When the four-legged members of your family greet you with affectionate, if slobbery, greetings when you arrive home, whether it be an ear scratch, leg bump, or a big old dog kiss sweeping across your face, there is no greater feeling. Cute? Yes. Unsanitary? Definitely.
Dogs have been shown to carry a variety of bacteria in their mouths that can be beneficial or non-effective to their general health, and animal experts agree that this bacteria is highly unsanitary and should not be touched by your dog. However, most of these bacteria are not intended to be absorbed by the human body through delicate membranes like those in our mouths, noses, or eyes. This article will explore the reasons why you shouldn’t let your dog lick your face or other exposed areas like wounds as well as the possible negative effects of having your furry friend lick you frequently.
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One of the best things about owning a dog, at least in the opinion of some people, is getting big, wet, sloppy kisses from them. Others shriek in disgust when they see a dog licking them. Understanding whether you should permit these dog kisses or not is important regardless of whether you enjoy playing kissy-face with your dog.
Licking is a behavior that dogs learn from birth, says Animal Planet. As soon as puppies are born, their mother licks them in order to clean them and stimulate breathing, and the pups learn to lick their mother in return. This licking instinct never goes away. The process of licking releases endorphins that provide a sense of pleasure and help to relieve stress, which is why some dogs resort to obsessive licking behaviors when they get anxious. In dog packs, licking also serves as a sign of submission to more dominant members of the pack. When it comes to dogs licking humans, however, its generally a sign of affection, although sometimes your dog might lick you simply because you taste good.
Dogs’ mouths were once thought to be cleaner than those of humans, and it was thought that dog saliva had healing properties, but this myth has been thoroughly disproven. Given that dogs frequently eat their own feces and lick their own private parts, it probably comes as no surprise that a dog’s mouth is a breeding ground for germs. Although dog saliva can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E There is very little evidence that doggie kisses are a method of transmission for pathogens like E. coli, parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and these illnesses are typically not carried in quantities great enough to pose a risk to the majority of humans.
Despite the low risk of the average person contracting an illness from dog licking, there are some people for whom the risk is too high to take a chance. Under no circumstances should your dog be allowed to lick anyone who falls into any of these categories, says Vetstreet:
Being a good pet parent can help reduce your risk of getting sick from receiving dog kisses. Regular health examinations, which should include fecal examinations, deworming, and treatments for fleas, ticks, and other parasites, can significantly lower the possibility that your dog will infect you. The risk of disease transmission can also be decreased by properly disposing of your dog’s waste and thoroughly washing your hands afterward. Additionally, it’s crucial that your dog’s food be thoroughly cooked. Avoid giving him anything raw that could expose him to bacteria, such as raw meat or a pig’s ear to chew on. Select a dog food that is balanced and made with your dog’s health in mind. Additionally, you should regularly brush your dog’s teeth to preserve his oral health and eliminate any bacteria that may be lurking in his mouth.
Let’s face it: It’s pretty hard to resist puppy kisses, even if you know deep down that it’s kind of gross.
Every time I go to my parents’ house, our Labrador mix, Scout, greets me and proceeds to lick my face until she calms down. As someone who frequently writes about germs, I am aware that this is probably not a good idea, but nothing compares to the joy of receiving a dog’s love. Seriously, who doesnt love puppy kisses?.
And there’s no evidence that swapping spit with your dog will improve your immunity.
According to Reynolds, dogs do expose people to new and different types of bacteria, but there is no proof that this increases your resistance to any diseases. “Some of the pathogens that dogs carry, like the parasites for example, are even incapable of conferring immunity upon humans, so they can simply infect you repeatedly,” she claims. Simply put, some of the bacteria that dogs carry in their saliva are not meant for humans to tolerate. “Its best to avoid them if you can. You don’t have to stop having your dog lick you completely, but you should try to avoid having your dog lick your face or any open sores.
FAQ
What happens if a dog licks your mouth?
You could get an upset stomach. Dogs can spread some common bacteria that can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and stomach upset. These types of bacterial infections include Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Clostridium, E. coli, Salmonella, Pasteurella, Leptospira, and Campylobacter.
Can you get sick from dog licking your mouth?
Zoonotic diseases are here to rain on your pet-kissing parade. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these diseases can spread between humans and animals via viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
Is it healthy to let a dog lick your mouth?
A dog licking faces or other body parts should pose a minimal health risk for the majority of healthy people. Do not allow dogs to lick your mouth or an open wound on your body if you are concerned.
Is dog’s saliva harmful?
You can get hookworms and other parasites from dog saliva. The majority of intestinal parasites spread from feces to the mouth, and this process is made easier by mouth wounds. These parasites include Giardia, hookworms, and roundworms.