• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Are puppy kisses safe? Should you let your dog lick your face?

Posted September 29, 2022

puppy kisses
Puppy kisses are full of affection, loyalty, and about 700 kinds of bacteria. To be safe, limit puppy kisses to your hands or cheek.

Dogs brighten our lives and fill them with love and sweet puppy kisses.

We give dogs affection in a million ways, and they return it.

A dog’s love is so powerful that it improves our health and emotional well-being and acts as a good source of therapy when things are bad.

Sometimes they show their affection with snuggles on the couch or an offer to play with a favorite toy.

But their biggest show of affection usually comes from a wet, sloppy face lick — puppy kisses.

While puppy kisses are sweet, are they safe for you and your dog?

Why do dogs lick?

puppy kisses
Puppy kisses also comfort dogs because licking releases endorphins, making them feel relaxed and happy.

Dogs lick us because they love us! Puppy kisses show affection.

Dogs also lick to communicate that they’re hungry, need to go outside or want your attention.

Puppy kisses also comfort dogs because licking releases endorphins, making them feel relaxed and happy.

An anxious dog might be prone to licking behavior to self-soothe or compel his owner to provide reassurance and affection.

What’s in puppy kisses?

A dog’s kiss is full of affection, loyalty, and about 700 kinds of bacteria.

Some less human-friendly bacteria include Toxocara, Pasteurella campylobacter, and salmonella, not to mention parasites like hookworms and tapeworms and any other disgusting thing they might encounter laying on the ground hookworm, tapeworm, and salmonella — not to say anything they find lying on the ground.

That’s a lot of nasty stuff that can upset gastrointestinal systems (among other things) and can exacerbate pre-existing conditions, like IBS, GERD, and Crohn’s disease.

While a dog’s mouth is full of stuff that helps them heal, it’s also full of stuff that will send you straight to a doctor’s office.

If your dog is unwell, the chances you will get sick increase.

Verdict?

While having a dog can be good for the health of even the smallest humans (having a dog can help diminish respiratory illnesses in children).

However, it’s better to play it safe when it comes to puppy kisses.

You can let your dog kiss you. Just keep your dog’s tongue away from your mouth.

Licks on cheeks or hands are generally OK, as skin absorption of bacteria is rare. To be safe, make sure to wash up afterward!

For anyone who is sick or has a compromised immune system, including people who have HIV/AIDS, are receiving chemo, or are otherwise immunocompromised — it’s best to make sure you teach your dog to show affection in other ways.

Older people, as well as infants, should probably also avoid puppy kisses.

Break the kissing habit

puppy kisses
Puppy kisses show affection.

To prevent worrying about health risks, teach your dog other communication methods.

To stop licking or break an unwanted kissing habit, show your dog that kisses or licks are not an effective method of communication.

If your dog licks you, say no firmly and leave the room.

Stop if you’re doing something your dog likes, such as petting, and she starts licking.

Be consistent.

Once your dog learns to link your absence with licking or understands you won’t do something she enjoys if she licks, the puppy kisses will stop.

– By Amber Kingsley

 

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Fun, Dog Health, Home Page Tagged With: Dog body language, Dog safety, Valentine's Day

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Puppy-proofVacation dog carePotty trainingSmall dogsValentine's DayPawThanksgivingRottweilerOutdoor activitiesOld dogsTwo dogsPandemicSheddingWorking dogsService dogsVeterinariantraining tipsPit bullPet parentsRescue dogSeparation anxietyWaterTicksSocializationPet sitterPuppy kindergartenPoodlePetfinder.comYorkshire terrierPomeranian

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort: The ultimate guide for dog owners
    Balancing cleanliness and canine comfort is crucial for the well-being of your pet. This guide is for you if you want to achieve this balance. […]
  • The importance of a balanced diet for dogs: Why and how you should care
    Feed your dog a balanced diet with the right mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Ensure they get the right amounts to stay healthy. […]
  • Use 5 factors to choose the best veterinarian for your dog
    Research thoroughly and consider location, services, experience, cost, and staff before choosing the right vet for your dog. […]
  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.