Puppies use their tongues like humans use their hands to understand people, objects, and space around them. The tongue, coupled with saliva, allows a dog to analyze its surroundings accurately. However, what does dog saliva have to do with humans?
There are several myths on this topic, but you must know that while it is relatively safe to let your puppy lick you, a puppy’s mouth contains various natural bacteria that make its bite so dangerous. So, it is advisable not to kiss your dog on the mouth.
Also, remember that puppies can greet other creatures with a nose to rump contact. This interaction can transmit intestinal parasites into their bodies, causing severe diseases. Consider being prepared with pet insurance for dogs, so getting your pet pooch timely medical help need not be a challenge.
Cheap pet insurance policies provide basic health coverage at affordable costs, so providing medical care shouldn’t be a problem during unanticipated health scenarios and emergencies. Contemplate purchasing a policy. Meanwhile, read on to learn three common myths associated with dog saliva and humans and how they are shattered through facts.
Myth – “Dog’s saliva will heal human wounds.”
Fact
Although a few ancient cultures, like Greek and Egyptian, believe a canine’s saliva has healing properties, this is quite untrue. No doubt licking removes debris from a wound, reducing the chances of an infection. But you should know that excessive licking can aggravate skin conditions and cause significant health problems like hot spots.
The earlier cultures weren’t totally wrong about their opinion on the powers of dog saliva because it contains proteins just like human saliva that potentially lowers infections. However, you must also remember that dog’s saliva contains hundreds of natural bacterial flora that can aggravate the wound condition.
So, contact a medic or try some home remedies to get relief from the pain and discomfort of a wound rather than allowing your canine fur baby to tend to it.
Myth – “Humans are only allergic to dog hair.”
Fact
A straight “NO” to this statement because humans can be allergic to a dog’s saliva apart from the dander. Many allergies stem from proteins (at least twelve of them are identified) in a dog’s saliva, and the impact can be significantly felt if a person is hypersensitive.
If you are a puppy parent suffering from an allergy and don’t know if it is because of your dog’s dander or saliva, you should consider consulting a dermatologist to confirm the cause of the allergy. If you are allergic to your pupper’s saliva, avoid its mouth and tongue during interactions.
Myth – “Dog’s mouths are cleaner than ours.”
Fact
Be assured that your puppy’s mouth is not cleaner than yours. Your puppy’s mouth harbors approximately 600 species of bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, Rabies, and Capnocytophaga, that can make you sick when transmitted. Cuts, wounds, open sores, nose, eyes, and mouth are ideal entry points for these pathogens, so avoid close contact with your puppy’s mouth near these areas.
Let your puppy kiss you on the cheek or hand instead. Raising a puppy should not complicate both your lives, so pay attention to your health and your puppy’s. Consider purchasing pet insurance for dogs so providing your puppy with timely health care during unplanned vet visits is affordable.
You can search for cheap pet insurance policies that offer basic health coverage or the best policies that comprehensively cover your pup. Weigh the different plans online and your budget to buy a policy that best suits your puppy companion.
