A new study from Pennsylvania State University is warning pet owners about the potential health risks of kissing their dogs on the mouth. Researchers highlighted the risk of contracting harmful pathogens, particularly Salmonella, which can be spread from dogs to humans.
Sophia Kenney, one of the study’s authors, pointed out that while Salmonella is often associated with agriculture, like eggs and beef, people generally don’t allow cows to lick their faces or share their beds. However, the close bond between humans and dogs leads to intimate interactions, such as kissing, which increases the risk of pathogen transmission.
The study utilized data from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network to track Salmonella strains found in dogs from 2017 to 2023. Researchers found that while many people enjoy receiving affection from their pets, this practice can lead to exposure to bacteria like Salmonella, potentially resulting in infections.
The findings suggest that pet owners should be cautious about allowing dogs to lick their faces, particularly their mouths, to minimize the risk of bacterial transmission.
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