There are some aspects of being a pet parent that can be pretty divisive, with many of us in disagreement.
One such issue is whether or not you should kiss your dog on their mouth or let them lick your face – for some people, it’s only natural, while for others, it’s considered gross or unhygienic, and they’d rather hand over one of the best dog toys instead.
After broadcaster Claudia Winkleman, who hosts the British version of The Traitors, made headlines in the UK for revealing that she kisses her own dog on the mouth, Pooch & Mutt’s resident vet Dr. Linda Simon has explained why it is actually a bad idea.
Appearing on comedian Kathy Burke’s podcast ‘Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake’, she said, “I have recently got a dog who I am in love with. I mean, I’m going to bore you till your ears bleed. The two [kids] have left home. I didn’t know what to do. I thought I might steal a baby. So instead I got a dog, who I treat like… I mean, I don’t put him in clothes, but I didn’t know, I’d never had a dog before or any form of animal, but this little dog who… I open his mouth and insert my tongue. I do.”
In response, Dr. Simon has weighed in, and says, “I've got lots of clients who do this (I see it several times a week in the consult room!) but it's a bad idea. Indeed, I'm forever telling my toddlers to stop letting the dog kiss them!”
She explains that the main risk is the spread of infection – the risk is highest when it comes to raw fed dogs, but any dog can pass on bacterial infections. This is because dogs spend a lot of time sniffing the ground, eating grass, and sometimes licking poop or urine they find outdoors. Here are five diseases you could catch from your dog, and how to reduce the risk.
“Another potential risk would be of the dog biting your face if they get spooked. Putting your face right in theirs may startle them, and most dogs dislike being stared at,” she continues. So, even if you’re willing to take that chance, it’s wise not to let your children kiss the dog.
As alternatives to kissing them, Dr. Simon recommends giving your pup plenty of cuddles and pets or taking them on a walk and playing a game – there are plenty of other ways to show your dog you love them.
If your dog enjoys licking your face, but you’re not a fan, you might find this article useful: I love my dog but hate when he licks my face – here’s how I stopped this behavior. And, if your dog still licks your face, or you’d prefer to keep kissing them, here’s how to keep dog teeth clean.
