Quick answer: if Dasuquin doesn't seem to be working, the usual reasons are judging it before the 4 to 6 week loading phase is over, giving the wrong strength for your dog's weight, rounding down half tablets, halving the dose too early, or simply that Dasuquin's formula doesn't cover enough. It has glucosamine, chondroitin and ASU, but no MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid or omega-3. If you've given it a fair trial at the right dose, we'd recommend switching to MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews: all six key joint actives in a soft chew, with 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 with links so you can check them. Dasuquin's dosing details come from Protexin Veterinary and UK retailers. Everything was checked on 8 October 2026.
Why Dasuquin might not be working
1. It's too soon to judge
Dasuquin isn't designed to work quickly. Protexin's feeding guide starts with a loading dose for 4 to 6 weeks before you cut back, and VetUK's listing says a response may take 4 to 6 weeks, though some dogs respond sooner. Judging it after two or three weeks is too early. Give any joint supplement six to eight weeks at the right dose.
2. Your dog is on the wrong strength
Dasuquin comes in two strengths: Small/Medium for dogs under 25kg (600mg glucosamine per tablet) and Large for dogs over 25kg (900mg). If your dog has grown or put on weight, or the wrong tub was picked up, they may be getting much less than intended. Weigh your dog rather than guessing.
3. Half tablets get rounded down
Protexin's guide is half a tablet a day for dogs under 4.5kg, 1 tablet (then half at maintenance) for 4.5 to 13.5kg, 2 tablets (then 1) for 13.5 to 25kg, 2 Large tablets (then 1) for 25 to 50kg and 3 Large tablets (then 1.5) for dogs over 50kg (Protexin). Half tablets are easy to skip or round down, and leftover halves get lost. Retailer listings also use slightly different weight bands from Protexin's, so check the tub.
4. The dose was halved too soon
The loading dose is meant to last 4 to 6 weeks, after which the daily number of tablets "may be reduced by half". If you dropped to the maintenance dose early, or started on it, your dog may not have had the build-up the guide intends. If you're unsure when to cut back, ask your vet.
5. The formula is narrow
Dasuquin has two of the six key joint actives, glucosamine and chondroitin, plus ASU. A 2022 review of 72 trials (Barbeau-Grégoire et al.) found omega-3 had the strongest evidence for arthritis pain in dogs, while glucosamine and chondroitin didn't relieve pain. It found one positive trial of ASU on its own, which isn't enough to be sure. Dasuquin contains no omega-3 source. If it hasn't helped, a broader formula is a sensible next step. See what's in Dasuquin for the full breakdown.
6. Your dog needs more than a supplement
Supplements support joint health; they don't treat arthritis or relieve serious pain. Limping, yelping, struggling to get up or a sudden change all need a vet check. Even Dasuquin's happiest reviewers are realistic: "It's not a guarantee but well worth a try" (Sarah S., Viovet, March 2022; star ratings aren't shown for individual reviews).
How to tell if Dasuquin is working
Changes from a joint supplement are gradual, so keep a simple note each week. After six to eight weeks at the right dose, look for:
- Getting up from lying down more easily, especially in the morning
- Less stiffness at the start of walks
- Walking further, or keeping up better on longer walks
- Less hesitation at stairs, the car or the sofa
- Less licking at a particular joint
- More interest in play
If you started Dasuquin alongside another change, such as a new diet, weight loss or another supplement, it's hard to know what made the difference. One Viovet reviewer gave it alongside YuMOVE; another changed their dog's diet at the same time. If you can't tick any of these after a fair trial, it's time to try something else and to see your vet.
Why Dasuquin customers switch to MedPaw
Dasuquin vs MedPaw on the reasons it might not be working
| The issue | Dasuquin | MedPaw |
|---|---|---|
| Breadth of formula | Glucosamine, chondroitin, ASU | All six key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia |
| Getting the dose right | Two strengths by weight; half tablets for many doses | One product, whole chews at every weight |
| Loading phase | 4 to 6 weeks, then halved | Double for just the first three weeks |
| Giving it every day | Chewable tablet | Soft chicken and bacon flavour chew, given like a treat |
| If it doesn't work | No money-back guarantee we could find | 60 days from delivery, for any reason; nothing to send back |
Our recommendation: if you've given Dasuquin six to eight weeks at the right strength and dose and your dog isn't moving any better, switch to MedPaw. Swap rather than stack: stop Dasuquin and start MedPaw the next day, doubling the usual number of chews for the first three weeks. If you're not happy, email bark@medpaw.co.uk within 60 days of delivery for a refund. Try MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews.
To be fair to Dasuquin, each tablet has more glucosamine and chondroitin than a MedPaw chew, and the few UK reviews it has are positive. Read our Dasuquin reviews for the full picture, or our MedPaw vs Dasuquin comparison.
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. You might also find our Dasuquin alternatives guide useful.
How long does Dasuquin take to work?
Protexin doesn't publish a timeline beyond the 4 to 6 week loading phase. VetUK's listing says a response may take 4 to 6 weeks, though some dogs respond sooner. Give it six to eight weeks at the right dose before judging it.
Why is Dasuquin not working for my dog?
The most common reasons are too short a trial, the wrong strength for your dog's weight, rounding down half tablets, halving the dose too early, missed doses, a formula that doesn't cover enough, or a condition that needs a vet.
Should I increase the Dasuquin dose?
Don't go above the feeding guide without asking your vet. Check you're using the right strength and the right number of tablets for your dog's current weight, including the loading dose for the first 4 to 6 weeks.
What should I try if Dasuquin isn't working?
See your vet if your dog is in pain. If they're happy for you to try another supplement, we'd recommend MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews, which add MSM, green-lipped mussel and hyaluronic acid to glucosamine and chondroitin, plus a stated 30mg of Boswellia, with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Can I give MedPaw and Dasuquin together?
No. Both contain glucosamine and chondroitin, so swap rather than stack.
Can I switch from Dasuquin to MedPaw straight away?
Yes. Stop Dasuquin 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.
