Is that gross?

Greetings canine connoisseurs, dog devotees, puppy pundits!! Okay, I'll stop. I'm Julian,

this is DNews. Welcome. Although cats are the most popular pet in the US, outnumbering

dogs by around 8 million, there are about 12 million more households with dogs-- presumably

because of crazy cat ladies. At least one DNews episode shows that humans who live with animals

are affected by the animal's microbiome. But what about when those pups try and lick your

face? Gross. Or, is it? What exactly should I be feeling? I'm so conflicted.

First, there's a myth out there that dogs' mouth are cleaner than human's.

This is not true. Both human's and dog's mouth both contain bacteria, lots of it. But there's really no

way to directly compare, because while they are both mouths, they're completely different

environments!

Studies of the bacteria of dogs' mouths have found hundreds of species of bacteria, with

"significant" differences to human mouths. Only 16 percent of dog oral microbiota overlaps

with humans. Another study in the Archives of Oral Biology, says there are definitely

harmful pathogens in your pup's face-hole! A separate study in PlosOne from 2015, found

that oral-to-oral transfers of bacteria from dogs to owners can cause gingivitis and periodontal

disease!

P. gulae, for example, can cause inflamed gums and even tooth loss...it’s super rare

in humans, but common in dogs, and 16 percent of owners had it!

There's even some bacteria in dogs mouths which are antibiotic resistant, meaning if

it were to spread to humans, we would have trouble treating it. On top of all THAT, if

you have a cut in your mouth, or some bleeding gums from basic gingivitis, bacteria from

your dog’s tongue could enter that open wound, and spread infections deeper into your

body.

We do have some natural defenses, though. Both human and dog saliva have antibacterial

properties. They're basic, but play a part in wound-licking. That DOESN'T mean you should

let your pet lick your wound though. *Case studies have found infections from another

mouth bacteria in animals called Pasteurella can result. A pasteurella infection can be

treated with antibiotics, but can also be dangerous as it opens the way for more serious

infections.

So, the thing is, yes, face licking can be gross… but there's not actually a ton of

danger from infectious bacteria. They ARE there, so being skeezed-out at the idea of

swapping saliva with a dog is probably warranted. But sources are quick to say, both mouths

contain tons of bacteria. Plus, PET LOVERS: INFECTION GOES BOTH WAYS. You don't want to

infect your dog with YOUR dirty mouth do you?! To be honest, you're more likely to catch

an infection by swapping saliva with another human than with a dog, but just to be safe…

you know… the more you know the better. You do you, but think about where you put

your mouth, and if you're a kid or elderly, you're even more susceptible to infection.

In the end the Centers for Disease Control recommends anytime you ever come in contact

with any dog you wash your hands afterward. Maybe splash a little soapy water on your

face if you’re getting puppy kisses too.

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Dogs are starting to show up everywhere these days, even in bars and restaurants… should

you be worried when you're sharing a pint with a poodle? Brunch with a boxer? Snacks

with a shit-zu? Trace answers all you worries in this video.

Though you may not see the harm of having your furry friend under your table at a restaurant,

What do you think? Do you let dogs lick your face? Share ice cream with you? Well let us know in the comments!