Surely you have heard the following saying: “A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a person’s mouth.” This is a perfect example of how you can’t believe everything you hear. Both dog and human mouths contain bacteria, and in huge quantities. However, in essence, they cannot be compared in order to choose the lesser of two evils. It's like comparing oranges and apples. After all, humans and animals have different lifestyles, habitats and eating habits.
Humans and dogs have different microorganisms in their mouths.
Only 16% of the bacteria in a dog's mouth are the same as those found in the mouth of humans. We don't know how the remaining 84% of bacteria will behave when they enter our mouths. If previously it was believed that such microorganisms could not cause any reactions, and kissing a person with a person could become much more harmful, now scientists have come to different conclusions. In fact, the transfer of bacteria from a dog's mouth to a human's mouth can cause gingivitis or periodontal disease. 
Some bacteria are too dangerous
Researching this problem, scientists have identified the most dangerous enemy: Porphyromonas gulae. This type of canine bacteria, once in the mouth of a person, can cause inflammation of the gums and even tooth loss. The disease caused by these microorganisms is quite common in dogs, and has now been transmitted to 16% of animal owners studied by scientists. 
They are resistant to antibiotics
It's no secret that dogs love to lick their owner's face. Here's another reason some of us stay away from cute kisses: Certain bacteria found in dogs' mouths are resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, if the specified microorganism enters the human body, it is much more difficult to destroy. 
If a pet licks its owner's wounds
Health problems can also occur if an animal begins to lick its owner’s wound. Although Pasteurella bacteria, common in dogs, can be treated with antibiotics, they in turn open the door to more serious infections.
Surely you have heard the following saying: “A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a person’s mouth.” This is a perfect example of how you can’t believe everything you hear. Both dog and human mouths contain bacteria, and in huge quantities. However, in essence, they cannot be compared in order to choose the lesser of two evils.
It's like comparing oranges and apples. After all, humans and animals have different lifestyles, habitats and eating habits.
Humans and dogs have different microorganisms in their mouths.
Only 16% of the bacteria in a dog's mouth are the same as those found in the mouth of humans. We don't know how the remaining 84% of bacteria will behave when they enter our mouths.
If previously it was believed that such microorganisms could not cause any reactions, and kissing a person with a person could become much more harmful, now scientists have come to different conclusions.
In fact, the transfer of bacteria from a dog's mouth to a human's mouth can cause gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Some bacteria are too dangerous
Researching this problem, scientists have identified the most dangerous enemy: Porphyromonas gulae. This type of canine bacteria, once in the mouth of a person, can cause inflammation of the gums and even tooth loss. The disease caused by these microorganisms is quite common in dogs, and has now been transmitted to 16% of animal owners studied by scientists.
They are resistant to antibiotics
It's no secret that dogs love to lick their owner's face. Here's another reason some of us stay away from cute kisses: Certain bacteria found in dogs' mouths are resistant to antibiotics.
Therefore, if the specified microorganism enters the human body, it is much more difficult to destroy.
If a pet licks its owner's wounds
Health problems can also occur if an animal begins to lick its owner’s wound. Although Pasteurella bacteria, common in dogs, can be treated with antibiotics, they in turn open the door to more serious infections.
Alternative opinion
Before discussing the dangers of dog saliva, it should be remembered that dogs are extremely tenacious. They are much more ancient look, than a person. During a hunt, it happens that a wild boar rips her entire belly, but the dog survives.
Have you ever wondered why? Dogs do not get peritonitis - they the immune system burns in abdominal cavity any infection.
In addition, their saliva also kills any infection - which is why their own wounds heal perfectly. This has been known since ancient times, and the protection mechanism itself, in the form of microbiocenosis in the oral cavity, has evolved over many millions of years.
Lysozyme also destroys all known Gram+ microbes. What can you say about dog hair belts? Now do you understand what their healing power is? arthritis cannot be cured, but lichen or fungus can easily be cured.
Finally, live examples of dogs “licking” existing skin diseases, even viral warts. It's very simple: the dog licks sore spot, removes bacteria, stimulates local immunity, after which the body itself destroys both the virus and its manifestations in the form of a wart.
Regarding the incompatibility of the microflora of humans and dogs, one can only laugh: Bah! Why, ancient man domesticated the wolf hundreds of thousands of years ago! How did this deadly microflora not kill all of people’s teeth over so many hundreds of thousands of years? Yes, our ancestors would have all died out long ago due to the fault of cute dogs...
When a dog looks at you with huge eyes, you know that such a kind look pierces the heart. Dogs and people only need to look into the eyes to understand the intentions of one of them. This is such a significant sign of trust in each other.
The dog rubs against your legs
If a dog rubs against your legs, it wants to be petted. Such actions mean attachment to a person.
Sleeping dog in bed
When you leave your dog all alone, going to work or on a visit, you will always wonder what your dog is doing. true friend? There is no reason to worry. She will probably just lie down on your bed and sleep, so she remains in continuous contact with you.
The dog gives gifts
Does your dog bring you things, or maybe even share his favorite toy? Expert Jennifer Hammond says this behavior shows the animal's desire to share its love with you.
The dog senses your mood
Animals that live with us have the ability to sense our mood. When you are in a bad mood or have some problems, a faithful friend tries in every possible way, possible and impossible, to distract you. It’s not for nothing that dogs and people have lived side by side for about 15,000 years.
The dog licks your face and hands
Do you know how a dog expresses its love? She expresses her love with her tongue. She soothes the feeling of stress when she licks your feet. This submissive behavior confirms that you are still her master.
The animal does the right thing
A dog needs confirmation of its good deeds; it is important for it to know that it is doing the right thing, because a person is its most important friend. It will be enough to look into her eyes, stroke or shake her paw.
The dog is always happy to see you
The dog will always greet you as if you had been away for a long time, even though you only left the house for a couple of minutes. With this behavior, the dog shows that he really misses you and is always glad to see you.
The dog is safe
When a dog is eating, it won't let anyone near it because it thinks someone might take its food. Know this and do not disturb your pet to eat in peace. This is stressful for the dog. And after eating, the dog cuddles up to you and feels calm and safe.
With the help of such methods, the dog expresses its devotion and affection. Understand, love and care for your true friends.
When a pet, joyfully wagging its tail, licks the hands and face of its owner, the question arises - isn’t this dangerous for health? the site tried to figure this out and give an answer that was important for many.
First, let's figure out why a dog shows such emotions? After all, neither cats, nor rodents, nor other domestic animals have an urgent need to rush at you with “kisses”, as dogs do.
So, if a dog licks your hands and face:
She's trying to show that you're in charge. In the wild, wolves and coyotes lick only pack leaders - this is how they show their admiration and obedience to a strong relative. Domestic dogs have retained this instinct, and when they lick you, they seem to be saying, “I acknowledge your authority and am grateful for taking care of me.”
This is how a dog copes with stress. By “kissing” you, the dog fights stress or reduces its own anxiety. Four-legged friends can also feel sad and experience negative emotions. You are their main hope and support, and, like small child, who clings to his mother, the dog in your arms also calms himself.
“Kissing” a dog means care and concern. All animals lick their young to keep them clean and show them that they care. When a dog licks you, it shows that it loves and cares for its owner.
It becomes clear that for a dog such a relationship is not a whim, but a natural necessity! Should we, people, be afraid of this?
Let's start with the advantages
It turns out that dog hugs and kisses are good for us too!
Firstly, Dog's breath and saliva strengthens our immunity, making him able to resist previously unknown infections. In turn, human breath also has a beneficial effect on dogs: the dog’s immune system becomes stronger, even when he is sitting next to you!
Kissing a dog protects you from allergies: If a person comes into contact with dogs in childhood, his risk of developing allergies and asthma is significantly reduced.
Kissing a dog makes us happier: When we kiss, the secretion of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin increases in our body. These three hormones are responsible for our happiness.
Kissing strengthens your relationship: Kisses make your relationship with your dog strong. This happens not only when we kiss or hug other people, but also when we allow a dog to lick our face.
Well, and, in fact, about the dangers of dog kisses
Most animals' mouths contain large amounts of bacteria, viruses and yeast. Dogs' saliva contains proteins that help clean or heal their wounds, but it contains organisms that are harmful to humans.
Bacteria in dog saliva such as clostridium, E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter, can cause gastrointestinal diseases.
This does not mean that dogs should not be allowed near your face at all! If saliva gets on the skin without scratches or wounds, then the likelihood of infection is negligible. This is because saliva is poorly absorbed through the skin. But bacteria can enter through the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.
By the way, scientists have recently proven that dogs are still... Our four-legged friends, it turns out, have learned to achieve their goals with the help of sad eyes, whining and the ability to demonstrate their grievances.
Some people's love for animals overshadows their common sense: pets are allowed to sleep in bed, eat from their own dishes, or lick their face. The latter is a touching sight, but may not be as harmless as it looks. There is an opinion that after such an action, the dog’s owner may develop dangerous health problems.
Why do dogs lick their faces?
Pet owners perceive this action as a sign of devotion and love; scientists suggest that this is a biologically inherent behavior of dogs. Let's look at five main reasons why pets lick people's faces:
- Recognition as a family member. The dog considers its owners to be its pack, so it expresses a sense of belonging and kinship by licking its face.
- A simple greeting. The dog uses its tongue to greet its owners.
- Attractive aroma and taste. Your pet may want to lick a face that smells nice of cream, soap, or perfume.
- Demand for attention. Dogs do not tolerate loneliness well, which is why they try to attract attention.
- Declaration of love, care for the owner. The dog expresses his tender feelings by licking, this also determines the desire to look after you - wash your face and hands.
What happens when a dog licks a person's face
A friendly gesture like licking seems safe: you touch noses with your pet and talk to him while he licks your cheeks and mouth. This is sometimes perceived as highest degree affection, but experts warn that such close communication with a pet can be dangerous to your health.
"Exchange" of bacteria
Only about 16% of the bacteria in an animal's mouth are the same as those found in the human mouth. To date, it is unknown how the remaining 84% of microbes behave when they enter our mouths. Previously, scientists believed that dog microflora is not capable of causing negative reactions and a kiss between two people can become much more dangerous, but this opinion has changed. Research has shown that such an “exchange” of bacteria can cause periodontal disease or gingivitis (diseases of the gums and teeth).
Some microorganisms in a dog's mouth are dangerous to humans
During research, scientists identified a dangerous enemy for humans in the mouths of dogs - Porphyromonas gulae. This is a type of bacteria that, when introduced into the human oral cavity, can cause inflammation of the gums and even tooth loss. The pathology caused by this microorganism is relatively common among dogs and is transmitted to about 16% of their owners. When a dog licks a person's face and saliva enters the body, certain disturbances in its functioning may occur.
If a dog licks the intact skin of a healthy person, there is an extremely low risk that this will cause any problems, since the skin absorbs very little liquid from the outside. However, animal saliva and pathogens are easily absorbed through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. And despite the fact that infections transmitted in this way are rare, doctors believe that it is better to avoid such close contact with your pet.
Antibiotic resistance
Pets love to lick the faces and hands of their owners, but there are many reasons to wean them from this habit of showing their feelings. One of them is bacteria found in the mouths of animals. These microorganisms are resistant (resistant) to antibiotics, so once they enter the human body, it becomes extremely difficult to remove them from there. Diseases caused by such pathogenic microbes are difficult to treat.
Alternative opinion of scientists
Dogs are very tenacious animals; their ancestors, wolves, appeared much earlier than humans. Dogs are not at risk of developing peritonitis because their immune system quickly deals with any infection in the abdominal cavity. In addition, dog saliva kills pathogenic bacteria, which causes fast healing wounds on the animal's body. The protective mechanism in the form of microbiocenosis in the oral cavity has developed over many centuries.
Lysozyme in dog saliva kills any gram-positive organisms
Scientists have proven that this substance destroys all existing gram-positive microbes. It is also known that belts made from dog hair can easily treat fungi and reduce pain syndrome for arthritis. Some talk about the incompatibility of the microflora of humans and dogs, but this is questioned: ancient people domesticated the wolf hundreds of thousands of years ago. If there were a problem of incompatibility, the killer microflora would definitely have a negative impact on us, for example, by losing all our teeth (it is believed that substances from a dog’s mouth can cause dental disease in humans).
