You Can Stop Making Out With Your Dog Now, It’s Officially Unhealthy
We're not saying that you shouldn't let your dogs kiss you but... yeah, you probably shouldn't.
Nothing is better than coming home from a hard day at work and letting your pup kiss you all over. But hear us out. There's a myth going around that dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths. That couldn't be further from the truth.
Think about it, dogs scrounge meals by going through garbage can, and who knows what other disgusting things they put in their mouths when you're not looking (or even when you are)!
If a dog licks your mouth, it can cause gingivitis and periodontal diseases
There are lots of types of bacteria in both dog and human mouths, but there are more harmful pathogens inside a dog's. Think about it this way: we've evolved to withstand our (and other's) mouth bacteria, but we've yet to evolve defenses for kissing dogs.
Porphyromonas gulae causes inflamed gums and sometimes even tooth loss.
It is rare in humans but is very common in dogs and believe it or not, 16 percent of dog owners in the U.S. have had it.
There are also antibiotic resistant bacterias in a dog's mouth.
If it spreads to the owner, it can be quite a trouble treating them.
If you happen to have a cut in your mouth or bleeding gums, bacteria from your dog's tongue can enter the wound.
Like this! Staphylococcus (MRSA) is an infection caused by a type of Staphylococcus bacteria which is found in a dog's tongue. It can also go deep inside your body and cause more infections. Check out these graphic images of what can happen to your mouth.
Both humans and dogs have natural defenses, though. We have antibacterial properties in our moths, but those are really basic.
But that doesn't mean you can let your dogs lick you (especially on or near an open wound). Check this one out! A ring infection that is from a dog's lick.
Then there's also Pasteurella bacteria, which are found in animal mouths (Yep, your dog, has 'em as well).
Pasteurella bacteria can lead to this. Though can be treated with antibiotics, it is still very dangerous and can cause other infections in the body.
And lastly, Capnocytophaga Canimorsus
This (warning: graphic images) is the result of a dog licking an open wound.
Actually, you're more likely to get and infection by swapping saliva with another human rather than with your dog buddy. But just to be on the safe side...
Face licking is okay, as long as you don't have an open wound. Always remember to wash your hands, face or body before and after any physical contact with your dog. Yup, BEFORE as infections also go both ways. You can infect your dear pet so take good care.