Top Tips for Exercise and Weight Management
Expert advice from canine massage therapist Mary-Anne Smith on managing your senior dog's exercise and weight, including body condition scoring and harness selection tips.
Last updated:
About this article
In this article
Pet health is built on small daily habits. Feed the right food. Keep meals to set times. Walk every day. Keep core shots like DHPP and Bordetella up to date. Use a vet plan for fleas, ticks and worms. Call your vet if you see big changes in eating, energy or toilet habits.
More from the blog
Frequently asked questions
Are Your Older Furbabies Turning Into Roly-Poly Couch Potatoes?
As our pets age and exercise less, weight gain can happen quickly. Keep an eye on their diet and portion size. It's essential to evaluate your pet's diet at different life stages to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrients to support their aging bodies and avoiding foods/treats that create inflammation.…
How Much Is Too Much Exercise for Our Oldies?
Daily exercise is essential. If your arthritic dog is overweight, be cautious of excessively long walks. Two 15-minute walks a day are far more beneficial and manageable than an hour's walk once a day.
What core vaccines does my pet need?
Dogs need DHPP and Bordetella kept up to date. Cats need F3. Bring a recent record to your first visit.
When should I worry about a symptom?
Call your vet if you see a sudden change in eating, drinking, energy, breathing or toilet habits.
How do I keep my dog at a healthy weight?
Measure meals, keep treats small, and walk daily. Ask your vet to score your dog's body shape twice a year.
Key terms
Force-free training is defined as a way to teach dogs that uses kindness and rewards. It never uses pain, fear or harsh tools.
Daycare refers to a day at our centre where dogs play, rest and learn in small groups. Trained staff watch every dog.
Boarding is defined as an overnight stay for dogs at our hotel. Each dog has a private rest area and joins group play breaks.
By the numbers
- Started in Auckland in 2006 — 19+ years of pet care
- 5 Auckland centres: Parnell Central Bark, Mt Wellington, Silverdale, Wairau Park and Westgate
- Open 7 days for daycare, hotel stays, grooming and tours
- Every staff member uses kind, force-free care, every day
Our Services
Our 5 Auckland Locations
About & Help
Pets In The City — Auckland's premier pet care since 2006, with 5 Auckland locations open 7 days. Email hello@petsinthecity.co.nz.