Why you shouldn't let your dog lick your face
Why you shouldn't let your dog lick your face
Anonim

You come home from work, and your beloved dog happily greets you, wagging its tail and licking its nose and cheeks. All of this looks very harmless, but you better not let your dog do it.

Why you shouldn't let your dog lick your face
Why you shouldn't let your dog lick your face

Most animals' mouths contain huge amounts of bacteria, viruses and yeast. Dog saliva contains proteins that help cleanse or heal their wounds, but it contains organisms that harm humans.

Bacteria in dog saliva, such as clostridium, Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter, can cause gastrointestinal problems.

This does not mean that dogs should not be allowed near the face at all. If saliva enters the skin without scratching or wounds, then the likelihood of infection is negligible. This is because saliva is poorly absorbed through the skin. But bacteria can enter through the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes. Therefore, it is best not to let your dog lick your face.

In addition to bacteria in saliva, animals also contain intestinal parasites. Between 20 and 30 million roundworm eggs appear in a puppy's intestines per week, which can also cause some infections.

When dealing with dogs, take these precautions:

  • Make sure your dog has all the necessary vaccinations.
  • New pets must undergo deworming, a procedure that destroys and prevents parasites.
  • Keep your pet away from other dogs' bowel movements.
  • Wash your hands daily.

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