Daily exercise is extremely important in our every day lives, and even more so when cancer is involved.
While the visual reward of exercising for both you and your dog may be a fit and trim physique, consistent exercise improves things we don’t see, such as our immune system. The immune system is stimulated through exercise and releases endorphins that improve lymph circulation. The lymph system is a network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels that make and move lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. It’s a major part of the body’s immune system; playing a key role in cancer prevention. If the lymph circulation is impaired, the less efficiently the body removes toxins and the more favorable conditions are for the growth of cancer.
Exercise also improves gastrointestinal motility, which is the movement of food from the mouth through the pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines and out of the body, which helps normalize stools and eliminate toxins from the body.
A simple half hour walk each day is so beneficial for your best friend and additional aerobic activities such as running, swimming, fetch and tug, can help curb destructive behavior by burning off excess energy. Choose activities that suit your dog’s personality and interests and take into account that a dog’s need for exercise will vary depending on their age, size and breed.
The benefits of exercising your dog are plentiful, and just as in humans, dogs thrive in body and mind. So let’s stick it to canine cancer and human cancer too! Lace up those walking shoes, and grab your best friend…there are plenty of trails waiting to be explored! xoxo ~Zo 
