Should You Kiss a Dog?
If you’ve ever tried to kiss a dog, you know how rewarding it is for both you and your pooch. The act of kissing releases endorphins into the body, a chemical that helps us feel good and bond with animals. And once we’ve experienced this chemical rush, kissing can become a habit. But if you’ve been kissing your pooch for years and the behavior seems to have stopped, it’s time to step back and reevaluate.
To understand why dogs lick each other, you need to learn how to read the signals they give. Some dogs lick to receive attention from their owners, while others lick because they want affection. It is important to remember that a dog will not kiss if you force it, as this will ruin the real intent of your dog’s kiss. If you’re not sure what to look for, try observing other behaviors your dog exhibits.
While many dogs tolerate being kissed, others might not. A dog that lowers its head might be intimidated or afraid, and might attack you if approached. Likewise, never kiss a dog that is not ready to let you in. The same goes for little children. While they are generally oblivious to this, boisterous kids can cause a dog to change its behavior. Instead, you should look for signs of intimidation and never attempt to kiss another dog!
While kissing a dog doesn’t pose a health risk, it is still not safe for people with weakened immune systems. Dog saliva contains bacteria that can cause infection in humans. If you are unsure of the bacteria found in dog saliva, it’s best to avoid kissing your pooch. If you want to kiss your pooch, make sure you’re properly vaccinated and wormed. This will minimize the risk of disease transmission and infection.
While kissing your pet is generally safe, there are some things you should know before letting your dog lick you. A dog’s mouth contains comparable levels of bacteria to our own, so your risk of contracting an infection is very small. Keep your dog vaccinated and inspected regularly by a veterinarian. A dog’s dental health is another area of concern, so be sure to get regular cleanings. And always watch your children when kissing your dog.
Dog saliva contains hundreds of different kinds of bacteria that you should be aware of. A dog kiss can potentially transmit disease to you if the contact is made with an open wound or sore. A common bacteria found in dog saliva called Pasteurella can cause an infection if it contacts an open sore or wound. If you catch this infection early enough, you can treat it with antibiotics and avoid any serious health consequences. So, be sure to use gloves and wear protective clothing when kissing a dog.
Unlike us, dogs don’t brush their teeth regularly, so they can develop a lot of oral bacteria and viruses. If you kiss a dog, be sure to wash your hands before and afterward! You don’t want to spread bacteria that has antibiotic-resistant bugs. So don’t kiss your dog on its mouth! It’s not worth the risk. There’s nothing worse than catching the flu or getting a toothache from a dog kiss.
