Is It Safe to Let Our Face Be Licked by a Dog?
The most popular pet in the world is the dog, owned by hundreds of millions of people. Dogs are liked for their loyalty, ability to understand human emotions, and can be trained to protect their owners from danger.
In addition, dogs are more open to expressing their affection. One way they do this is by licking their owner's face when they excited .
However, is it safe to let dogs lick our faces? Or do we need to stop this habit?
1. Reasons why dogs lick their owners
Don't be angry if a dog licks you, as it is a natural behavior for them. Licking can be interpreted as a way to express affection, seek attention, form bonds, or show empathy.
On the other hand, dogs that lick excessively are a sign that they are stressed, anxious, uncomfortable, or in pain. By licking, the brain releases dopamine and endorphins that make the dog relax.
However, there is potential danger in its saliva.
The scene of a dog licking its owner indeed appears heartwarming . However, we should be cautious. Because, its saliva contains bacteria. Capnocytophaga canimorsus .
This bacterium can cause severe sepsis (an extreme bodily response to infection), as experienced by a 41-year-old man. He suffered from septic shock which led to the amputation of both his legs, nose, and all his fingers.
In addition, other bacteria were also found, such as Actinomyces , Streptococcus , Granulicatella , Porphyromonas , dan Neisseria . Ada juga Pasteurella multocida This can cause meningitis.
3. Dog saliva should be avoided by certain people.
Some people are at high risk of contracting zoonoses from dog licks, including children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems (such as those with kidney or liver disease, cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS).
What would happen if a dog has already licked us and we couldn't avoid it? Immediately clean the area that was licked with water and soap to minimize the risk.
Referensi:
The Zebra Accessed in April 2024. "Pet Ownership Statistics".
The Kennel Club Accessed in April 2024. "Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much?"
International Wound Journal December 2017. "A Small Lick will Sink a Great Ship: Fulminant Septicemia after Dog Saliva Wound Treatment in an Asplenic Patient".
Journal of Clinical Microbiology . November 2005. "Cultivable Oral Microbiota of Domestic Dogs".
The Conversation Accessed in April 2024. "Many Owners Allow Their Dogs to Lick Their Faces, But It Could be Unhealthy and Even Fatal."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Accessed in April 2024. "People with Weakened Immune Systems".
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