Should You Let Your Dog Lick Your Face? 9 Animal Hygiene Questions, Answered
From dog kisses to cat scratches, here’s what’s harmless—and what warrants a call to the doctor.
The debate over whether it's safe to let your dog lick your face has been discussed by experts in the field of animal hygiene. Dr. Daniel Griffin, a chief of infectious diseases at Island Infectious Disease Medical in Long Island, N.Y., allows his own dogs to lick him but washes his hands thoroughly afterward, especially before consuming food. Similar advice is echoed by other experts in the field.
In general, experts agree that casual contact with pets poses minimal risk to most people. However, certain exceptions exist where contact can be more dangerous. For instance, if a dog licks an open wound or breaks the skin, the bacteria present in their saliva could potentially cause an infection. Certain individuals, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to severe infections.
When it comes to cats, the risk is generally lower as long as there are no broken skin barriers. However, cat bites can be more dangerous due to their sharp, narrow teeth which can pierce the skin and inject bacteria deep into the tissues. If a cat bite results in a break in the skin, immediate washing with soap and water and seeking medical attention is advised.
Surgical sites require special care. After having surgery, it is recommended to keep pets away from the healing area to avoid any potential infections. Additionally, cats can carry Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can be found in their feces and potentially transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated litter boxes, soil, or undercooked meat. Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should take extra precautions to avoid exposure to this parasite.
Written by urgent.news from Time's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
