Loving a pet is a wonderful feeling. These pets are part of their owners' lives, sharing thousands of moments with them. Their development is followed and the moment of death is a catastrophe.
Cats or dogs take photos and videos on social networks and inhabit the common spaces of homes. Their care is crucial, which is why the owner's care must not be neglected.
Letting a dog lick your face can be dangerous
Certain actions can be dangerous. Even if they are commonplace and considered harmless. In the case of dogs, a very common rule is to allow them to lick your face. Letting them come and lick your face is not considered dangerous, but it could be.
Risk of infection
The chances of getting sick are very low, but there are certain risks. Why? Because these animals – mindful of their nature – will generally suck on anything they find, even excrement. Also their intimate areas or the lifeless bodies of other animals. And that's how close they are to human skin.
Infections contracted by pets
So there are good reasons to stop allowing it. Especially for immunocompromised people. Because infections contracted by pets are probably underestimated and unrecognized due to general flu-like symptoms that tend to resolve on their own.
But they shouldn't be ignored: serious bacterial infections due to dog licking have been described in medical histories. For example, a rare but potentially fatal pathogen, Capnocytophaga canimorsus, can be particularly risky for the elderly, people who drink heavily, or among those who are immunocompromised or without a functional spleen.
Ways to reduce risks
Even following expert advice, a dog may bend over and suck, catching you off guard. One of the most important steps you can take to reduce this risk is to keep your vaccinated pet in order. “Your skin provides a solid barrier for bacteria to penetrate and cause infection, so there's little risk of infection if a dog licks your skin,” Krishnan insisted.
One basic precaution is to keep the puppy away from open wounds, as well as pimples and cold sores. It's also safest to avoid mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose or eyes. And, needless to say, it's not a good idea to let a stray or unknown dog lick you.
The danger of dog bites
Another concern about putting your face near any dog is that it will bite you. In fact, a study by the American Journal claims that 37% of some 1,300 children treated for dog bite injuries suffered from a pet.
What's more, most of these bites are found on the hands or lower limbs, but they can occur on the head or neck. That's why it's essential not to leave them unattended with the animal, even if there's nothing to stop them enjoying domestic love. Even if it means testing your skin, stools and teeth to stay healthy. It will also be a remedy for humans.
