Dog lovers who like to get close to their pooches are exposing themselves more to just doggy breath, it has emerged.
And if that scene in There’s Something About Mary made your stomach turn, there was good reason for it.
As reported by ATTN, one new study has said that our dogs’ mouths are far dirtier than we previously thought.
Dr. Neilanjan Nandi, an assistant professor at Drexel University, has said most animals carry viruses, yeast and bacteria in their mouths.
Our pooches can also carry roundworms and hookworms from licking at feaces and other dogs. While these bacterias are actually healthy for our dogs, it’s bad news for humans.
‘There are some organisms unique to dogs that we were simply not meant to tolerate or combat…’ Dr Nandi says.
While it’s okay for your dog to lick and kiss you in other places, the face is the most vulnerable as the eyes, ears, mouth and nose are more susceptible to germs and infections than elsewhere.
Two specific demographics who should avoid dog-licking are babies and elderly people, as they are deemed to have the weakest immune system.
I think we’ve learnt our lesson… a cuddle and a pat on the head should be enough when it comes to our canine friends.
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