Kissing is one of the most common ways for humans to show affection, so we try to shower our dogs with kisses too. You’ve probably puckered up your lips and had a dog lick them at least once. The action of kissing a dog on the lips looks adorable for pictures, but research is warning dog parents against it.
Dangers of Kissing a Dog on the Lips
There are two main reasons why kissing a dog could be dangerous: bacteria and behaviors. Both of these could result in you getting hurt, so here’s what to look out for.
Unhealthy Bacteria
As you can probably imagine, dog mouths are full of lots of germs. Some of these germs can be passed onto humans, causing a number of health concerns. Many of the organisms in your dog’s mouth are unique to canines and cannot be tolerated by humans as easily.
When a dog licks you on the mouth, they could pass bacteria like E. coli, clostridium, salmonella, and campylobacter. These bacteria are called “zoonotic,” which means they can be passed from animals to humans. They could cause severe gastrointestinal disease for people.
Plus, you don’t know where your dog’s tongue has been. They might have licked another animal’s stool or butt, which could then transmit infections like hookworms and roundworms to you.
Aggressive Behaviors
Animals don’t see kisses the way we do. Instead, they have other forms of love and affection. Unless your dog is used to being kissed by humans, they might become frightened or startled by them. Dogs who are uncomfortable with human affection, like hugging and kissing, might nip or bite out of fear.
Yet, dogs don’t bite without warning. So, look for signs like stiff muscles, avoiding eye contact, tail between legs, snarling, growling, hair on end, or licking lips. If you notice any signs of discomfort, no matter how small, do not kiss your dog.
Can You Kiss Your Dog at All?
It’s much safer to kiss your dog in other places away from their mouth. Kissing your dog on the top of their head is less likely to spread bacteria than letting them lick your lips. Yet, your dog might roll around in some pretty disgusting stuff, so there could still be some germs present.
Also, kissing your dog anywhere can still be stressful for them. Your face coming so close to their face could startle them if they’re not used to it. Thus, kissing unfamiliar dogs might not be a good idea, but if your dog is used to getting kissed, they probably won’t mind.
Is It Safe for Your Dog to Lick You?
Some dogs love to lick their humans, so that doesn’t have to stop. A dog licking your skin is much safer than a dog licking your lips. Dog tongues touching human skin are unlikely to pass any unhealthy bacteria.
Your dog’s saliva is most easily passed when near a person’s nose, mouth, and eyes. If your dog was to lick you on your arm or leg, there would be no cause for concern. So, there’s no reason to stop your dog’s licks as long as you keep them away from your face.
Can You Kiss a Cat on the Lips?
Kissing a cat on the lips might actually be safer than kissing a dog. Cats rarely eat feces and other dangerous objects, especially if they stay inside all day. The only common bacteria you could find in your cat’s mouth is pasteurella, which could cause skin and lymph node infections in humans.
The biggest concern about kissing a cat on the lips is getting bit or scratched. Cats are even less likely to enjoy kisses than dogs, so watch out! Your kitty might fight back instead of accepting your kiss.
How to Make Dog Kissing Safer
Sometimes kissing dogs is irresistible. So, if your dog is okay with it, you can give them a kiss now and then. Yet, following extra precautions will help keep both of you safe.
Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and monthly preventatives. If possible, keep them away from feces and other gross items they find on the ground. Picking up random objects outside is one of the easiest ways for dogs to pass diseases to humans.
Of course, it’s also a good idea to wash your hands after every encounter with your dog. Dogs are fun to cuddle with, but they’re not always the cleanest. So, there’s no reason to stop kissing your furry friend altogether, but it’s best to be more cautious when doing so. Avoiding the mouth is the best way to keep both of you safe.