Have you ever met a new dog that was super excited to see you? It might jump around and try to lick your face, and you might think, “Yay, this dog loves me!” But is it okay to let dogs lick your face? Let’s find out!
Even though cats are the most popular pets in the United States, with about 8 million more cats than dogs, more households actually have dogs. This is probably because people really love their dogs and enjoy their company.
There’s a common myth that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. This isn’t true. Both human and dog mouths have lots of bacteria, but they’re different kinds of bacteria. In fact, studies show that only 16% of the bacteria in a dog’s mouth are the same as those in a human’s mouth.
Some studies have found that bacteria from a dog’s mouth can cause gum disease in humans. This can lead to inflamed gums and even tooth loss. While it’s rare for humans to get these bacteria, it’s common in dogs, and about 16% of dog owners have it too!
There are also some bacteria in dogs’ mouths that are resistant to antibiotics. If these bacteria spread to humans, they could be hard to treat. If you have a cut or bleeding gums, bacteria from a dog’s tongue could enter and cause an infection.
Luckily, both human and dog saliva have antibacterial properties that help heal wounds. But that doesn’t mean you should let your dog lick your cuts or wounds.
Some infections from animal bacteria can be serious, but they can usually be treated with antibiotics. It’s understandable to feel uneasy about sharing saliva with a dog, but the risk of serious infection is low.
Both human and dog mouths have lots of bacteria, and infections can go both ways. You wouldn’t want to give your dog bacteria from your mouth, right? You’re actually more likely to catch an infection from another human than from a dog, but it’s always good to be careful.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends washing your hands after playing with a dog. If you get puppy kisses, you might want to wash your face too!
These days, you might see dogs in places like bars and restaurants. Should you be worried about sharing a drink with a dog? That’s a topic for another discussion!
Do you let dogs lick your face? Do you share ice cream with them? It’s always interesting to hear what other people think about this!
Research the differences between bacteria found in human mouths and dog mouths. Create a short presentation to share your findings with the class. Focus on how these differences might affect health and hygiene practices.
Participate in a class debate on the topic: “Are dogs better pets than cats?” Use information from the article and additional research to support your arguments. Consider factors like companionship, hygiene, and popularity.
Conduct a simple experiment to test the antibacterial properties of saliva. Use petri dishes and swabs to compare the growth of bacteria with and without saliva. Discuss the implications of your findings in relation to the article.
Write a short story from the perspective of a dog explaining why they love to lick humans. Include details from the article to make your story informative and entertaining.
Create a poster that educates people on the importance of hygiene when interacting with dogs. Include tips from the article, such as washing hands after playing with dogs and being cautious with dog kisses.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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That feeling when you meet a new dog and it’s all excited, and I’m all “YAY, LOVE ME!” Is that a bit much?
Greetings, dog lovers and enthusiasts! I’m Julian, and this is DNews. Welcome!
Although cats are the most popular pet in the US, outnumbering dogs by around 8 million, there are about 12 million more households with dogs—presumably because of the affection people have for them.
At least one DNews episode shows that humans who live with animals are influenced by the animal’s microbiome. But what about when those pups try to lick your face? Is it gross, or is it not? What exactly should I be feeling? I’m a bit conflicted.
First, there is a myth that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. This is not true. Both humans and dogs’ mouths contain bacteria—lots of it. And there’s really no way to directly compare, because while they are both mouths, they’re completely different environments!
Studies of the bacteria in dogs’ mouths have found hundreds of species, with significant differences compared to human mouths. Only 16 percent of dog oral microbiota overlaps with humans. Another study in the Archives of Oral Biology indicates that there are harmful pathogens present in your dog’s mouth.
A separate study in PLOS ONE from 2015 found that oral-to-oral transfers of bacteria from dogs to owners can lead to gum disease. For example, a specific bacteria can cause inflamed gums and even tooth loss. While it’s rare in humans, it is common in dogs, and 16 percent of owners had it!
There’s even some bacteria in dogs’ mouths that are antibiotic-resistant, meaning if it were to spread to humans, we could have trouble treating it. Additionally, if you have a cut in your mouth or bleeding gums, bacteria from your dog’s tongue could enter that open wound and potentially cause infections.
We do have some natural defenses, though. Both human and dog saliva have antibacterial properties, which play a role in wound healing. However, that doesn’t mean you should let your pet lick your wounds.
Case studies have found that infections from another type of bacteria in animals can occur. While these infections can be treated with antibiotics, they can also be serious as they may lead to more severe infections.
So, yes, face licking can be off-putting, but there’s not a significant danger from infectious bacteria. They are present, so feeling uneasy about sharing saliva with a dog is understandable.
It’s important to note that both mouths contain a lot of bacteria. Plus, pet lovers, infections can go both ways! You wouldn’t want to infect your dog with bacteria from your mouth, right?
To be honest, you’re more likely to catch an infection by swapping saliva with another human than with a dog, but it’s always good to be cautious.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that anytime you come into contact with any dog, you wash your hands afterward. Maybe even splash a little soapy water on your face if you’re getting puppy kisses too.
Dogs are starting to show up everywhere these days, even in bars and restaurants. Should you be concerned when sharing a drink with a dog? Trace addresses these concerns in another video.
What do you think? Do you let dogs lick your face? Do you share ice cream with them?
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This version maintains the original message while removing any informal or potentially inappropriate language.
Dogs – Domesticated mammals often kept as pets, known for their loyalty and companionship, which can also play a role in therapy and health improvement. – Dogs can help reduce stress and improve mental health by providing companionship and encouraging physical activity.
Bacteria – Microscopic single-celled organisms that can be found in various environments, some of which can cause diseases while others are beneficial. – Bacteria in our intestines help digest food and produce essential vitamins for our health.
Mouth – The opening in the face used for eating, breathing, and speaking, which also plays a role in the initial stages of digestion. – The mouth contains enzymes in saliva that begin the process of breaking down food.
Infection – The invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, which can cause illness and disease. – A cut on the skin can lead to an infection if not properly cleaned and treated.
Saliva – A watery fluid produced by glands in the mouth that aids in digestion and keeps the mouth moist. – Saliva contains enzymes that help break down food particles and protect the teeth from decay.
Antibiotics – Medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria by killing or inhibiting their growth. – Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, but they are not effective against viruses.
Gums – The soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth, playing a crucial role in oral health. – Healthy gums are important for keeping teeth in place and preventing periodontal disease.
Disease – A disorder or malfunction in the body that disrupts normal functioning and can cause symptoms and health issues. – Vaccinations help protect against diseases by preparing the immune system to fight infections.
Health – The overall condition of a person’s body or mind, especially in terms of the absence of illness or injury. – Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly are important for maintaining good health.
Wounds – Injuries to the body, typically involving a break in the skin, that require care to prevent infection and promote healing. – Cleaning and bandaging wounds promptly can help prevent infections and speed up the healing process.
