Child with dogWhile watching a recent segment on current affairs television, detailing yet again the alarming statistics on Childhood Obesity, I found myself shouting at the TV –  “ Fix the problem! Buy every kid a dog, and encourage them to play and exercise with it every day”.

Major problems are never fixed quite that simply, but there is no doubt that kids with pets are far healthier, mentally and physically, than their pet-deprived peers.

Kids who share their early years with pets are more confident, compassionate , and according to recent research, enjoy many health benefits – less likely to become allergic or asthmatic, stronger immune system, less likely to have eczema, less stressed, lonely and depressed.

Other positives relate to the responsibility of caring for another living creature – even if reality doesn’t match their pre-pet-purchase promises.

Now I know there are negatives that come with poorly planned pet ownership, but I’m all for promoting the positives.

What do you think?