Can You Let Your Dog Lick Your Face?

Dogs use their tongue to show affection towards people, and also to obtain information. For example, to find out what mood their owner is in. Although, there are some pets who naturally use their tongue more often, many people want to know is if it’s OK to let their dog lick them on the face.

Certain considerations regarding the consequences fort letting your dog lick you on the face

Experts don’t entirely agree about this topic as to whether it’s dangerous or harmless to let your dog’s tongue touch your face.

One thing for sure is that dogs are unaware of it being a problem.  Dogs show their love towards us through anyway possible. One way is by licking your face.

So, after reading this article, you’ll have to decide what to do about your dog showing his affection through this action. 

Dogs show their affection in special ways. One of them is by licking us. But, is it okay to allow your dog to lick you on the face? There are many different points of views. Read all about it here in this article.

A little contact with germs isn’t bad at all

On the one hand, there are people who think this is a big mistake regarding the fierce fight against germs. On the other hand, dogs might be here to help us – –  by many ways – –  with their tongues.

According to experts, a little dirt does no harm. To support this argument, babies who grow up with dogs are less likely to get sick. They also have a lower risk of developing allergies later on in life.

Your dog can pick up many bacteria or microorganisms from going on walks and exploring. A child’s exposure to these germs strengthens their immune system.

Bacteria in dog saliva

On the other hand there are those who unroll a list of risks that we expose ourselves to if you let your dog kiss your face.

Think for a moment about where your dog has been poking around. Maybe you don’t want to know what else he uses his tongue for. But anyways, what does their saliva contain naturally?

Although the majority of infectious diseases in animals can’t be transmitted to humans, there are some zoonoses. The following are the bacteria found in dog saliva and feces that can make you sick:

• Salmonella
• Clostridium
• E. coli
• Campylobacter
• Pasteurella multocida

Everything in moderation

Other people are kinda iffy on this subject.  They believe a dog could infect others by just licking them, but it’s easily avoidable.  Simply practice good hygiene.

For example, if you wash your hands or face properly, it’s very unlikely that your dog is going to cause a bacterial infection.

However, people with weakened immune systems should take special precautions. In particular, people who have recently received chemotherapy, or have HIV.

Do you like when your licks you on the face?

Furthermore, if you take good care of our pet, it’s difficult for them to spread diseases. Also, this risk is even less if you live in an urban environment.

Therefore it’s important to:

• Regularly take your dog to the vet.
• Deworm him according to professional advice.
• Stick to the vaccination schedule.

No matter what, it’s your decision if you like your dog showing his affection by licking you on the face. But you’ll have to figure this out with your four-legged non-human family member.