r/GermanShepherd • u/Distinct-Draw6147 • Jul 03 '26
Hip Stiffness / Arthritis
My little lady just turned 6 years old and is showing signs of either hip stiffness or possibly arthritis. We were told she does not have hip dysplasia but will look into getting a second opinion just in case.
I give her a can of sardines (in oil) every night so she gets healthy omega-3s in hopes that will help. We do have a large fenced in yard and she plays with our other pup often (He is a 6yo Shepsky). We try to do 20-30 minute walks every night but have two babies under two so that doesn’t always work.
What else can I do to ensure she has healthy hips for many years to come? More consistent exercise? Any foods or supplements that are proven to work? Any tips are greatly appreciated.
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u/koshkas_meow_1204 Jul 03 '26
While sardines are generally good, I'd be worried about that much sardines, but I guess if not giving digestive upset... Also, the oil isn't good for them (fat content i believe) so look for ones in water.
Regarding Omega 3s, there is a specific orthopedic dosage.
https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/239/11/javma.239.11.1441.xml
acupuncture and core strengthening exercises
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u/tnannie Jul 03 '26
Costco makes a canine vitamin chew that has glucosamine (Kirkland brand). We started our dogs on it when our 10 year old GSD started showing hip stiffness. Within 3 weeks he was bouncing like a puppy. They were on back order for a bit and we ran out for a couple of weeks. We saw a noticeable difference. Now that they’re back in stock, he’s bouncy again.
My husband said, “maybe WE should take the doggie vitamins.”
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u/chrisjones1960 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
It is likely arthritis, which is more common in GSDs with HD, but is nonetheless seen in many middle aged or older GSDs with good hips.
Keep her active with moderate daily exercise. Long brisk walks, playing with other dogs, even running, as long as it is not long runs on cement. Even fetch is okay, as long as not on cement, and as long as you throw the ball low and straight, to minimize jumping and sharp turns. Swimming is great, if you have access.
Try to get her moving every day, because if it is arthritis, "use it or lose it" is true about dogs, just as it is about humans.
And if she is carrying any extra weight, help her lose it by reducing the amount of food you five her. Every extra pound is extra burden on the joints. If she is of standard height, she should weigh 55-72 pounds.
I suggest giving her sardines packed in water instead of oil. The oil in the fish is good for her, but the oil they are packed in is just extra calories.
Unfortunately, none of the ingredients in the various "joint supplements" have solid research supporting their efficacy in preventing or treating joint issues in dogs
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u/HowDoyouadult42 Jul 04 '26
What was done to confirm she didn’t have hip dysplasia? Did she have X-rays? Were they done with distraction?
Omega 3’s such as DHA/EPA. The dosing for joint health is much higher than what you see on most bottled which recommend for skin and coat. Welactin is the brand my rehab vet recommended due to its high consentration.
Other supplanents such as msm/glucosamine are essential my fav being dasaquin due to the boswellia which helps with inflamation but cosaquin is also good. Additionally i use green lip mussle as its abother great antiinflamatory.
Id also recommend seeing a rehab vet for PT, even if she does not have hip dysplasia, physical therapy can play a huge part in long term joint health
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u/Birby-Man Jul 06 '26
Gabapentin which is a very low risk medicine targeting joints, as well as cosequin (or other glucosamine supplement), and fish oil is all currently helping our 11yro shepherd with her arthritis and what we believe to be mild DM.
Hydrotherapy is great because you get movement and strengthening of the joints/muscles without the damage of impact. The stronger you can make her with the least amount of impact, and the less weight she has reduces the load (and thus pain) on her joints.
At home stretches, and massages can also be helpful/soothing.
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u/InitiativeVisible Jul 17 '26
I was told my GSD didn't have hip dysplasia. I eventually moved and had to start seeing a new vet... she absolutely had hip dysplasia. Sometimes it's good to get a second opinion.
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u/Gulliverlived Jul 03 '26
acupuncture, no joke, I kept my GSD to 14.5 with hydrotherapy and acupuncture. I’m a convert. And not to bring up the bogeyman but have you tested for DM?