Most people think a dog’s lick is harmless, but it can carry severe health risks that could change your life forever.
Many dog owners love the affection their pets show, including when their dogs lick them. For some, it’s a sweet and harmless gesture of love.
While it might not seem like the most sanitary habit, many people think it’s perfectly safe to let their furry friends give them “kisses.”
However, veterinarians are now urging caution. They’ve issued warnings to dog owners about the potential health risks after one woman experienced a devastating outcome—she had to have all four limbs amputated.
Marie ended up hospitalised after her dog licked her hand which had been cut
Marie Trainer
Marie Trainer, a resident of Stark County, Ohio, came back home from a vacation in 2019 with a small cut on her hand. It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time.
When she returned, her beloved dog welcomed her back with licks, which she saw as a normal and affectionate gesture.
But not long after that, Marie started to feel unwell, and things quickly took a turn for the worse.
Marie’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and her health spiraled out of control in a matter of days.
In an interview with FOX News, Marie shared her experience, saying: “Four days later, I wasn’t feeling well and just got sicker and sicker.”
Initially thinking it was just a bout of the flu, her husband, Matt, decided to take her to the hospital for medical care. But the reality turned out to be far more serious than anyone expected.
Doctors were puzzled at first and couldn’t figure out what was causing her symptoms. However, it soon became clear that she wasn’t dealing with the flu when she slipped into a coma.
Marie was eventually diagnosed with a rare but serious bacterial infection called capnocytophaga canimorsus. This bacteria is commonly found in the saliva of cats and dogs.
When introduced to the human body, especially through an open wound, the bacteria can trigger an overwhelming immune response that may turn life-threatening.
Marie Trainer’s limbs had to be amputated
Marie Trainer
In severe cases like Marie’s, the infection can cause blood clots, which may cut off circulation to certain parts of the body. This can result in tissue death in the affected areas.
When doctors encounter this situation, amputation is often the only option to stop the infection from spreading further.
Tragically for Marie, this meant that both her arms and legs had to be amputated to save her life.
What are the health risks of kissing your dog?
Veterinarians have highlighted the fact that dogs can unknowingly spread diseases known as zoonotic pathogens. These are illnesses that can transfer from animals to humans.
Diseases like these are often overlooked because of how close humans and dogs tend to live and interact. However, experts are urging pet owners to be more mindful of the potential risks.
A team of researchers from Penn State University has issued a strong warning to dog owners, advising them to be cautious when it comes to their pets.
One of their main concerns is antibiotic-resistant salmonella, a bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and, in some cases, even lead to death.
Sophia Kenney, who authored the study, explained: “Especially with salmonella, we think about the role of agriculture and transmission – we think about eggs, we think about beef.”
She went on to emphasize the differences in how humans and animals interact, noting: “But the thing is, we don’t let cows sleep in our beds or lick our faces, but we do dogs.”
Another researcher expanded on this point, saying: “We have this close bond with companion animals in general, and we have a really close interface with dogs.”
The Falls Village Veterinary Hospital, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has added to these warnings. In a statement, they said: “Dogs have a reputation for being fairly indiscriminate about the things they sniff, lick, and eat. For this reason, their mouths can easily become home to bacteria like E. coli, campylobacter, and salmonella. These microorganisms are zoonotic, which means they can be readily passed from one species to another.”
The hospital also pointed out that while the risks are low for healthy adults, there’s still a chance of serious illnesses. They warned: “While healthy adults will almost certainly survive being exposed to the viruses or bacteria in their dogs’ mouths, there is a non-zero risk of gastrointestinal illness and oral diseases from puppy kisses.”
Maybe not, folks
Getty Stock Image
Vets also caution that certain parasites, like giardia, roundworms, and hookworms, can be spread through contact with a dog’s saliva. These infections can lead to severe digestive issues and abdominal pain in both dogs and humans, posing a serious health risk.
Marie, who has endured a long and challenging road to recovery following her quadruple amputation, has remained resilient. She has undergone extensive rehabilitation to adapt to prosthetic limbs and rebuild her life.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared: “It’s been challenging. Learning how to walk was the hardest thing, but I’m good, I’m doing good.”