2007-01-15 07:22:55 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
The amount of bacteria in a dog's mouth depends on where that mouth has been most recently. Butt of course! Not to mention that an outside excursion could mean Fido's mouth may have been in contact with diseased little critters, alive or otherwise. And then there is the inside biffy watering hole!
If a dog has not been de-wormed, that is also a concern. Every year in North America, a few cases of roundworm are passed from dog to human as well as a few cases of rabies. Dogs can also transmit canine cough and tapeworm, among other things, to humans.
However, according to an article, Would You Rather Be Bitten By A Dog or By a Human? in the Indiana University Library, germs in the mouth tend to be species-specific and harmful dog germs are usually harmless to humans, with a few exceptions. The article went on to state that humans are immune to most dog germs.
Dog kisses and dog saliva have sparked a lot of debate through the years and there are advocates on both sides of the fence. You can get expert answers that support doggy licks and those that don't. In 1990, according to the Alaska Science Forum, researchers at the University of California, Davis, discovered that dog saliva killed E. Coli and Streptococcus canis, another harmful bacteria. It was concluded that when mother dogs lick their nipples it helps keep puppies free from disease. Dogs licking their own wounds accomplish the same goal.
2007-01-15 07:29:35 · answer #1 · answered by mistresscris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes... but I don't like it
I personally cant get past the part where they clean their butts and even if time has passed.. I think about all of the "what ifs"..
What if the dog has worms and a worm egg is left on the dog.. now it is kissing me..
What if the dog has just eaten or smelled poo and wants to lick me?
I know, I know.. i have lots of dogs.. but NO WAY 'OSE hahhahahaa
GOOD LUCK
2007-01-15 07:30:56 · answer #2 · answered by H.O.T. Dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As in all things...most things are safe in moderation. I wouldn't recommend giving up regular showers in exchange for a puppy bath, but an occasional "hi, how are ya" puppy kiss is fine.
Unless you have an allergy to dog saliva (some folks do) its probably not going to harm anything. However if your puppy is trying to do it a lot or if you have infants, I would try to stop them from doing it too much. Remember eventually your cute fuzzy little puppy will be a full grown dog...and you don't want to let your puppy do anything that you wouldn't want a full size dog doing.
2007-01-15 07:36:54 · answer #3 · answered by Heather 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be. Make sure that if your dog licks your face, that (he/she) has not licked (his/her) bottom lately. Some people say that dogs have the cleanest mouth, I dont know though, I have never heard the correct answer from someone who is completely sure.
2007-01-15 07:32:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A dog's mouth is one of the cleanest things. That is how they heal their own wounds, but of course, have him checked for worms because they can be passed that way. Your dog recognizes you as the leader or the alpha, and it is actually a sign of respect and showing that you dominate. Pups also do that to their parents when they are hungry or wanting to play. Sounds like your dog loves you very much!
But if you ever notice them eating their poop, since that seems to be a common answer so far - a spoonful or two of crushed pineapple will break them of eating their own.
2007-01-15 07:30:26 · answer #5 · answered by Alanka 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, nothing wrong with it. My dog licks my face too. Just giving you a kiss.
2007-01-15 07:29:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have been dead years ago if it wasn't safe! I would far rather have my dogs lick my face, than some people!
2007-01-15 08:41:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is safer than you licking her face.
If you are worried about it, train her not too, or just to lick your hand instead.
Bushing your dogs teeth, and giving treats that contain breath-fresheners, helps with the bad breath.
2007-01-15 07:35:13 · answer #8 · answered by Sharon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never been sick from it, or my kids. Just don't let their tongue go in your mouth, which is what they are trying to do. Puppies and dogs do this as a way of getting food. They do it in the wild to get food from their parents.
2007-01-15 07:31:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Should be OK for the dog as long as you have no hazardous chemicals on your face.
2007-01-15 07:32:14 · answer #10 · answered by Mike R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋