“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face”
– Ben Williams
Kissing a dog has always been a controversial issue where some pet parents allow their canines to plant a sloppy kiss on their face and lips while others find it gross. Dogs and humans share a special bond from centuries, which is growing intense with the passing time. Different studies are being conducted at various places to find some underlying reasons that have lead the bond to intensify. Their sloppy licks are usually welcomed openly by the pet parents. But, are they safe?
Some studies have shown that dog saliva is beneficial for humans and others have stated it to be an open threat for zoonosis. Well, there are always two sides to a coin and in this case, it may be beneficial for pet parents to explore both sides.
Let’s check the pros and cons of dog licks for a better understanding!
Pros of the big, attractive sloppy dog licks:
There was a famous, modern French saying about the dog licks which reads “A dog’s tongue is a doctor’s tongue!” They were not the only ones to believe this. Ancient Egyptians believed that dog’s saliva has curative powers and that belief persisted for a long time.
As far as our modern research is concerned, they too have succeeded in their experiments regarding it. Scientists from the Netherlands found a chemical named Histatins in pet’s saliva. This chemical speeds up the migration of new cells and heals the wound faster.
The Florida researchers came up with a similar thing. They isolated a certain protein from the dog’s saliva that actually halves the healing time. Dr. Nigel Benjamin from the London School of Medicine has shown his efforts in this experiment. He proved that when a dog’s saliva comes in contact with the skin, it produces nitric acid which protects the wound from infection.
Apart from these medical advantages, doggy licks are a part of the affection display. Your furry friends know you better and make their presence felt by their sloppy kisses. This may give an emotional boost and distress you from the burdens of the day. Their constant touch with kids increases immunity and protects them from allergy developments.
Cons of letting your furry pal smooch you:
The most feared thing about dog licks is the probability of zoonosis. Humans can get infected by the diseases that their pets may have through the exchange of saliva or smooching. The other doubts that pet parents experience is the things that these furry friends come in contact with. Many canines have a habit of eating their own or somebody else’s poop. If you don’t know where your dog’s tongue and mouth have been, it is unhealthy to let him plant a kiss on your lips. So, if you are a great fan of sloppy licks of your fur babies, just watch out for his mouth digging habits!
In all, it is pet parents who may have to take care about the whereabouts of their canines if they are fond of the kisses. Though the probability is less, it is advisable to avoid the mouth kisses with your dogs to have a healthy living.
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