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Why are my senior dog's back legs shaking? Can glucosamine help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | neutered | 11 years and 10 months old | 20 lbs

My 12 yr old mixed beagle male. I've seen his back legs shake a couple times when I take him outside in the morning. Is there anything I can do for this? Give him glucosamine? He has no other visible issues...Thanks!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ann Dion, DVM

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 11th, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Shaking in the morning does sound like arthritis, and this is likely the cause, however it is a good idea to get him checked out by a vet to see if there are any other problems.
Treatment for arthritis is multifocal. Glucosamine can help, just make sure you get the one that is Glucosamine HCl (not Glucosamine Sulphate used for humans, they will pee this out unchanged). You can also talk to your vet about pentosan injections, as well as a change in diet. Hill's has a food called "J/D" that is good for joints and has supplements built in. Keeping the muscle mass up without excessive stress on the joints is very helpful, and swimming is great for this. Also, if Paulie is overweight, a diet will be the most helpful treatment.

Best of luck with Paulie! I hope he feels better soon!
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