A Vet Explains Why Dog Kissing and Wound Licking is Risky
A vet explains why dog kissing and wound licking is risky and can lead to illness in certain situations.
If you kiss your dog, you are in good company. Statistics show that 50% of dog owners share smooches with their pooches:-) I am definitely in the “pooch smooch” category, so I’ve tried to become educated on any possible dangers of dog kisses.
Online research indicates two significant risks that are possible from people contacting dog saliva through kissing and licking.
- Salmonella (food poisoning) can be passed from dog to human and human to dog. A dog who eats raw meat or animal feces might harbor the bacteria on the snout or tongue and pass it along to a kissing owner.
- Parasites like hookworm, roundworm, and giardia can be passed from dog to human through licking.
In the video below, Dr. Andy Sokol, a veterinarian at Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic, answers several questions about kissing dogs and allowing dogs to lick human wounds.
Takeaways from Dr. Sokol:
- It is possible to contact a sickness from a dog whose mouth is bacteria laden, so keeping the dog’s mouth clean is important.
- Dog to dog wound licks are fine and can promote healing.
- Dog to human wound licks are risky and should be avoided.
These facts are certainly helpful for all pet owners who ultimately decide whether it is worth it to kiss their dogs. They have certainly made me more aware of possible dangers and of the need to keep Cam’s mouth as clean as possible.
If you are a dog kisser, has any of this info changed your mind? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments of the post. As always, thanks so much for stopping by! Be blessed, and stay (dog saliva) savvy!!!
