When you have a pet, it is a normal thing to let it lick your face. It is a rather enjoyable and a fun way to express each other’s love and it is a part of the bonding experience.
However, doctors are condemning this activity. They say that no matter how adorable and harmless you think letting your dog lick your face is, this habit can cause serious threats when it comes to your health.
This canine mechanism of licking is a dog’s way of expressing affection to its owner and a way to get attention. Besides, dogs are drawn to scents and love the taste and smell of their owner.
But, be careful: The belief that canine mouths are cleaner than the humans’ is a myth. This belief may be due to the fact that when a dog licks its wound it heals itself. However, the healing is not a result of the dog’s healthy saliva – but of the increased circulation that licking provides which regenerates the dead tissues of the skin.
Moreover, the dog’s bad breath is a sure sign that its saliva may not be as clean as we think it is. Once you find out what can be found in it – you probably won’t let a dog lick you ever again.
Marty Becker is a veterinarian who claims that not only are dogs’ mouth not clean but also they carry and transmit microbes that can be a cause for various diseases and infections, such as:
- Staphylococcus Aureus
This bacterium is found in the saliva of the dog and can be passed easily to humans, resulting in skin boils, food poisoning, or in a worst case scenario – a toxic shock syndrome.
- Escherichia Coli
- Coli is a dangerous bacterium that also lives in the mouth of your dog and causes fever, fatigue, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
– MRSA (Methicillin – resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
It takes one kiss for MRSA germs to spread into your immune system. This bacterium causes sores, boils, and other skin infections. In most cases these infections are not serious but if your bloodstream gets infected it could lead to sepsis – which is life-threatening.
- Ringworm
This is a rather nasty infection that is also known under the names of “athlete’s foot” and “jock itch”. It is caused by fungus and it results in unpleasant itchy rashes in the form of concentric circles (rings).
These are the most important downsides in letting your dog lick you. Moreover, you should also try to be careful and stay away from cuts and open wounds.
Finally, if your dog suddenly surprises you and licks you – you should immediately wash the licked area with water and soap in order to destroy the bacteria and stop them from spreading into your mouth, eyes, or nose.
Watch the following video for more insight and information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry1-jNhwITY
