Posted: July 10th, 2009 - 8:14am
Source: Pet Healthcare

It was National Kissing Day on Monday and a poll by leading veterinary charity PDSA, revealed that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of dog owners kiss their pet - or let their dog kiss them.
While welcoming such a strong bond between people and their pets, a senior PDSA vet has added a word of caution for dog lovers. “We think it’s wonderful that people share affection with their beloved pets, and we don’t wish to be killjoys,” said Elaine Pendlebury. “However, owners should be aware there are health risks from face-to-face contact and ‘kissing’ dogs. These include Ringworm (not a saliva related disease, but a contact one), Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Campylobacter, Salmonella and MRSA to name but a few.”
The PDSA poll found that some owners continue kissing with their dogs even if they know there are potential perils. In fact 25 per cent of ‘pet-puckerers’ say they are aware of the associated health risks.
Elaine Pendlebury added, “Diseases that pass from pets to humans are thankfully relatively rare but there is a risk if owners come into contact with their pet’s saliva or tongue.
“Healthy owners are not likely to get sick from touching or owning pets if they follow good standards of hygiene. As a pet owner, try not to let your pet’s saliva to enter your mouth and wash your hands thoroughly after touching your pets. Some diseases can also be prevented by worming your pets regularly and ensuring that their vaccinations are up to date.
“It is important to emphasise that the risk to pet owners is low but by taking extra precautions you are minimising that risk further.”