Quick answer: if Seraquin doesn't seem to be working, the usual reasons are giving it too short a trial, giving less than the pack says (half tablets make this easy), skipping or rushing the 4 to 6 week loading phase, using the 800mg tablet for a dog over 10kg, or simply that Seraquin's formula doesn't cover enough. It has glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric, but no MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, Boswellia 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. Seraquin's dosing details come from its pack information as published by UK retailers, because Seraquin's own website blocked our access. Everything was checked on 8 October 2026.
Why Seraquin might not be working
1. It's too soon to judge
Seraquin isn't designed to work quickly. A Viovet staff answer says it usually takes a few weeks to see much difference and is meant for long-term daily use. The pack's own loading phase is 4 to 6 weeks before you start cutting back, so 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 isn't getting the full dose
Seraquin's 2g maintenance dose is half a tablet under 10kg, 1 tablet for 10 to 20kg, 1.5 for 20 to 40kg and 2 over 40kg (zooplus). Half tablets are easy to round down, especially for a 20 to 40kg dog. Weigh your dog rather than guessing, and check you're not giving the 800mg tablet to a dog over 10kg: the 800mg version is for dogs and cats under 10kg.
3. The loading phase was skipped or cut short
The pack says to double the daily amount for the first 4 to 6 weeks, then reduce by half a tablet each week until you reach maintenance (Ocado). That means three tablets a day for a 30kg dog at first, which some owners find a lot. One Viovet reviewer said three a day seemed high (October 2023). If you started on the maintenance dose, your dog may not have had the build-up the pack intends.
4. Doses are being missed
Most Seraquin reviewers say their dog takes it easily, and the brand has said 9 out of 10 dogs and cats eat it as a treat (VetSurgeon, 2014). But if your dog picks it out of food, or tablets get split and forgotten, missed days add up. A supplement only works if it's given every day.
5. The formula is narrow
Seraquin has two of the six key joint actives, glucosamine and chondroitin, plus turmeric with no published curcumin content. 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. Seraquin contains no omega-3 source. If it hasn't helped, a broader formula is a sensible next step. See what's in Seraquin 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. One VetUK reviewer wrote simply: "No improvement noticed" (Dawn S., VetUK, May 2020; star ratings aren't shown for individual reviews). That's when a vet's view matters most.
How to tell if Seraquin 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 can't tick any of these after a fair trial, it's time to try something else and to see your vet.
Why Seraquin customers switch to MedPaw
Seraquin vs MedPaw on the reasons it might not be working
| The issue | Seraquin | MedPaw |
|---|---|---|
| Breadth of formula | Glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric | All six key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia |
| Getting the dose right | Half tablets for many weights; two tablet strengths | Whole chews at every weight |
| Loading phase | Double for 4 to 6 weeks, then reduce half a tablet a week | 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 Seraquin six to eight weeks at the right dose and your dog isn't moving any better, switch to MedPaw. Swap rather than stack: stop Seraquin 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 Seraquin, it does give more glucosamine and chondroitin per day than MedPaw, and most of its reviews are positive. Read our Seraquin reviews for the full picture, or our MedPaw vs Seraquin 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 Seraquin alternatives guide useful.
How long does Seraquin take to work?
Seraquin doesn't publish a timeline we could find, but a Viovet staff answer says it usually takes a few weeks to see much difference. The pack's loading phase alone is 4 to 6 weeks, so give it six to eight weeks at the right dose before judging it.
Why is Seraquin not working for my dog?
The most common reasons are too short a trial, under-dosing (often from rounding down half tablets or using the 800mg tablet for a dog over 10kg), skipping the loading phase, missed doses, a formula that doesn't cover enough, or a condition that needs a vet.
Should I increase the Seraquin dose?
Don't go above the pack's feeding guide without asking your vet. Check you're giving the right amount for your dog's current weight, including the double dose for the first 4 to 6 weeks.
What should I try if Seraquin 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, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia to glucosamine and chondroitin, with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Can I give MedPaw and Seraquin together?
No. Both contain glucosamine and chondroitin, so swap rather than stack.
Can I switch from Seraquin to MedPaw straight away?
Yes. Stop Seraquin 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.
