Petting dogs is officially healthy.

The results of the relevant study are published in the journal PLOS one. The researchers reported that petting a dog activates the part of the brain responsible for socialization and emotions. For many people, companionship with a dog helps to cope with stress and fatigue. It's no secret that a healthy lifestyle involves movement, healthy eating, walking in the fresh air. Four-legged doctors help treat many serious diseases, including dementia, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, mental disorders, etc. They are also able to “sniff out” people with oncology. And in general, these pets make their owners healthier, the researchers say.