I always put my GSDs on human grade Cosamin DS (Cosequin DS..is the dog drug). This contains Glucosamine and Condroitin. With this breed, you see a lot of hip problems as they age, so I start them when they are younger. Thor is 4 or 5 and he is already on it. One pill a day. Dear departed Shiloh would take Meloxicam on days when she had leg pain (not often). A trip to the vet will help in a diagnosis, then you can proceed to medicate as necessary. Good luck!! Keep us updated!