Dog yelping when getting up/laying down

Question
Dear Dawn,
I ave a 5 year old German Shepard Mix who seems to be realtively healthy. However, over the last two weeks, she has began emitting a stange sound (like a cry or yelp) when getting up or laying down. She does not seem to have any trouble or pain when walking or running. Any idea on what the problem might be?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi John,  It sounds like she may be having some problems with her hips.  Possibly some arthritis starting to set in.  You could have a vet take an x-ray to see if anything is going on in the joints so that you can catch it early.  Hope this helps,

Dawn