Is There Any Harm In A Dog Licking A Baby’s Face?
Babies and puppies seem to go together. Photos of dogs licking small children warm our hearts because the image projects innocent affection between two things we love most in the world: our children and our pets. But, is there any harm in a dogs licking babies? Let’s find out.
Dogs Licking Babies
What is In Your Dog’s Mouth?
Like all animals, dogs’ mouths contain antibacterial properties. This allows for the saliva to act as a guard against infection and disease both inside and outside of the dog’s mouth. A dog’s saliva is similar to a human’s but designed specifically for canine physiology. It is more alkaline than human saliva which makes it better at fighting cavities in a dog’s mouth than human saliva does for us. It is also why dogs lick their wounds like other mammals do. But, should we be concerned our dog licking babies face?
The Dangers Lurking in Your Dog’s Mouth
While dogs’ saliva has antibacterial properties, that does not mean it is free of bacteria! Dogs eat and lick things that their immune system is designed to withstand that human immune systems are not. Dogs have been known to eat feces, garbage, and lick the anuses of other dogs. While their saliva may kill bacteria, there is a good chance that some of this bacteria is still in their mouth if they have been in recent contact.
Capnocytophaga Canimorsus
Capnocytophaga Canimorsus is a disease that can spread to humans through contact with dog saliva. While infection is very rare, it would be potentially hazardous to people with an open wound or those with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems; such as certain sick patients, the elderly, and babies. Your dog licking babies face is the most likely way for this disease to spread to your infant.
How Concerned Should You Be?
Transfer of illness between dogs and humans is rare. It most commonly occurs after a dog bite. But, because infants are still growing and developing their immune systems, dogs licking babies should be discouraged.
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