Quick answer: the most common reason PetLab Co Joint Care Chew Advanced seems not to work is judging it too soon: PetLab Co's own product page says month three is when "You may see the difference". Other reasons are giving fewer chews than the feeding guide for your dog's weight, missed days, a formula that doesn't include hyaluronic acid or added vitamins, or a joint problem that needs a vet. If your dog has had a fair trial and is no better, we'd recommend trying MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews instead: a soft chew with all six key joint actives, including hyaluronic acid, plus vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, and a 60-day money-back guarantee with nothing to send back.
Transparency note: this page is written by MedPaw, which makes a competing joint supplement. PetLab Co's guidance is quoted from its UK product page with links. Everything was checked on 8 October 2026.
Why PetLab Co Joint Care might not seem to work
1. It hasn't had long enough
PetLab Co's joint chew page sets out its own timeline: in month one "Daily joint support begins", in month two "Your dog may start to move more easily", and in month three "You may see the difference". It also says results vary. So if you're only a few weeks in, PetLab Co itself wouldn't expect a clear change yet. Our guide to how long joint supplements take to work explains what's realistic.
2. Your dog is getting fewer chews than the guide
PetLab Co's guide is one chew a day under 11kg, two for 11 to 21.9kg, three for 22 to 34kg and four over 34kg. Weigh your dog rather than guessing, especially if they've gained weight, and don't split chews between dogs. One owner of a very large dog felt the amount was pitched at smaller dogs (Trustpilot reviews mentioning joints).
3. There's no starting boost
Some joint supplements double the amount for the first few weeks. PetLab Co's guide lists no loading phase, so there's nothing you've skipped, but it does mean your dog builds up on the standard daily amount from day one. Giving it every day matters more than anything else.
4. Days are being missed
A few joint chew reviewers said their dog didn't like the taste, and some owners in PetLab Co's UK reviews describe late or missing deliveries. A chew left in the bowl, or a week's gap while a parcel turns up, makes it hard to judge. If your dog won't take the pork flavour, that alone is a reason to try something else.
5. It doesn't include everything
PetLab Co's chew lists glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, Boswellia and omega-3 from anchovy oil. It lists no hyaluronic acid, the sixth key joint active, and no vitamin C, vitamin E or zinc. MedPaw includes all of those.
6. The formula has changed
If your dog did well on PetLab Co's chews in the past and seems worse now, note that PetLab Co replaced its original UK Joint Health Chews with Joint Care Chew Advanced, which it describes as a different formulation. The footnote on its product page says the customer quotes there relate to the original chews.
7. The problem needs a vet
Supplements support joints; they don't treat arthritis or injuries. A 2022 review of 72 trials (Barbeau-Grégoire et al., Int J Mol Sci) found omega-3 had the strongest evidence for dogs with arthritis, and that glucosamine and chondroitin didn't relieve pain. If your dog is limping, won't put weight on a leg, has a swollen or warm joint, or is getting worse, see your vet rather than changing supplements.
How to tell if it's working
Changes are gradual, so keep a weekly note, or film your dog on the same walk each week. Look for:
- Getting up from lying down more easily, especially first thing in the morning
- Less stiffness after a walk or a long rest
- Managing stairs, the car or the sofa with less hesitation
- Walking further, or keeping up on walks again
- More interest in play
- Less licking or nibbling at a particular joint
If you've given the right number of chews every day for the full time PetLab Co suggests and none of these have changed, it's fair to say it isn't working for your dog.
What PetLab Co reviewers say
Most reviews of PetLab Co's joint chews are positive, but a few long-term users saw no visible change. Across the brand, UK reviewers mostly complain about the subscription rather than results. For the full picture, read our PetLab Co reviews.
Why PetLab Co customers switch to MedPaw
PetLab Co vs MedPaw when the first supplement hasn't helped
| The issue | PetLab Co | MedPaw |
|---|---|---|
| Key joint actives | Five of six; no hyaluronic acid | All six, including hyaluronic acid, with the main amounts per chew on the label |
| Vitamins and minerals | None listed | Vitamin C 33mg, vitamin E 24 IU, zinc 3mg per chew |
| Starting phase | None stated | Double for the first three weeks |
| Flavour | Pork | Chicken and bacon, given like a treat |
| If it doesn't work | 60-day guarantee for first-time UK buyers only; one claim per household; may ask for sealed tubs back | 60 days from delivery, for any reason; email us and keep the tub |
| The subscription | Billed before each shipment until you cancel | Pause, change or cancel any time from your account, or just email us |
Our recommendation: if your dog has had a fair trial of PetLab Co and your vet has ruled out anything that needs treatment, switch to MedPaw. Swap rather than stack: stop PetLab Co and start MedPaw the next day, and remember to cancel your PetLab Co subscription. Give it six to eight weeks, and if you're not happy, email bark@medpaw.co.uk within 60 days of delivery 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. For a full side-by-side, see MedPaw vs PetLab Co.
How long does PetLab Co Joint Care take to work?
PetLab Co's product page says daily support begins in month one, your dog may move more easily in month two, and "You may see the difference" in month three. It also says results vary.
Am I giving my dog enough PetLab Co chews?
PetLab Co's guide is one chew a day under 11kg, two for 11 to 21.9kg, three for 22 to 34kg and four over 34kg. Weigh your dog to be sure.
Does PetLab Co Joint Care have a loading phase?
No. Its UK feeding guide lists the same daily amount from the start. MedPaw doubles the amount for the first three weeks.
Can I get my money back if PetLab Co doesn't work?
Only if you're a first-time UK buyer of its joint chews from petlabco.co.uk, within 60 days of your first delivery, one claim per household. PetLab Co may ask for unused, sealed tubs back. MedPaw's guarantee covers 60 days from delivery, for any reason, with nothing to send back.
What should I try if PetLab Co isn't working?
See your vet first if your dog is in pain or getting worse. If they're happy for you to try another supplement, we'd recommend MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews, which add hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E and zinc to the core joint actives.
Can I switch from PetLab Co to MedPaw straight away?
Yes. Stop PetLab Co 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.
