Yikes! I cannot believe people think it's ok for a dog to lick you and that their mouth is clean. I read a couple of books on parasites and diseases domestic animals can pass to humans...folks, think twice before you let the doggie give you a big wet one.
2006-07-07 12:10:16 · 14 answers · asked by MadforMAC 7 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Dogs use their tongue for toilet paper..M'kay? "Nuff said"
2006-07-07 12:14:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I've never believed that an animal that says hello by sniffing butts, then eats & rolls in feces, garbage, unidentifiable grossness, and dead animal remains could possibly have a cleaner mouth than a person -- unless that person is in the process of vomiting from food poisoning! lol
But incidentally, I just read an article about this a couple days ago. It said that it's a myth that dogs' mouths are cleaner than humans. The article went on to say that dogs actually have more bacteria in their mouths than humans do, but it's different species of bacteria, and it's not bacteria that are likely to cause infection in a human. It also said that because of this, you're more likely to get an infection from a human bite than a dog bite. I don't have any science to back that up, just the article I read, but you could find credible sources of information on the subject with a Google search.
2006-07-07 12:52:47 · answer #2 · answered by visualizewhirledpeas72 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have to agree with both previous answerers, but also disagree; here's why:
Yes, of course a dog's mouth contains lots of bacteria, and some dogs may even have "mouth-handled" their own feces, or that of another dog. In such an instance, of course, one would certainly not wish to "swap spit" with the K9; however...
If your dog is well-trained, and you KNOW he/she does not / has not recently chewed on excrement (or anything of such a vile nature,) I find it perfectly safe to allow the animal to lick you on the face, and yes, even lips.
Alright now, before you gag, let me explain -
1) Human mouths contain much nastier organisms than any dog's or cat's mouth; further, we carry much greater amounts of these microbes in our mouths. (You should see the colonial exchange which takes place when we French kiss each other!)
2) It is much more likely that you would make your pooch sick, rather than the other way around.
3) All mouths contain enzymes in the saliva, which will, upon contact, usually either "neutralize" or completely destroy (render harmless) these little critters.
4) I work as a medical professional, and have, naturally, studied microbiology more extensively than the "average Joe." (No offense to anyone named Joe or Joseph!
5) I had a large German Shepherd for over 13 years, whom I allowed to lick me on the lips, as well as my Mom, girlfriends, friends, etc. Not once did we ever "catch" anything from that.
6) I find it much more disgusting, disturbing, and dangerous to eat any animal meat of questionable freshness and/or origin. Millions of people do this everyday via fast food. No, I am NOT a vegetarian (was for 1.5 years, but succumbed to seafood and chicken).
2006-07-07 12:27:48 · answer #3 · answered by PH13 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No mouth is clean. Well dogs mouths are dirtier than ours.Its not good to let your dog lick you and by far eat icecream and share it with your dog. Gross!!! No telling what you can get.
2006-07-07 12:21:59 · answer #4 · answered by Chanel W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have heard that dogs have fewer bacteria, etc. in their mouths than humans. I think you have more chance of getting an infection from a human bite or kiss, than from a dog.
2006-07-07 12:14:28 · answer #5 · answered by rollo_tomassi423 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you a Vet? Do you have proof that these parasites are transferred ORALLY?
Dog's may not have PH balance saliva, but saying that they are NOT CLEAN is a mistake.
2006-07-07 12:14:53 · answer #6 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i don't mind if a dog licks me i just don't let them lick me on the face a mean that would be soooooo gross and i do not kiss dogs that is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo gross
2006-07-07 12:18:37 · answer #7 · answered by raisingcain61 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs mouths are so NOT clean. This kid that was in my class, had a picture of him french kissing his dog! It was so gross!
2006-07-07 12:14:24 · answer #8 · answered by Sumara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gross...definately not clean! Dogs tend to lick their behinds to put it nicely, would you really want them to do that then lick your face?
2006-07-07 12:20:16 · answer #9 · answered by Curious_Camo_Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No mouth is clean.
2006-07-07 12:13:16 · answer #10 · answered by will 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs mouths are nasty
2006-07-07 18:12:31 · answer #11 · answered by go UCLA bruins! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋