Do you love doggie kisses?
We all know there is little more gratifying that getting that wet mushy kiss from our dog upon our return home, or just for the heck of it because they love us. But do you know that the mushy kisses all over your face (and elsewhere) could actually make you sick? Now, I know none of us like to think like that because nuzzling, cuddling and kissing our dogs are some of our best pleasures. The benefits of petting a dog and getting close to your dog far out weigh the consequences that can occur, but you should still take heed. Let’s first put a myth to bed..you cannot give to your dog or recieve from him/her the rhino virus, otherwise known as the common cold.
However, there are other things you can get from your dog and hearing about them may be just a bit nauseating. Over 200,000 people a year are infected with a stomach flu that is caused by a bacteria called campylobacter. This bacteria is usually found at the tail end of dogs…ewwww! Everyone has heard of salmonella poisoning. Well, you can get that from your dog. They rub their noses everywhere…EVERYWHERE and some of the germs from everything they sniff settle on and around their nose. When they nuzzle you, they pass those pesky germs right over to you.
One of the best ways to avoid contacting some type of virus or bacteria, in addition to limiting the kisses, is to wash thoroughly after some heavy dog interaction. Soap and water will help protect you against one of the most transmitted skin infestations - ringworm. Ringworm is a fungus whose spores can exist on a dog’s coat or muzzle. These spores can jump from the dog to the closest “victim”, which may be you or a member of your family. Ringworm will cause circular, scaly red patches on the skin…again…ewwww!!! Always pet your dog..its good for them and good for you…but wash well afterwards!!! A little cleanliness can go a long long way!!!!
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