Girls who have a pet dog spend almost an hour more a day being active, research suggests.
The researchers followed 600 children, ages two to seven, for three years.
Half of the children did not own 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 course of the study.
Their time spent sedentary, in front of screens, and physically active was measured using accelerometers, small devices worn on the hip during waking hours.
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-intensity activities and play by 52 minutes a day (file image)
Researchers followed 600 children, ages two to seven, for three years (file image)
The study, from the University of Western Australia and the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth, found that girls who acquired a dog increased their light-intensity activities and play by 52 minutes a day, and girls who lost a dog reduced the same activities in 62 minutes. one day.
The numbers were lower, but still significant, for the boys who participated.
Lead researcher Emma Adams said: “Our findings indicate that having a dog in the family could help promote healthy movement behaviors in children and reduce their risk of chronic diseases.”