What does dog slobber contain? Is it an aphrodisiac?

Question

Dogs are friendly, love you when you get home.
The cat doesn't care...Where's my tuna
casserole?

Based on these answers, I will put
this one to a vote.

Answer 1

no, it's just because cats suck!!

Answer 2

I agree, that's why I own a dog and NOT a cat. Cats are fine for some people, but I figure if it's not going to love me back and be loyal, what's the point? As for dog saliva being an aphrodisiac, I sincerely doubt it. I agree that their saliva has healing properties, though... it even says so in the Bible!!! :-)

Answer 3

When dogs lick their loved ones it is their way of showing care and affection, as when a mother dog lovingly licks her pups or when dogs lick their masters. However, some people dislike being licked by dogs and believe incorrectly that canine saliva is unhygienic. On the contrary, since it contains antibacterial substances, the saliva of a healthy dog is harmless and actually has healing properties. In fact, the science magazine Alaska Science Forum recently published an article entitled “Dog Saliva: the Next Wonder Drug?” which discusses a 1990 experiment by University of California researchers who found that dog saliva killed the harmful bacteria E. coli and Streptococcus canes.

Moreover, a study by Nigel Benjamin of the St. Bartholomew's and Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry revealed that human saliva contains significant levels of nitrite (NO2), which can be converted into nitric oxide, another powerful antimicrobial agent. In Benjamin’s experiment fourteen healthy subjects were instructed to lick their hands "all over" and then the amount of synthesized nitric oxide on their skin was measured. It was found that as a result of the licking, nitric oxide levels increased sharply, suggesting that "nitric oxide derived from salivary nitrite applied to the skin contributes to the antimicrobial effects of wound licking."

On a related note, the following amazing story about how a dog helped heal his owner’s severely atrophied leg appeared on icWales, a UK news website.

Mitch Bonham, owner of a Jack Russell Terrier named Milo, had surgery after a debilitating industrial accident, and although the operation was successful, while recovering he developed a condition known as Sudeck’s Atrophy whereby “his nerves became traumatized and his leg became discolored and began to wither.” Thus Mr. Bonham’s medical consultant told him that his leg might need to be amputated, but faithful Milo helped save his master's leg by continuously licking the wounded limb for hours at a time. After five weeks of this “dog’s licking therapy,” Mr. Bonham felt his leg come alive again and found that he was able to move his leg muscles. The consultant was astounded and realized that Milo had helped stimulate the nerves in his master’s leg and thus healed it.

Milo was extremely faithful and patient, giving Mr. Bonham unconditional love by instinctively licking the withering limb even though its rotten smell was almost unbearable. This beautiful example of a pure-hearted animal’s love in action is something we humans can all learn from. ♥

Answer 4

dogs love to love on there owners it's part of the whole man's best friend thing they like to know that someone actually cares for them. I have 6 dogs one is a white lab, one is a boxer mix the other three are rat terrior's but three of them are just baby's but they are still a big part of are family. They also like to give kisses when we come home. My biggest dog jumpes on me and about nocks me over. Cat's just love to be cared for just as much as dogs do but they do love that tuna.

Answer 5

I was told dog spit contains antiseptic to aid in the healing although its said it only works for dogs,in the wild dogs greet returning pack members by licking the mouths,behaviour which while they were pups stimulated the mothers to regurgitate food.So really dogs ask for food too.

Answer 6

well that just goes to show you to have a balanced life you need a dog who adores and a cat who ignores you. Then everything would balance out.

Answer 7

Just salt and water. It is a way for the dog to release water from their system because they can't sweat, like us.

Answer 8

My Opinion? Dogs have looser jowls & lips than cats, dogs drool when they get excited of think of food. Maybe you feed them right after you get home.

Answer 9

Dogs are great like that. In answer to your question, ask your vet! I doubt the answer is yes though.

Answer 10

It's just spit. Cats love you, too. They purr and rub up against you.

Answer 11

does he turn you on when he licks you?

I don't think their saliva is an aphrodesiac but I do know they have antibiotic agents in their saliva which helps aid in healing cuts and sores.