor mineral balance or puppies being kept on slippery flooring that offers little support. Early detection makes correction easy, but if left untreated, the deformity can become permanent. Puppies under 8 weeks of age often show temporary limb weakness because of rapid early growth, but beyond that age, improper nutrition is the main driver of structural problems.

The publication details critical feeding mistakes that contribute to bone deformities: mixing different food brands, switching diets too often, adding low-quality vitamins or minerals, giving human food that disrupts the calcium–phosphorus balance, feeding too many calories compared to activity level or providing diets lacking essential micro-minerals. Even high-quality dog food can cause issues if fed in excessive amounts. Overnutrition and incorrect calcium levels — especially calcium levels not adapted to breed size — are the biggest risk factors for orthopedic growth issues in puppies.

How to Prevent Developmental Issues and Support Healthy Growth

To prevent structural deformities, puppies need a balanced diet with calcium levels tailored to their breed size: 1.2% calcium for small and medium breeds, and 0.8% for large and giant breeds. Supplements for growing puppies may still be useful for skin, coat, digestion and immune support, but they must be formulated specifically for growth. Proper nutrition, non-slippery flooring and avoiding excessive caloric intake remain the core strategies for supporting healthy development and preventing long-term orthopedic problems.

Understanding these early-life risk factors is key to ensuring puppies grow into strong, healthy adult dogs.

Want the full guide? Download the complete PDF publication to explore every detail about growth-related problems in puppies and how to prevent them.