Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

What can I give my 12-year-old German Shepherd for hip pain relief?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 12 years and 6 months old | 75 lbs

Hello, I have a 12 year old German shepherd who is perfectly healthy other than his hips. I was wondering if there are any medications I can give him to relive the pain?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on August 5th, 2017

I am sorry Prince is having hip pain. I would recommend taking him to a vet to make sure he is not having any other issues. The vet will most likely want to do bloodwork before starting him on long term pain medications. I typically start patients off on a NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory) and add additional medications if the NSAID is not enough on its own. However Prince should only take medication for dogs and should have blood work before starting NSAIDs. NSAIDs can be harmful to a dogs kidneys and liver if they are not working properly. Over the counter you can start him on a joint supplement. I recommend glucosamine and chondroitin. There are non medical options too like a cold light laser and acupuncture. I would ask your vet about if these are options in your vet office or near by.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My large dog has hip pain and stiffness. Can he walk, what meds?

Since Zeus is only 6, I would certainly have your veterinarian evaluate his joints to see if he does have arthritis. At 150 pounds, he is likely overweight for a Shepherd/Malamute cross. Weight loss is very important for treating arthritis and may be one of the most important treatments we can offer. There are a huge number of supplements and medications that we use to treat arthritis. I have attached a link to a handout below with additional information. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=587 Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Zeus feel better soon. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has severe hip pain. Supplements aren't helping. What now?

If supplements alone haven't helped, it may be time to add in a pain medication or other joint medications to help relieve Halo's discomfort. Unfortunately, these do require a trip to the vet in order to be prescribed, but it's a good idea to schedule a vet visit anyway to monitor Halo's joint health and any progression of disease. Your vet may recommend regular bloodwork and X-rays to watch the hips for any additional deterioration so that medications and joint supplements can be adjusted as needed. Changing supplement types in addition to this, such as adding in fish oil and vitamin E, Green-Lipped mussel, or another glucosamine/chondroitin combo may also help, however, consulting with your vet first to make sure there is no interaction with other medications is best.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is limping and withdrawn. What can I do for her pain?

There is nothing OTC that can safely be given to your dog. Many OTC medications are toxic or can easily be overdosed. Additionally, our experts are legally prohibited from recommending medications in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). Restrict her activity for the rest of the night and tomorrow. A warm compress can be applied for 10-15 minutes. If the lameness persists or if she is extremely painful, have her physically examined by your veterinarian. Afterwards, an appropriate medication can be administered or dispensed. Never medicate a pet without the advice of your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 6-year-old Shih Tzu has hip pain. What are the best relief options?

Yes there is pain relief options your vet can prescribe for her and diet is very effective, hills j/d mobility care can massively help. If this is not available there are many supplements which may help containing glucosamine, omega fatty acids and msm

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What safe pain relief can I give my dog with GI disease and ascites?

I am so sorry you and Prince are going through this. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous (and even deadly) for dogs, so I do not recommend giving any to Prince without consulting with your vet. Your veterinarian can prescribe safe medication to help with the pain, but aspirin may be dangerous for Prince, especially in his current condition.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

What supplements for my senior dog? Should I ask the vet first?

Hello, Prince may indeed benefit from joint supplements at minimum. However, any supplements that you will be offering to Prince would be most adequate if recommended by your veterinarian since they will know Prince's medical history and requirements the best. Once he has undergone an evaluation, then your veterinarian may recommend supplements either from their office or some that you may obtain over the counter at a supplement store. Please schedule a wellness exam with your primary care veterinarian and discuss if Prince would benefit from supplements. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Dog struggling to get up? Best joint pain relief for large breeds.

Shepherd dogs often suffer from hip dysplasia which is very painful and can cause the signs you describe. As you live near Mumbai I can recommend a very good veterinarian specialised in orthopedics, You should take Avior to her for an exam and treatment as indicated. Sometimes surgery is needed, but the least he needs is pain medication and antiinflammatory medication. The doctor's name is Dr. Leena Dalal, Green Fields, 134, M Karve Road, Opp Oval Maidan, Churchgate Mumbai Phone: 098 20 001687 I suggest you give her a ring and either make an appointment with her or ask her if she can recommend a veterinarian near you.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share