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NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
Why Your Dog Licking Your Face Might Come With An Illness Alarm
New Delhi: For many pet parents, there's no purer expression of love than that sloppy, tail-wagging, full-tongue "kiss" from their dog. It's cute, it's affectionate... and, as most of us like to believe, completely harmless. After all, there's that long-standing myth about dog saliva having magical healing powers, right? Well, as it turns out, the truth may be far less cuddly and far more clinical. That reality came into sharp focus recently in the UK, where 83-year-old June Baxter from Attleborough, Norfolk, died after developing septic shock. The cause? A cut on her leg that was licked by her granddaughter's dog. Baxter had injured herself while using a commode at home on June 29. By the time her granddaughter arrived, the family dog had licked the wound. Tests later revealed the presence of Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium found in roughly half of all dogs's mouths. While harmless to the dog, it proved deadly for Baxter, who died of sepsis on July 7 despite receiving medical treatment. The tragic incident has raised an important and often overlooked question: Can letting your dog lick you actually make you sick? "Yes, It Is Possible..." Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, says, "Yes, it is possible, though not very common, to get sick from a dog licking you. A dog's mouth contains many types of bacteria, some of which can be harmful to humans." He adds, "These germs come from things dogs often do, like licking or sniffing dirty surfaces, eating things off the ground, or grooming themselves. So while a lick from your dog is often seen as a sign of affection, it's important to know it can also carry health risks in certain situations." If the lick lands on healthy, intact skin, the risk remains low. "Our skin is a strong barrier that keeps most germs out. In healthy people, an occasional lick on the arm or hand is unlikely to cause any serious illness. However, if the dog licks areas near the mouth, eyes, or nose... or if it licks broken skin, such as a wound or rash, the chances of infection increase," Dr Tayal explains. Who's More Vulnerable? Some groups, Dr Tushar Tayal adds, are more vulnerable, including those with open wounds, weakened immune systems, the elderly, and young children. For them, bacteria like Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella, E. coli or even Staphylococcus can cause severe infections, though such cases remain rare. The Healing Saliva Myth? Busted. And as for the age-old belief that dog saliva heals wounds? "This is more of a myth than a medical fact... While dog saliva does contain some mild antibacterial enzymes, it also carries a large number of harmful bacteria. From a medical perspective, it is not recommended to let dogs lick wounds - it's better to keep wounds clean, covered, and treated with proper first aid," Dr Tayal warns. The Fatal Cost Of Overlooked Hygiene Dr Piyush Mishra, General Physician & Immunisation Officer, North East District, New Delhi, points out that most healthy adults have little to fear from an occasional lick. He says, "Most dog saliva does contain bacteria, but in most cases, it is not an issue. The only real concern... is when there are open wounds, exposed mucous membranes, and excessive licking. Basic hygiene, such as washing hands or face as needed, is usually enough to prevent any problem." Keeping the dog healthy is also a key part of lowering risks: "A dog that is vaccinated and dewormed on a regular basis is far less likely to transfer any harmful bacteria or parasites through licking. Having the pet examined regularly... means that there is a better chance that infections can be remedied quickly, significantly lowering the threat to humans." While Dr Mishra has heard of rare cases involving Capnocytophaga canimorsus causing severe infections and even amputations, he stresses that such outcomes typically involve people with underlying health issues. He also notes that the media often amplifies the fear. > "In most instances, the risks are exaggerated... A little common sense in hygiene and keeping the pet healthy is a fair compromise of enjoying the relationship safe and healthy." The Dog's Health Matters (A Lot) Dr Nehal Shah, Consultant Paediatric Medicine, Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital, Mumbai, agrees that severe cases from dog licks are "very rare" in healthy people. She says, "Dogs' saliva does contain some bacteria which won't trouble most healthy people, but if it comes in contact with open wounds, abrasions, breached skin... it can rarely cause infection." However, for people who are already sick, immunocompromised, or undergoing certain treatments, caution is vital. "A healthy, fully immunised dog is least likely to spread any kind of infection or illness... Oral hygiene is utmost important as saliva contains certain bacteria which can be passed on to at-risk individuals and cause infections," she shares. Regular veterinary visits, she adds, can be a game-changer: "Regular vet check-ups help in recognising health issues at the earliest, giving appropriate care at the right time, and avoiding spread of infection... Oral hygiene, like brushing teeth and regular cleaning, can avoid the accumulation of bacteria in the oral cavity and subsequently passing on to others." The Bottom Line For most healthy people, a dog's lick is unlikely to send you to the ER. But if you have open wounds, compromised immunity, or a pet that isn't up-to-date with its vaccinations and vet care, that seemingly sweet gesture could turn risky. So, by all means, let your furry friend shower you with affection, just remember that love, in this case, is best enjoyed with a little bit of healthy caution... and maybe a handwash afterwards.
Mint
31-07-2025
- Mint
Mystery deepens! Woman, 20, dies with 26 iPhones glued to her during long-distance journey
In a baffling case, a 20-year-old woman in Brazil collapsed after falling ill during her bus journey in Paraná — what sparked shock was that dozens of iPhones were glued to her body, The Mirror reported. Police have launched an investigation into the matter. The woman displayed symptoms of respiratory distress when the bus stopped for a break at a restaurant. Her heart stopped shortly afterward, and she stopped breathing. Paramedics tried to revive her for around 45 minutes, but she could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. While medics were assisting her, they discovered several packages -- including 26 iPhones - attached to her body. Police confirmed that no drugs were found, although bottles of alcohol were discovered in her luggage. The woman was traveling alone from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo. Her identity has not been revealed. "The Paraná Civil Police are investigating the case and awaiting the conclusion of forensic reports to clarify the cause of death. According to preliminary information, the woman, who was alone, was traveling from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo. The 26 cell phones that were glued to her body were seized and sent to the Federal Revenue Service," police said, according to Brazilian news outlet Globo. In another bizarre incident in the UK, an 83-year-old retired woman, June Baxter, died of septic shock after a dog licked a wound on her leg, leading to a fatal infection. On June 29, Baxter injured her leg while using a commode at her home in Attleborough, Norfolk. She was alone at the time, but after her granddaughter, Caitlan Allin, arrived, her dog licked the open wound. Medical tests later revealed the presence of Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium commonly found in about 50% of dogs' mouths. While usually harmless to dogs, it can be dangerous to humans with weakened immune systems. Despite receiving medical treatment, Baxter's condition worsened as she showed signs of sepsis. The coroner's inquest confirmed that she died on July 7. She had existing kidney, liver, and heart issues, which made her more vulnerable to infection. Experts warned that elderly or immunocompromised individuals should be cautious of dog licks.
NDTV
29-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
UK Woman Dies After Dog Licked Her. Here's What You Should Know
A retired woman in the UK died of septic shock after her leg injury was licked by a dog, leading to infection. The victim, identified as June Baxter, 83, from Attleborough in Norfolk, had cut her leg while using a commode at her home on June 29. She was alone by herself at the time of the injury, but after her granddaughter Caitlan Allin arrived, the latter's dog licked the wound. Tests from the wound found Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium present in about 50 per cent of dogs' mouths, which typically does a dog no harm. During an inquest, the Norfolk coroner's court was told that despite medical treatment, Ms Baxter continued to display symptoms of sepsis, which caused her death on 7 July. Should you be wary of fog licks? If anyone has an immune system weakened by age or other infection, they need to be wary of letting a dog slobber over them. In the case of Ms Baxter, apart from the infection, she had kidney, liver and heart issues. She was already in frail health when she felt ill a day after the dog lick and died a week later. Which organs to avoid? While licking is not dangerous if you are healthy, doctors do advise that the furry animals should not lick the eyes, nose and mouth -- areas lined with mucous membranes, more permeable and sensitive than regular skin and prone to absorbing bacteria. Open wounds should also be covered. Why do dogs lick? Dogs lick as a way to show their love, deference and respect to humans as their pack leader. It is an instinctive behaviour that is linked to the comfort they felt when their mother licked them as a puppy. Previous cases According to a report in The Times, an 85-year-old woman with a pet dog who had Pasteurella multocida died with multiple organ failure after developing septic shock. "In 2023 the case report authors in the journal BMC Geriatrics said that highlighting her death was important, given the growing cohort of elderly pet-owners seeking medical care," the report stated.
The Star
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Star
Cattle quarantine imposed after virulent disease kills 25 buffaloes in Kuala T'ganu
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has identified an outbreak of haemorrhagic septicaemia in this district. State agriculture, food security and commodities committee chairman Dr Azman Ibrahim said the first case of the bacterial disease, which affects cattle and buffaloes, was reported on April 7. It resulted in the deaths of 25 out of 120 buffaloes owned by six farmers in Kampung Dusun Tembakau in Manir here, he added. Post-mortem examinations and sampling were conducted, and the presence of the disease was confirmed on Tuesday (April 22). "Control and preventive measures, including a quarantine order, were issued to the farmers yesterday (Thursday, April 24) under Section 18 of the Animals Act 1953. "Notices prohibiting the movement of cattle or buffaloes in and out of the affected village have also been issued to prevent the spread of the disease within a 5km radius of the outbreak location,' he said in a statement on Friday (April 25). Exceptions for movement are allowed only for slaughterhouse purposes at the DVS-owned slaughterhouse in Gong Badak, Kuala Nerus, and a licensed private slaughterhouse here, he added. Dr Azman said the movement restrictions affecting seven sub-districts in the Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus districts are in force until further notice. DVS has also provided quarantine pens for livestock isolation and to facilitate treatment and monitoring of symptomatic animals. "Disinfection assistance, including one barrel of chlorinated lime, has been distributed to farmers to reduce the risk of disease spread through contact with infected animal fluids," he added. This year, DVS has administered 343 vaccines for the disease in flood-prone areas in the Setiu, Dungun and Kuala Nerus districts. Haemorrhagic septicaemia is a highly contagious and fatal disease caused by the Pasteurella multocida bacterium. Outbreaks tend to occur during monsoons and periods of high humidity. – Bernama
