Everyone knows that kissing is one of our favorite ways to express love. Whether it is a kiss on the cheek or a French kiss, the purpose of doing so is to express love. Since it is a way to express love, can owners kiss their dogs? Let’s find out to...
Everyone knows that kissing is one of our favorite ways to express love. Whether it is a kiss on the cheek or a French kiss, the purpose of doing so is to express love. Since it is a way to express love, can owners kiss their dogs? Let’s find out together.
Dogs are man's best friend. However, being too close to a pet dog can lead to health problems. According to the British "Daily Mail" report on October 11, a new study published in the British "Archives of Oral Biology" magazine warned that people who kiss their pet dogs or pet owners who let their pet dogs lick their mouths are more likely to be infected with dental diseases through cross-infection between humans and dogs. Because "human-canine kissing" can lead to cross-infection of dangerous oral bacteria. If left untreated, it can easily lead to oral infection and periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a serious dental disease that destroys gum tissue. If left untreated for a long time, it will lead to loosening or even loss of teeth and bone loss in the jaw. Studies have found that although only about 5% of dogs develop tooth decay, most dogs have periodontitis. The new warning is based on a dental health survey of pet dog owners completed last year in Japan. The study found that 16% of pet dog owners carry a canine oral bacteria in their mouths. This bacterium usually only exists in the mouths of dogs and is an extremely dangerous bacterium (never found in humans). These pet dog owners often maintain close contact with their pet dogs and move extremely intimately. Studies have also found that dog owners can also spread harmful oral bacteria to their dogs. Researchers found a total of 10 types of bacteria related to human periodontal disease in the mouths of these pet dogs. Scientists say even seemingly innocuous contact between humans and dogs can lead to the spread of germs.
Dr. Paul Mazza from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in the United States said that the risk of cross-infection of oral bacteria between humans and dogs is closely related to the oral hygiene habits of pet owners and pet dogs. The probability of cross-infection of oral bacteria is inversely proportional to oral hygiene habits. Many of the bacteria found in pet dogs are of the same type as those found in humans. If pet owners can keep their dogs' oral hygiene clean (such as brushing their dogs' teeth, etc.), then their dogs' oral hygiene will be even better than that of humans.
Experts suggest that for the sake of your own and your pet’s oral health, it is best not to kiss your pet dog. People with weakened immune systems and the elderly need to be especially careful.
