Pet Dog Licking Face:  Hardly anyone would find it strange to see their cute pet dog licking their face. This is their way of expressing love, which also makes us very happy.

That is why we usually do not even try to stop this habit of theirs, but do you know that licking by a dog is not just an expression of love, but sometimes it can also be a threat to health? Let's find out how.

The dangers hidden in dog saliva

Many types of bacteria and viruses are found in dog's saliva. These bacteria can be harmful to us and can cause many types of diseases.

• Rabies- Rabies is a serious and fatal disease , which can spread through dog bite or lick. Although rabies vaccines are available in India, it is still very important to be cautious of this disease.
• Pasteurella multocida- This is a type of bacteria found in dog saliva. This bacteria can cause serious diseases like meningitis.
• Staphylococcus - This is a common type of bacteria found on a dog's skin. This bacteria can infect wounds.
• Salmonella- This bacteria is found in dog feces and saliva. It can cause food poisoning. Doctors have also recently expressed concern about the risk of salmonella infection and said that it can also happen due to dog licking.

Who is more at risk?

Some people are more at risk from dog licks than others, such as:

• Small children- The immune system of small children is not fully developed yet. Therefore, these infections can occur more easily in them.
• Elderly people- Elderly people have weak immunity , due to which they can get infected easily.
• Immunocompromised people – People with weakened immunity, such as HIV or cancer patients, are more susceptible to dog bacteria.
• People with open wounds: People who have open wounds on their bodies are at a higher risk of getting infected by dog ​​licking.

Other problems caused by dog ​​licking

The problems caused by dog ​​licking are not just limited to infections. Dog licking can also cause skin irritation, allergies and itching. Apart from this, the bacteria present in the dog's mouth can cause plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can lead to tooth and gum diseases.

How to stay safe?

To avoid the dangers caused by dog ​​licking, you can take some precautions, such as-

• Bathe your dog regularly- Bathing your dog regularly can reduce the bacteria present on its body.
• Clean your dog's teeth- Regularly cleaning your dog's teeth can reduce the bacteria in your mouth.
• Vaccinate your dog – It is important to get your dog vaccinated regularly.
• Cover open wounds – If you have any open wound on your body, keep it covered.
• Don't let the dog lick your face- Don't let the dog lick your face, especially if you have any wounds in your mouth.
• Wash hands after playing with the dog- Always wash your hands with soap and water after playing with the dog. Also, wash your hands thoroughly with soap after feeding and cleaning them.