Dogs enjoy licking human faces as it’s a form of communication, which often mirrors the way they bond with each other. They’re also known to lick faces because it shows affection to their owners and is also a way of seeking attention.
As lovingly as it may be, a gut doctor has issued a major warning about this form of affection with your beloved pooch. The expert’s warning may mean thinking twice before accepting a lick on the face from a dog as it could cause a health issue. In fact, even just one small lick from a dog is said to be enough to jeopardise your health. According to popular TikToker, The Gut Doc, licks from your furry friend is something all should be very wary about.
The TikTok doctor issued this precaution of accepting a lick on your face from your dog in a clip on the social media platform, discussing how this seemingly innocent action could in fact introduce a bacterial infection into a person’s system.
The video, which has a whopping 3.6 million views, sees the TikTok doctor discuss how a condition known as Capnocytophaga could become a reality for some.
He said: “From a gastroenterologist: Did you know that letting a dog lick your face or near an open wound can expose you to Capnocytophaga, a bacteria that can cause a flesh-eating disease, sepsis, and even limb amputation?”
Capnocytophaga is normally found in the oropharyngeal tract of mammals and is involved in periodontal diseases and the pathogenesis of some animal bite wounds.
Capnocytophaga infection may be rare in the UK with numerous studies finding an incidence rate of around 0.67 infections per million population, but still should be known to all animal owners.
Adding in the caption, The Gut Doc said: “People with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk, including those with diabetes, liver disease, or cancer.
“So, if you’re at high risk, avoid dog licks and wash the skin immediately with soap and water.”
People who are deemed at being a higher risk for this infection include those with a weakened immune system, people on certain medications including chemotherapy, those with alcohol disorders or those who don’t have a spleen, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC).
People who suffer with cancer, HIV or diabetes are significantly more at risk, with health experts strongly advising they take extra precautions when coming into contact with dogs or cats.
Symptoms of a Capnocytophaga infection include redness, swelling, blisters, pus, pain, stomach aches, diarrhoea, headaches, vomiting, joint or muscle pain or feeling confused.
Capnocytophaga germs typically occur in a person’s mouths too, and if passed on, it could lead to infections in the gums, eyes or respiratory tracts which includes the throat, lungs and nose.
