For many many dog years, dog lovers have been kissing their dogs to show the ultimate form on affection. Ever hear the saying “A dogs mouth is nine times cleaner than a human” or “It’s okay to let the dog lick your wound”. Have you ever watched a dog give a baby a big kiss on the lips and think how cute.
Well a study from the journal Archives of Oral Biology is now cautioning us from getting to affectionate. The study finds that people and pets exchange harmful mouth bacteria when they kiss.
Also, as reported in The New York Times, letting your dog lick your face risks disease transmission, including diseases humans can't handle. "There are some organisms unique to dogs that we were simply not meant to tolerate or combat," Dr. Neilanjan Nandi, an assistant professor of medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine.
Japanese Researchers examined dental plaque from 66 dogs. They also examined dental plaque in 81 dog owners. The research found human bacteria in the mouths of dogs and dog bacteria in the mouths of humans. The study demonstrates that germs can spread easily between a human and a dog by kissing. Some of the bacteria that is spread can lead to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease.
Now for us dog loving kissing parents,
Dr. Leni K. Kaplan, a lecturer of community practice service at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, says Yes, your dog can lick your face. Just stay away from the eyes, nose, mouth and any cuts. "When dog saliva touches intact human skin, especially in a healthy person, it is extremely unlikely to cause any problems, as there will be very little absorption through the skin."
Clark Fobian, DVM, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, most of those bacteria's aren’t big health risks for most people. So kissing your furry baby is OK, if it doesn’t gross you out. Just have a healthy awareness of what could be in your dog’s mouth.
It appears that the topic is not so kiss or not. For every doctor thst recommends not kissing, there is a doctor that says it is ok.
So did you kiss your dog today? Will you kiss your dog today? Will this study make you think twice?
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