A new study conducted by Deakin University (Victoria, Australia) found that children who have a family dog in the home are less likely to be overweight or obese compared with those who do not. Associate Professor Jo Salmon, of Deakin’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, said that physical activity was the key to children maintaining a healthy weight. The study’s findings suggest that even incidental play with the family dog helped children keep the weight off.

Published in the Health Promotion Journal of Australia, the study involved more than 1100 children aged five to 12 randomly selected from primary schools in economically diverse areas of Melbourne. Professor Salmon summarized,”For parents who are trying to get their kids off the computer and switching off the TV and getting out and playing, having a pet might be a really good strategy for doing that. Social support for physical activity is vital, so this research suggests the extended family network — not just parents and siblings but also dogs and pets — is important for children’s health and their physical activity.”

We think that’s great news for kids and dogs!