Why Should Never Let A Dog Lick Your Mouth

It is well known that having pets can bring their owners several psychological and emotional benefits. They can influence our cognitive, emotional, and social developments, serve us organization amid the harsh times of our lives, and even help us become progressively active! People with pets generally exhibit healthier characteristics than non-pet owners. 

They will generally have better confidence and feel less desolate since their pets fill in as colleagues and as friendly exchanges when meeting potential new companions. Pets likewise urge us to move around and run outside in addition to their requirements for physical exercise. They can even have some physical benefits such as a greater tolerance to allergies and lower blood pressure levels.  In today's article, we're going to talk about why should never let a dog lick your mouth.  

Why Should Never Let A Dog Lick Your Mouth

Should Never Let A Dog Lick Your Mouth  

Dog Licks Mouth

But, despite these positive reasons for having pets, there are still a few safety measures to take when we have animals in our homes. Dogs have a lot larger tolerance to bacteria, germs, and viruses than humans do, and they have a few propensities that would be viewed as dangerous for humans. So next time you let your puppy lick all over your face or have a chomp on your sandwich, recollect that there are a few diseases that can carry from them to you: 

Is my dog's mouth cleaner than mine?

The short answer is no, a dog's mouth is no cleaner than a human's. Dogs carry about 600 different types of bacteria in their mouths.

"Like many myths, it's not clear how the myth that dogs have cleaner mouths than humans did or caught on," Korman told Newsweek. "It probably started with the observation that dog saliva must have healing properties because dogs usually lick their bites. And wounds, trying to heal them."

Another possible explanation is that the saliva and bacteria in the dog's mouth create an environment that can prevent cavities from forming. "Dogs have a less acidic mouth pH than their human counterparts. This reduces the risk of cavities, but they don't have a lower risk of periodontal disease, which is caused by bacteria," Korman said. It happens," Korman said.

Should I let my dog lick my face?

"It's very important to remember that it's very rare for people to get an infection from their dogs," Korman said. However, there are some possible scenarios where this may not be the best idea.

"Dogs like to lick our sweet faces because it's often a way of greeting and showing affection to their pack members," she said. "If you enjoy licking your dog's face, you should go for it, but be aware of certain conditions that can make the practice a bit dangerous."

If you are immunocompromised, have a newborn, or are allergic to dog saliva, it may be a good idea to avoid licking because dog saliva can transmit certain germs and bacteria.

"Also, avoid licking the face of dogs who have a tendency to eat their own or another animal's poop," Korman advises. "Germs, whose transmission route is oral (eg, some intestinal parasites, bacteria, and viruses), can rarely be transmitted from dogs to humans if the dog has recently passed these germs in the feces of an infected animal. ate and then licked your mouth."

Some bacterial infections can be transmitted to humans, but these are rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a family of bacteria called Capnosytophaga that live in dogs' mouths can cause some problems for humans.

"Usually, the person needs a dog bite or an open wound or bite for the bacteria to enter the person's body," Korman said. They don't get sick when they come into contact with it. Weak immune systems are at a big risk of getting sick.

Yersinia Enterocolitica

"Yersinia enterocolitica is another type of bacteria that can be transmitted to people from dog bites. It can cause gastroenteritis in some people, especially those with weakened immune systems," he added.

Can I eat food that my dog has licked?

Unless your dog is incredibly well-trained or has no interest in human food at all, it's usually a risk to leave him alone with your desired dinner. If they have a craving for human food, depending on whether it's a couple of licks or a complete elimination, you may want to save some of your chow.

"It should be safe to feed your dog licked food, as long as you understand where your dog's mouth has been," Corman said. They can pick up germs that they can then transfer to food. Lick. Theoretically, if a person eats food, they can contract the germs and become infected. However, this type of transmission is very rare. Is."

People can be allergic to canine saliva. "Actually," Korman said, "some studies show that it's the protein in dog saliva, not dog dander or hair, that causes allergic reactions in people with dog allergies."

Tips for keeping your dog's mouth clean

Although there are some risks involved in contact with dog saliva and oral bacteria, they are minimal. However, there are things you can do to improve your dog's oral hygiene.

"Infection of the teeth and gums, known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common problems affecting a dog's mouth," Korman added.

"It's related to an overgrowth of certain bacteria in a dog's mouth and affects up to 90 percent of all dogs at some point in their lives. Your dog's bad breath could be a sign that "They have periodontal disease. Regular dental cleanings, by a veterinarian, are the best way to fight this disease."

The best way to keep your dog's mouth clean is to prevent the buildup of tartar and bacteria that can cause periodontal disease.

Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) 

Staphylococcus aureus is the name of a common type of bacteria that can be found on an animal’s skin. MRSA is the same bacteria after it has become immune to antibiotics. This bacteria can cause infections in several different areas of your body, but your pet may not be affected by it and still can give it to you. It’s contagious through direct contact. 

Why Should Never Let A Dog Lick Your Mouth

Ringworms 

The infections caused by ringworms can show up anywhere on your body and cause extreme irritation rashes, and hair and nail loss. This also can be contagious through direct contact with your pet’s skin or hair.

Sepsis 

The bacteria Capnocytophaga canimorsus, commonly found in dogs’ mouths, can give you a disease called sepsis, which is a very serious blood poisoning that can cause organ failure. Although it is rare, and it normally only affects people with very fragile immune systems, it’s still something to look out for.

Young children and elderly adults are increasingly inclined to these diseases, just as others since their immune system is flimsier than that of the average adult. Always remember to ensure your beloved pet is as solid as can be, yet recall that their immune system is unique to yours, and avoid potential risks to ensure that you don’t catch anything from them.