Quick answer: the most common reasons Antinol doesn't seem to work are judging it too soon (Antinol itself says to monitor for 60 days), skipping the 15-day double dose, missed doses because a dog won't take the capsule, and a condition that needs a vet rather than a supplement. Antinol is also a single ingredient, green-lipped mussel oil, with a low omega-3 content and no glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM or Boswellia. If you've given it a fair trial and seen no change, we'd recommend trying MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews instead: a soft chew with all six key joint actives and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Transparency note: this page is written by MedPaw, which makes a competing joint supplement. Reviews are quoted word for word from Antinol's Trustpilot page so you can check them. Antinol's guidance and reviews were checked on 8 October 2026.
Why Antinol might not be working
1. It hasn't had long enough
Antinol's messages on timing vary. Its product page says changes "can be seen as early as 3 to 4 days", that most owners notice changes from 10 days, and elsewhere that most see results after 15 to 30 days. Its help centre says every pet is different and to monitor for 60 days. If you were expecting a change in days, a month without one can feel like failure: "30 days into trial and sadly no improvement in my almost 13 year old labrador, Cooper." (Sue, 2 stars, August 2024). Judge it at 60 days, not before.
2. The dose or loading phase was off
Antinol's feeding guide is one capsule a day for dogs under 20kg and two a day over 20kg, doubled for the first 15 days (one help article says 14). Skipping the double dose, or keeping a large dog on one capsule, means less than the label intends. Dose advice can also get muddled: one owner wrote "I was told our dog should be on a higher dose than they were (as advised by a consultant)." (Linda H., 1 star, May 2025). Check your dog's weight and the label.
3. Doses are being missed
A capsule hidden in food can be found and left. Antinol suggests piercing the capsule and squeezing the oil onto food, but some owners still struggle: "My dog would not take them given suggested other ways of giving her them" (Jean S., 4 stars, September 2024). If you're finding capsules in the bowl, your dog isn't getting the full amount.
4. It only has one active ingredient
Antinol Joint Care Pro is 50mg of PCSO-524, a green-lipped mussel oil extract, per capsule. Antinol states that gives 20mg of omega-3, including 10mg of EPA and 5mg of DHA. That's far below the fish oil doses used in arthritis trials, although Antinol says its effect comes from the wider mix of fatty acids rather than the EPA and DHA content. There's no glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, hyaluronic acid or Boswellia. See Antinol ingredients explained for the detail.
5. It's being given with another marine oil
Antinol advises against giving other omega-3 or marine oils at the same time. If your dog is on a fish oil as well, ask your vet which one to keep.
6. The problem needs a vet
A supplement won't fix a torn ligament, a significant hip or elbow problem, or pain that needs medication. One owner hoping it would help their dog's elbow wrote: "I was hoping it would help with the inflammation on hi right front elbow but unfortunately it has not worked" (Anthony, 3 stars, May 2024). If your dog is limping, sore to touch, or getting worse, see your vet.
For more on what other owners say, read our Antinol reviews and complaints page.
How to tell if Antinol is working
Changes in joint comfort are gradual, so keep a simple weekly note from day one. Signs it's helping:
- Getting up after rest more easily, with less stiffness first thing
- Managing stairs, the car or the sofa without hesitating
- Walking further, or keeping up on walks without lagging
- Less limping, or limping that doesn't return after exercise
- More interest in play
If there's no change on that list after 60 days at the full label dose, it's fair to say Antinol isn't doing enough for your dog. Some owners see an early improvement fade: "Seems to work but the last couple of days my dog Elly , is back to limping." (George S., 4 stars, August 2024). That's a reason to check in with your vet.
Why Antinol customers switch to MedPaw
Antinol vs MedPaw if Antinol isn't working
| The issue | Antinol | MedPaw |
|---|---|---|
| No difference, so you want a different formula | Green-lipped mussel oil only; no glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM or Boswellia | All six key joint actives, with the main amounts per chew on the label: MSM 185mg, glucosamine 170mg, chondroitin 70mg, green-lipped mussel 70mg, Boswellia 30mg, plus hyaluronic acid |
| Doses missed because of capsules | Softgel capsule, or pierce and squeeze | Soft chicken and bacon flavour chew, given from your hand like a treat |
| Trying something new without the risk | 60-day trial on Starter Packs for new customers only | 60 days from delivery, for any reason; email us and keep the tub |
To be fair, a large 2022 review of 72 trials found glucosamine and chondroitin didn't relieve arthritis pain in dogs, and neither MedPaw nor Antinol is a high-dose omega-3. MedPaw is a different, broader approach in a format dogs take easily, and the guarantee means you can judge it on your own dog.
Our recommendation: if Antinol hasn't helped after a fair 60-day trial at the right dose, switch to MedPaw. Swap rather than stack: stop Antinol and start MedPaw the next day, doubling for the first three weeks. Give it six to eight weeks, and if you're not happy, email us within 60 days and we'll refund you. Try MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews.
If nothing has worked so far
If your dog is still stiff or sore after a fair trial of any supplement, see your vet. They may suggest pain relief, weight loss or an omega-3 fish oil at a proper dose, which has the strongest evidence for dogs with arthritis. Read what you can safely give a dog for joint pain and the best fish oil for dogs' joints.
More on Antinol: MedPaw vs Antinol, Antinol alternatives and Antinol side effects.
How long does Antinol take to work?
Antinol says some changes can appear within days and most owners see results within 15 to 30 days, but its help centre advises monitoring for 60 days, including the double dose for the first 15 days. Judge it at 60 days.
Why is Antinol not working for my dog?
Common reasons are judging it too soon, skipping the loading dose, missed doses because your dog won't take the capsule, giving it with another marine oil, or a problem that needs a vet. It's also a single ingredient with a low omega-3 content.
Should I give more Antinol if it isn't working?
Stick to the label, which is based on your dog's weight, unless your vet tells you otherwise. If your dog is still stiff after 60 days at the right dose, talk to your vet or try a different formula.
Can I get a refund if Antinol doesn't work?
Antinol's 60-day trial applies to Starter Packs for new customers: give it for 60 days as directed, then ask for a refund within 90 days of buying. MedPaw's guarantee is 60 days from delivery, for any reason, with nothing to send back.
What should I try if Antinol hasn't worked?
See your vet first if your dog is in pain. If you want to try a different supplement, we'd recommend MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews, a soft chew with all six key joint actives and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Can I switch from Antinol to MedPaw straight away?
Yes. Stop Antinol and start MedPaw the next day. There's no need for a gap, and you shouldn't give both. Check with your vet first if your dog takes any medication.
