You have been giving Flexadin faithfully, and your dog still seems stiff when they get up from their bed. It is a frustrating place to be, and it is a common reason owners go searching for answers.
The good news is that there are often practical explanations. Timescale, dose, mixing up the different versions and an undiagnosed underlying cause all come up again and again. This article walks through them calmly, so you can work out what to check before deciding your next step.
One note first. A joint supplement is a complementary feed that sits alongside veterinary care. It is not a substitute for finding out why your dog is struggling, and your vet is the right person to ask if you are worried.
Flexadin not helping? How MedPaw's formula compares
Before you switch anything, it helps to know exactly what is in the tub. Flexadin is not one of the products in the table below. It does show how MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max, our own product, compares with five other well-known UK joint supplements.
Use it as a checklist. Put your Flexadin label beside it and count how many of the six key joint actives you can find: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata.
Key joint actives in the UK's leading dog joint supplements
| Ingredient | MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max | NutraPaw Joint Support | YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max | Seraquin Joint | Synoquin EFA | Nutraquin+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key joint actives | 6 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 (+1 via mussel) | 2 of 6 | 2 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Glucosamine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chondroitin | ✓ | ✗ | Via mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| MSM | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Green-lipped mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hyaluronic acid | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Boswellia | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Omega-3 | Mussel, flax | Mussel | Mussel, fish oil | ✗ | Krill oil | ✗ |
| Turmeric | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Collagen | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Antioxidants | Vit C, Vit E, zinc | Manganese | Vit C, Vit E, manganese | ✗ | Vit C, zinc | Vit C, zinc |
| Format | Soft chew | Tablet | Tablet | Chewable tablet | Tablet or capsule | Capsule |
| Guarantee | 60 days | 90 days | 6 weeks | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
✓ = included, ✗ = not listed. Key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia. Taken from each manufacturer's published information, September 2026.
The top row is the one to look at. MedPaw is the only product of the six that contains all six key joint actives, scoring 6 of 6. The nearest rival scores 4. For a dog who is still stiff after a fair trial of another supplement, a broader formula in one daily chew is a sensible next step to consider.
MedPaw is a soft chew, so there are no tablets to hide in food. A 20kg dog has 2 to 3 chews a day, doubled for the first three weeks, and we suggest 2 to 3 months of daily use for optimal results. It supports joints, mobility and comfort alongside veterinary care.
There is a 60-day money-back guarantee, and Subscribe & Save is available if you decide to carry on.
See MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max You can read the full ingredient list and feeding guide for your dog's weight on the product page.
First, which Flexadin are you giving?
Flexadin is a range rather than a single product, and the versions have different formulas and different feeding instructions. Everything below comes from published source information, and formulas change, so please check the current label on your pack for anything not covered here.
Flexadin Plus (tablet)
Flexadin Plus is described as a veterinary nutritional supplement for joint cartilage, marketed for dogs and cats. It is sold as a bottle of 90 chicken-flavoured tablets, which can be given directly or mixed into food.
The ingredients named in the source are glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, manganese and harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's claw). The source says it does not contain collagen type II.
The dosing has two phases. There is an initial, stronger dose for 4 to 6 weeks, then a lower maintenance dose that can continue long term. The number of tablets depends on your dog's weight band, so follow the current pack for the exact amount.
Flexadin Advanced Original (chew)
Flexadin Advanced Original is described as a dietary supplement for dogs, sold as a 60-chew pack. The three key ingredients named are vitamin E, collagen type II and omega-3 fatty acids, described as helping keep joints supple.
It does not contain Boswellia. The source says this makes it an option for dogs that dislike the taste of Boswellia, and that a separate version, Flexadin Advanced with Boswellia serrata, exists.
The feeding guide is 1 chew a day for 3 months, regardless of your dog's weight, given on its own or mixed with food. The source advises contacting your vet before use, and before extending beyond the 3 months. The retailer also states it was developed for use after diagnosis and under veterinary supervision.
The sources do not list glucosamine or chondroitin for this version. If you are comparing it with another product, please check the label yourself.
How the versions are positioned
One retailer source positions Flexadin Plus for beginning joint problems and Flexadin Advanced for more severe symptoms. That is the retailer's view, not independent evidence. Your vet is better placed to say which suits your dog.
Common reasons it can seem not to be working
Not enough time
This is the big one. The sources give clear timescales: 4 to 6 weeks of the initial phase for Flexadin Plus before moving to maintenance, and 3 months of daily use for Flexadin Advanced Original.
Stopping at two or three weeks is a common reason owners feel nothing has happened. Joint supplements are given daily over weeks and months, not used as a quick fix. Note your start date and judge the product over the timescale on the pack.
The wrong dose, or a skipped initial phase
With Flexadin Plus, the first phase uses a higher dose than maintenance. Dropping straight to the maintenance amount, or using the dose for the wrong weight band, may mean your dog is not getting what the label intends. Dogs gain and lose weight, so weigh yours again and recheck the band.
With Advanced Original, the source states 1 chew a day regardless of weight. Giving more or less than the label says is not advised without guidance from your vet.
Mixing up the versions
Plus (tablet), Advanced Original (chew) and Advanced with Boswellia have different formulas and feeding guides. Read the product name on your pack and follow that pack's instructions, not a guide written for a different version.
Your dog is not actually eating it
Dogs are individuals. One that spits out tablets, or leaves a chew in the bowl, is not getting a full daily amount. Watch that the whole dose is eaten and, if needed, mix it into food, which the sources allow for both versions.
A quick checklist of things to rule out before deciding a supplement is not working
| What to check | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Timescale | Sources give 4 to 6 weeks for Plus, then maintenance, and 3 months for Advanced Original | Note the start date and judge over the pack timescale |
| Dose and weight band | The wrong band or a skipped initial phase means less than the label intends | Weigh your dog and reread the current pack |
| Version | Plus, Advanced Original and Advanced with Boswellia differ | Follow the guide for the exact product you hold |
| Whole dose eaten | Spat-out tablets or leftover chews mean a partial dose | Check at each feed, or mix into food |
| Underlying cause | A supplement cannot address every cause of stiffness | Ask your vet to assess |
For guidance only, not a diagnosis.
The cause may not be a supplement issue
This is the most important point in the whole article. Stiffness, slowing down or reluctance to jump can have several causes. These include arthritis, hip or elbow problems, cruciate ligament injury, spinal problems, an injury, or another illness altogether.
A joint supplement is not designed to address all of these. If the underlying cause has not been diagnosed, a supplement may never seem to help, however carefully you follow the instructions.
The Advanced Original source itself says the product is intended for use after diagnosis and under veterinary supervision. That is a sensible reminder that diagnosis comes first and supplements come second.
Everyday factors that can overshadow a supplement
Even with a solid supplement routine, a few things at home can limit how comfortable your dog feels. They are worth looking at alongside whatever you give in the bowl.
- Extra weight. Carrying extra weight puts more load on joints. Ask your vet to check body condition and suggest a weight plan if needed.
- Exercise pattern. Short, regular, steady walks usually suit stiff dogs better than occasional long or very energetic outings.
- Slippery floors. Rugs, runners or non-slip mats can help a dog who struggles when rising or turning at home.
- Bedding. A thick, supportive bed away from draughts is often more comfortable for older dogs.
- Getting up and down. Ramps or steps for the car and sofa cut down on repeated jumping.
Practical steps to take now
If you are not sure where you stand, work through this list in order. It is simple, and it gives your vet useful information if you do need an appointment.
- Check the exact product and pack. Confirm which Flexadin you have, and read the current label for ingredients and dosing.
- Check weight and dose. For the tablet, match the correct weight band and make sure the initial and maintenance phases are being followed.
- Keep a simple diary. Note the start date, the daily dose given, and how your dog gets up, climbs stairs or walks after rest. Short video clips of walking and rising help your vet compare over time.
- Give it the full timescale. Judge it over the period on the pack, unless your vet advises otherwise.
- Book a vet check if there is no change, or things are worsening. Ask whether the cause has been properly assessed and whether other options, including pain relief, are appropriate.
- Keep following prescribed medication. If your dog has been prescribed something for joint pain, please do not stop or change it yourself.
- Tell your vet about everything your dog has. That includes fish oil or other joint products given alongside Flexadin, so nothing gets doubled up.
- Ask before extending or switching. The Advanced Original source advises talking to your vet before going beyond 3 months.
What the evidence does and does not tell us
The sources we have do not include independent trial results or success rates for any Flexadin product, and there are no figures on how many dogs respond. Any owner feedback is anecdotal, and it tells us little about how your own dog will respond.
So it is fair to be realistic. A supplement may support your dog's joints as part of a wider routine, but nobody can promise an outcome for an individual dog. That is true of every joint supplement, not just this one.
If you are thinking about a different supplement
If you have given Flexadin properly for the full timescale, and your vet agrees that a different complementary feed is reasonable, you may want to compare labels. A few tips make this easier.
- Compare the ingredient list, not just the brand. Products differ in whether they include glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia, turmeric, collagen or omega-3 sources.
- Compare the format, whether tablet, chewable tablet, capsule or soft chew, as this affects how easy it is to give every day.
- Compare the feeding guide and recommended duration.
- Check the guarantee terms, which vary between brands.
For comparison only, here is what MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max contains. It is a daily soft chew and a complementary feed for dogs. The key joint actives are glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata. It also provides omega-3 from green-lipped mussel and flax seed, plus vitamins C and E and zinc, and it is made with rapeseed oil and glycerine.
The feeding guide is 1 chew a day up to 4kg, 2 for 5 to 17kg, and 2 to 3 for 18kg and over, doubled for the first three weeks. Daily use for 2 to 3 months is recommended. There is a 60-day money-back guarantee, and Subscribe & Save is available.
Like any supplement, it supports joint health as part of a wider routine and does not replace a vet assessment. Switching products may not make a difference if the real cause has not been found.
When to see your vet
Please do not wait for a supplement to work if you see any of the signs below. Book an appointment and let your vet guide the next step. Speak to them before starting, extending or changing any supplement if your dog has existing health conditions, takes medication, or is pregnant or nursing.
How quickly to act on what you are seeing
Mild stiffness, no clear change yet
Keep a diary, check the dose and timescale, and mention it at your next routine vet visit.
No improvement over the pack timescale, or slowly getting worse
Book a vet check. Also book one for a dog that struggles with stairs or the car, licks or chews at a joint, seems withdrawn, restless at night or reluctant to walk, or has lost appetite or weight.
Limping or not weight-bearing, crying out, swollen or hot joints, or sudden weakness
Contact your vet promptly. Wobbliness, dragging back legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control need urgent veterinary attention.
If your dog seems well but just not much improved, be kind to yourself. Often there is one small piece missing, such as time, dose or a diagnosis, and a conversation with your vet is a good way to find it.
How long does Flexadin take to work?
The published sources give timescales rather than a promise of a result. Flexadin Plus has an initial phase of 4 to 6 weeks before a lower maintenance dose, and Flexadin Advanced Original is fed daily for 3 months. Stopping after two or three weeks is a common reason owners feel nothing has changed, so note your start date and judge it over the timescale on your pack.
Could I be giving the wrong dose of Flexadin?
It is worth checking. With Flexadin Plus the first phase uses a higher dose than maintenance, and the number of tablets depends on your dog's weight band, so weigh your dog again and reread the current pack. For Flexadin Advanced Original the source states 1 chew a day regardless of weight. If you are unsure, ask your vet before changing the amount.
Is there a difference between Flexadin Plus and Flexadin Advanced?
Yes, they are different products with different formulas and feeding guides. Flexadin Plus is a tablet naming glucosamine, chondroitin, manganese and Devil's claw, whereas Flexadin Advanced Original is a chew naming vitamin E, collagen type II and omega-3 fatty acids. Always follow the guide for the exact pack you hold, and check the current label for anything not covered here.
My dog is still stiff after months on Flexadin. Should I see the vet?
Yes, that is a sensible next step. Stiffness can have several causes, and a supplement is a complementary feed that cannot address all of them. Your vet can look for the underlying reason and advise whether other options are appropriate. If your dog is limping, crying out or has swollen joints, contact your vet promptly.
What should I look for if I want to compare Flexadin with another joint supplement?
Compare the ingredient list rather than the brand name, as products differ in which actives they declare. Also compare the format, the feeding guide and recommended duration, and the guarantee terms. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is a daily soft chew declaring glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata, with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Can I switch from Flexadin to another supplement without asking my vet?
It is best to have a quick word with your vet first, especially if your dog has a health condition, takes medication, or is pregnant or nursing. They can also check that nothing gets doubled up if your dog has other joint products or fish oil. Please keep giving any prescribed medication as directed, as a supplement does not replace veterinary treatment.
