“I Tried That and It Didn’t Work”… Why Patience Matters with Dog Supplements
- Dogs In Sync
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 27
Not all dog supplements work overnight - here's why herbs and natural remedies need time, and how to track real progress.
We hear it all the time: "I tried that supplement for my dog and it didn’t work."
When it comes to natural remedies and supplements for dogs - whether for arthritis, allergies or anxiety - patience is key. These gentle allies don’t act like pharmaceuticals, but rather by gently shifting physiology, restoring balance, and supporting the body’s own healing processes... and this can take time.
Why Some Take Time
Joint & mobility supplements (eg. rosehip, MSM, green-lipped mussel, turmeric): These often need 4–6 weeks before changes in cartilage metabolism, reduced inflammation, or improved comfort are noticeable.
Herbs for allergies or immune modulation (eg. reishi, quercetin, nettle, astragalus): The immune system doesn’t flip overnight. It can take several weeks to months for mast cell behaviour and histamine responses to calm.
Adaptogens and nervines for anxiety (eg. ashwagandha, chamomile, skullcap, Ciska's Blend mushrooms): Herbs that regulate stress hormones and support the nervous system generally require daily, consistent use for at least 3–4 weeks to see a shift.
Physiologically, you’re waiting for things like:
Cartilage repair & synovial fluid changes (joints).
Immune modulation & reduced inflammatory cytokines (allergies).
Neurotransmitter balance & adrenal regulation (anxiety).
Setting Realistic Expectations
Short-term: You might see subtle improvements like better energy, calmer mood, or fewer flare-ups.
Medium-term: Look for reduced frequency/severity of symptoms, better mobility, or improved skin/coat.
Long-term: The real goal is resilience — fewer relapses, less reliance on pharmaceuticals, better overall wellbeing.
Think in weeks to months, not days.
How to Track Progress
Start a simple log or “Jar of Wins” – jot down stiffness in the morning, number of scratching episodes, or recovery time after play. Tiny wins add up.
Use a rating scale (1–10) for pain, itch, or anxious behaviours.
Take photos/videos of skin, mobility, or behaviour - the changes are easier to miss when you see your dog every day.
Combining Dog Supplements Safely
Less is more to start: Don’t throw five new supplements in at once. Introduce one at a time so you can measure effect and tolerance.
Synergy matters: Some products are designed to complement each other (eg. collagen + vitamin C for joints, mushrooms + antioxidants for immunity).
Dosage is key: Under-dosing is one of the most common reasons people think something “doesn’t work.”
Different Supplements, Different Timelines
Arthritis/joint health: Usually slower; expect 4–8 weeks for measurable improvement.
Allergies/skin: Moderate timeline; immune modulation and gut healing take several weeks or longer, especially if condition is chronic.
Anxiety/behavioural support: Mixed - some calming herbs may have immediate effects (chamomile, valerian), but lasting change from adaptogens or mushrooms takes time.
Bottom Line
Supplements and herbs aren’t “magic pills.” They’re more like patient builders - gently laying the foundations for resilience and balance. With patience, consistency, the right remedies and the right expectations, these powerful allies can make a world of difference.
💚 Thanks for reading!
At Dogs In Sync, we’re passionate about helping your pup thrive with fresh food feeding, natural supplements, herbs and holistic care.
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We aim to optimise your dog’s health…. naturally.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s health plan.
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