Research shows that young girls who have a dog are active for almost an hour more every day.
The researchers observed 600 children between the ages of two and seven over a period of three years.
Half of the children did not have a dog at any time during the study period, 204 had a dog for the entire three years, 58 acquired a dog during the study period, and 31 children lost a dog during the study period.
The amount of time they spent sitting, looking at screens and being physically active was measured using accelerometers – small devices worn on the hip during waking hours.
The study by the University of Western Australia and the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth found that girls who got a dog increased their light-intensive activities and games by 52 minutes per day (stock image).
Researchers tracked 600 children between the ages of two and seven over a period of three years (archive image)
The study from the University of Western Australia and the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth found that girls who got a dog increased their light-intensive activities and games by 52 minutes per day, and girls who lost a dog increased those activities by 62 Minutes reduced a day.
For the boys who took part, the numbers were lower but still significant.
Lead researcher Emma Adams said: “Our findings suggest that having a dog in the family could help promote healthy exercise habits in children and reduce their risk of chronic diseases.”