Virbac, MapMyWalk Team Up to Promote Canine Mobility

Virbac’s Keep Moving Activation encourages pet owners to make regular physical activity part of their dogs’ preventive-care routine.

Virbac has partnered with MapMyWalk to launch the Keep Moving Activation, a series of in-app walking challenges designed to encourage pet owners to stay active with their dogs.

The activation features two challenges. The Dog Days of Summer Challenge, running Aug. 28 through Sept. 27, asked participants to log 10 walking, running or hiking activities with their dogs. After four recorded activities, participants can receive 30% off URSOLYX Soft Chews, Virbac’s muscle health supplement for dogs.

The Fall Flex Challenge will run Oct. 13 through Nov. 12 and also requires participants to log 10 activities. Those who complete four activities will receive a discount on MOVOFLEX Advanced Soft Chews, Virbac’s joint support supplement.

Connecting movement with health

Virbac said the initiative reflects the connection between regular movement and pet health, noting that more than half of dogs age 7 and older experience muscle atrophy and changes to their muscles and joints that can affect quality of life. Participation is free through the MapMyWalk app. The activation aligns with Virbac’s broader focus on the human-animal bond and the role activity can play in supporting both pets and their owners, according to Dr. Nancy Turner, medical consulting veterinarian with Virbac.

“Honestly, it fits perfectly into our core purpose at Virbac: advancing the health of animals alongside those who care for them every day, so we can all live better together,” Dr. Turner said. “As a Human-Animal Bond Certified company, we deeply believe that pets and people thrive when they are active together. Since regular movement is just as essential for a pet’s health as it is for our own, this activation was a completely natural fit.”

A key goal of Keep Moving is to encourage pet owners to think about mobility before problems become apparent.

“Through the Keep Moving Activation, we hope to shift how pet owners view canine mobility from a reactive mindset to a proactive one,” Dr. Turner said. “Instead of waiting until a dog shows signs of stiffness or aging, we want owners to see daily movement as an easy, powerful form of preventive medicine and bonding.”

“Our goal is to inspire pet parents to treat physical activity as a core pillar of their dog’s daily health routine — helping pets live happier, healthier and longer lives by our side.”

Veterinary teams can play an important role in making that mindset part of preventive care, Turner said, particularly by helping clients develop activity routines appropriate for an individual pet.

“Veterinary teams are the leads and the conversation should start with the authority of the health care team,” she said. “Just as human doctors prescribe movement for a variety of medical issues, veterinarians need to start using exercise prescriptively.”

Turner pointed to the availability of resources that can help veterinary professionals develop home exercise programs built around manageable daily activities.

“Fortunately, there are fantastic resources available now to help veterinary teams design home exercise programs that integrate small, daily activities to make a big impact on a pet’s overall health,” she said.

Veterinary guidance is also important when pets are beginning a new exercise routine, Turner added.

“The veterinary team’s involvement is critical for safety; just like with people, pets need proper medical clearance before jumping into a new exercise routine to prevent injury.”

For senior dogs in particular, maintaining appropriate activity can have significant implications for mobility and quality of life.

“It is absolutely essential,” Dr. Turner said. “Research shows that appropriate exercise is fundamental to preserving mobility and quality of life, as functional movement directly correlates with a dog’s lifespan and overall well-being.”

She said regular activity can help counter age-related challenges while supporting physical and mental health.

“Regular activity directly counteracts age-related morbidities like sarcopenia and obesity, while combating the effects of a sedentary lifestyle,” Dr. Turner said. “Physically, exercise strengthens the surrounding musculature to stabilize compromised joints, improves range of motion, and helps prevent injuries.”

Turner also pointed to the potential relationship between physical activity and cognitive health in aging dogs.

“Mentally, higher physical activity levels are associated with lower severity of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), reduced rates of cognitive decline, and a significantly lower likelihood of senior dogs reaching clinical dementia thresholds,” she said. “Ultimately, daily movement helps senior pets retain their autonomy and stay happily engaged in their home environment.”

Mobility only works as part of a full strategy, she said. “Diet, exercise, and joint and muscle support are all connected, which is why Virbac built its Keep Moving platform around one goal: helping pets stay active and live well at every age.”

Because every pet has different needs, veterinary teams should remain central to developing an appropriate plan. “Every pet needs a plan suited to its body and lifestyle, so veterinary teams stay at the center,” she said. “Not every supplement on the market is backed by real science. Virbac’s approach is grounded in published research and developed with veterinarians, which is why we always point pet owners to their vet before starting something new.”

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