When do german shepards usually start having hip problems

My dog usually doesn't seem to have problems except when he plays a lot of frisbee and after he sleeps for a long time he seems like he is stiff and sometimes he whines a little before he gets moving.

Lately he even seems to perefer to walk on the treadmill as opposed to the uneven sidewalks and streets although he enjoys a short walk but even when he seems to hurt he will play with his frisbee.

I cant tell if he is just being a wimp because as soon as he gets moving doing something he enjoys he is fine.

I have two shepherds of my own, ages 8 and 10. The 8 year old has horrible hips, while the 10 year old has fine hips (both have been x-rayed recently). Smaller amounts of exercise and less strenuous exercise is best for them.

There are two products that might help you out here. The first is cosequin, which is available through your vet. It is a combination of glucosamine and condrontin sulfate and it helps to rebuild the cartilage in their joints. It takes about a month of being on it before you really notice a difference, but believe me, you will. My dog with the bad hips will now do things like jump in the back of the jeep that she would never dreamed of doing before.

The other product is Rimadyl, which is basically the advil of the doggie world. Your vet would want to do blood tests to check liver functions before putting him on it full time or you can safely use it every now and then after your dog as really exerted himself and seems exceptionally painful.