Vet warns dog owners 'cute' habit could be 'extremely dangerous' – Daily Record

A vet has warned pet owners against letting dogs lick their faces, due to the risks posed by "extremely dangerous" bacteria. While some dog owners won't think twice about letting their dog 'kiss' them, they could be unknowingly putting themselves at risk.
UK veterinarian Dr Alex Crow, who is the Chief Veterinary Officer at The Net Vet and a content creator, shared the warning on Instagram as @alex_thevet. Dr Alex told his 19k followers: "Stop letting your dog lick your face. Their mouths are full of bacteria, parasites, and fungi, some of which can make you seriously ill.
"Dogs spend their time sniffing faeces, licking wounds, rummaging through trash, and licking other dogs' bottoms. And it's not just gross, it's dangerous. They can carry Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. Coli, all of which cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and gastroenteritis in humans.
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"There's also a risk of ringworm, a contagious fungal infection. And then there's Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a rare but aggressive bacteria that can lead to severe sepsis.
"And if your dog's got dental disease, their saliva is already full of bacteria. Children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system are especially at risk. Look, I get it. You love your dog, but keep the kisses below the neck."
