Latest news with #Capnocytophaga
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Should you let your dog lick your face as vet warns of hidden health dangers
Scots owners may not mind a quick smooch with their dog but the consequences could be life-threatening Dogs are called man's best friend for a reason, because for many people across the world, they are their owner's closest companion. Pooches share in the joy of special moments and provide comfort in the difficult ones. To repay them for their love and loyalty, many owners may be partial to a smooch with their dog, or letting their cute canines lick their face when they greet them at the door or get excited after snack time. However, letting your dog lick your face could come with a host of hidden dangers. Last week, it was revealed that a 26-year-old pregnant woman had developed a hydatid cyst caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. This was most likely transmitted through contact with dog faeces, according to the Daily Mail. This has raised concerns about the common habit of allowing our furry friends to give us 'kisses'. To set the record straight, Dr Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at UK-based pet insurance company Waggel, has stepped in to explain why this intimate greeting might deserve a second thought. "Whilst we all love to show affection with our pets, it's important to understand what might be transferred during those face licks," says Dr Warner. "Dogs' mouths harbour numerous bacteria, including Capnocytophaga canimorsus, which can cause serious infections in humans in rare cases." There were 15 reported cases of Capnocytophaga infections in England during the first quarter of 2023, making a total of 70 cases for the year. These figures are consistent with previous years, as per the UK Health Security Agency. As a result, Dr Warner has highlighted three key facts pet owners should know. Not everyone faces the same risk People with weakened immune systems, the elderly, those without a spleen, and individuals with liver disease or who consume alcohol excessively face substantially higher risks from dog saliva exposure. Infections can be life-threatening if untreated When Capnocytophaga enters the bloodstream, it can cause sepsis, gangrene requiring amputation, kidney failure, and a heart attack. In severe cases, the mortality rate can reach 30 per cent, particularly in vulnerable populations. Symptoms progress rapidly and require immediate attention Initial signs appear within one to eight days and include blistering around wound sites, fever, vomiting, headache, and muscle pain. Without prompt antibiotic treatment, the infection can quickly escalate to septic shock with dangerously low blood pressure, confusion, and organ failure. Dr Warner offers these practical recommendations: Redirect face licks to less sensitive areas like hands, which can be washed afterwards Wash your face and hands thoroughly after close contact with pets Keep pet vaccinations current and maintain regular dental check-ups for your dog Consider scheduling biannual vet visits to monitor your pet's oral health Seek immediate medical attention if you develop unusual symptoms after a dog lick The last one is especially important if you have open wounds or are immunocompromised. "The bond we share with our dogs is built on love, loyalty, and daily connection," Dr Warner added. "We don't need to shy away from that closeness, but we do need to understand the health implications that come with it. "With some awareness and simple hygiene, we can continue enjoying our pets' affection safely and confidently." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why do dogs lick humans? The surprising science behind the cute habit and its medical risk
Interpreting Dog Behavior: More Than Just Affection The Hidden Risks of Dog Licks When a Lick Turns Dangerous Symptoms and Safety Measures When dogs lick their owners, it's often viewed as a sign of affection. However, experts say there are deeper evolutionary reasons behind the behavior. Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, a noted dog cognition expert and author of The Year of the Puppy, explained that licking is an instinct dogs inherited from their wolf ancestors. In the wild, when wolves return from a hunt, other members of the pack lick their faces to prompt regurgitation of food.'So, your dog's lick of you when you come home is absolutely a greeting — you know, they're happy to see you. But also, it's a little bit of a request for whatever you just ate,' said Horowitz on CBS Mornings also helps dogs gather sensory information. Horowitz noted that when dogs lick, they are essentially 'smelling you by licking you,' using their mouths to explore their environment much like humans use their affection, licking can serve as a form of communication. 'On some level, they are communicating with us. We're not always good at interpreting what they're saying,' said Horowitz. For instance, when a dog appears to look guilty — ears back, whining — it may not indicate actual guilt. According to Horowitz, this reaction is more about submission and an attempt to avoid behavior also reveals emotional cues. Horowitz explained that a low tail wag may signal anxiety or fear, while a high, waving tail often shows interest or their ability to adapt to human environments, Horowitz emphasized that dogs experience the world differently. 'The way we see the world — dogs smell it... They're living in a kind of parallel universe to us.'Though licking is normal and instinctive for dogs, health professionals warn that it can carry risks — especially when it involves the face. Dogs lick various objects daily, including their own genitals, which can introduce bacteria into their mouths.A widely viewed video by a medical professional known as 'The Gut Doc' raised awareness about Capnocytophaga, a bacterium found in dog saliva. While infections are rare, they can be severe, particularly for those with compromised immune systems. 'Did you know that a dog's lick can introduce harmful bacteria into your body?... It's rare, but it can lead to life-threatening infections," the doctor warned, as per the Times of Turner, a woman from Ohio, experienced the devastating impact of such an infection in 2019. After being licked by her dog while having a small cut on her hand, she developed a rapid and severe infection from Capnocytophaga. The bacteria entered her bloodstream, and despite medical intervention, doctors had to amputate all four of her limbs to save her Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that while most people will never be affected, those with conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, cancer, or without a spleen are more vulnerable to serious outcomes. People undergoing chemotherapy or those with alcohol dependency are also at higher of a Capnocytophaga infection include redness, swelling or blisters near the site of contact, along with fever, vomiting, and confusion. In extreme cases, the infection can lead to organ failure or reduce risk, medical professionals recommend avoiding face licks, washing any licked area thoroughly, and seeking medical attention if unusual symptoms appear. People with open wounds or weakened immune systems are advised to be especially dog licks may feel like acts of love, experts suggest safer alternatives for bonding, like petting or playing. Appreciating a dog's affection doesn't have to come at the cost of personal health.
