Many dog owners have a habit of allowing their pets to lick their faces. This intimate action can provide emotional benefits, but it also carries significant health risks.
Licking is an instinctive behavior in dogs, and they often lick their mouths when feeling stressed or fearful. Additionally, they lick their mouths when they notice changes in human emotions, demonstrating their empathy.
For this reason, many dog owners willingly let their pets lick their faces as a way to strengthen their mental well-being. However, scientists warn that dog saliva can be more harmful than beneficial.
Dog saliva contains various microorganisms that can transmit diseases to humans – (Image: SHUTTERSTOCK).
Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, open wounds, or those who cannot control their dog’s food should avoid letting dogs lick their bodies.
A dog’s mouth harbors many types of microorganisms that typically do not harm humans but can transmit infectious diseases through bites, licking, or contact with scratched skin.
While most people who come into contact with dog saliva do not get sick, there have been rare cases.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a type of bacterium found in the mouths of three-quarters of healthy dogs and cats, has caused severe infections in some individuals, leading to life-threatening situations.
Other bacteria, such as Pasteurella multocida, can also be transmitted to humans via dog saliva, resulting in serious consequences like meningitis.
Dog saliva is also a “home” to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This type of bacteria is considered one of the top ten global public health threats, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In 2023, after studying 2,800 patients with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their pets, German scientists concluded that the transmission of these bacteria between pets and their owners is “possible.”
However, this study identified only a few cases. The researchers also concluded that “owning a dog or cat is not a significant factor contributing to the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitalized patients.”
Pay Attention to Hygiene Many people believe that animal saliva can heal wounds, leading them to train their dogs to lick open wounds. However, no research has proven that dog saliva helps wounds heal faster. On the contrary, this practice can significantly increase the risk of infection. In fact, dogs can help humans address some psychological issues, such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and emotional trauma. For example, petting or cuddling with a dog can help patients feel calmer, reducing blood pressure and heart rate. Nonetheless, owners should limit allowing their dogs to lick for their own safety. If this behavior continues, owners need to ensure both their health and their pet’s by managing food sources and maintaining strict hygiene. |
