Is dog saliva dangerous for humans?

 Dogs are considered by many people to be “man’s best friend." In our time, they are like a full-fledged family member in many homes. But could it be that this faithful companion, well-trained and present at our side during play or walks, represents any danger? While some people do not hesitate to let their pet lick them, dog saliva raises questions and suspicions for others. In this article, we explain whether or not canine saliva poses risks to human health.

Licks that have value

A lick from your pet, especially on the face, is a sign of how much he enjoys being with you. However, dogs use their tongues for other purposes... A dog licks itself to groom itself or clean a wound, and this can disgust some people who refuse to be licked for this reason. But licking also has a psychological dimension. Dogs can also lick themselves to show a need for appeasement, especially after an attack. They relieve their stress by licking themselves.

However, you should check that this behavior does not become excessive. If he insistently licks a specific area, it may be because he is in pain and trying to soothe it. Similarly, if he licks you excessively, it is because he has a behavioral disorder.

Can saliva help heal a wound?

One of saliva's primary functions is to facilitate food dilution, swallowing, and digestion. Its enzymes not only facilitate food breakdown but also have antibacterial properties to limit its presence in the animal's body. Enzymes such as lysozyme thus contribute to the defense against pathogens.

Therefore, the idea that dog saliva helps a wound heal is quite common. However, this is false. If you want to heal, the best way is probably to make sure that the wound remains clean. This entails regular disinfection.

Because a dog's saliva contains many bacteria. This makes sense because they lick all sorts of things found in their environment, including droppings, and groom themselves with their tongue. Some owners, having a hard time accepting this idea, undertake to brush their teeth with a brush, especially when they find that their pet has bad breath. But this phenomenon is more linked to the presence of dental plaque. Also, brushing can limit the presence of plaque and reduce odors, but it will in no way eliminate the many germs that are in the dog's mouth.

The dog, vector of zoonosis

Animals can transmit a number of diseases to humans; these are called zoonoses. Dogs are no exception. They can transmit diseases to humans. Most zoonoses go unnoticed and are not serious. But some can cause significant damage and prove fatal.

Diseases that are transmitted by bites are among the best known: rabies, pasteurellosis, or leptospirosis. Toxocariasis and tapeworm are transmitted orally when a person ingests food contaminated and soiled by a sick dog. Finally, other zoonoses are transmitted by simple contact with a sick dog, such as ringworm, for example.

This may seem excessive, but vaccination helps limit the spread of the most serious diseases. French law does not require vaccinations for dogs, except in specific cases. Thus, the rabies vaccine (known as “anti-rabies”) is mandatory if the dog is classified as category 1 or 2, that is to say if it is an attack, guard, or defense dog, which is more likely to bite. Do not hesitate to check with your veterinarian on this issue. Be aware that if you have taken out pet health insurance, this type of intervention may be covered, depending on the type of contract you have.

People are more at risk than others.

If your dog bites or licks a wound, it is best to disinfect immediately. If you suffer from fever or fatigue in a time period close enough to make a connection with your dog's licking, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.

It goes without saying that if bacteria enter, our immune system kicks in. But if it is weakened for some reason, infection is to be feared. People with compromised immune systems know this and are generally very sensitive to hygiene. Pregnant women are also often more wary.

In addition, there are people who are allergic to certain proteins contained in dog saliva. Depending on the degree of sensitivity, symptoms range from itchy skin to respiratory problems.

Focus on the bacteria Capnocytophaga canimorsus.

This bacteria is transmitted by biting or licking a wound or lesion. Among the few cases of contamination that hospitals must resolve, it happens that the entry route of the bacteria is not identified. It turns out that it is very often present in dogs' mouths, but it is ultimately quite rare for it to end up in a human being's blood.

In cases of contamination, high fever, vomiting, and/or tremors are observed. As the bacteria develop in the body, they cause necrotic tissue lesions. Without prompt treatment, the patient can die within a few days.

Ensuring your dog's health

The amount of saliva produced is important. In the case of dry mouth, the dog may simply have difficulty swallowing and therefore eating. If your dog does not produce enough saliva, an imbalance can also occur due to the proliferation of a certain number of bacteria that will no longer be treated. If you do not react, your dog may develop dental and gum diseases or become ill. Particularly unpleasant breath can be a warning sign.