Although it’s hard to resist a kiss from an adorable dog or cat, many pet owners are unaware of the potential dangers of allowing their furry friends to lick their faces. This affectionate gesture can lead to severe bacterial infections, risking the loss of limbs and even proving fatal.
When it comes to letting pets kiss their owners, people usually fall into two categories: those who enthusiastically welcome it and those who prefer to refrain.
While dog and cat kisses may seem endearing, the thought loses its charm when considering where their tongues have been – in places like their private parts or licking feces-covered surfaces.
Dangerous kisses
Moreover, even when pets lick clean areas of human skin, the bacteria they transfer can be life-threatening. A TikTok user under the name “medexplained2you,” who is a PA (physician’s assistant), warns against kissing dogs on the mouth due to the risk of infections.
The user emphasizes that kissing dogs on the mouth can lead to an infection with Capnocytophaga Canimorsus, a bacterium found in the mouths of dogs and cats. This bacterium, harmless to pets, can cause serious complications like heart attacks, kidney failure, and in severe cases, may necessitate amputation of limbs.
The article continues below the photo:
Infection – amputation and even death
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the severity of Capnocytophaga infections, which can lead to life-threatening complications such as amputations and even death. People infected with this bacterium may experience symptoms within a few days, with approximately 3 out of 10 facing fatal outcomes.
The risk is higher for individuals with weakened immune systems, making the elderly, heavy alcohol users, and those without spleens more susceptible to severe infections and adverse consequences.
The TikTok user stresses the importance of avoiding pet saliva around or in one’s mouth to prevent such dire outcomes, as timely diagnosis and treatment, including amputation, may be the only solution in advanced cases.
Kiss of death?
Recent cases of Capnocytophaga infections have fueled concerns over the risks associated with pet saliva. South African actress Charlbi Dean and Marie Trainer from Ohio are tragic examples of individuals who suffered severe infections from interactions with their dogs, resulting in amputations and, in Dean’s case, death.
The article continues below the photo:
Furthermore, cases like those of Sharon Larson and Greg Manteufel, who suffered severe infections and required amputations despite initial good health, emphasize the indiscriminate nature of Capnocytophaga infections.
Easily solved
Despite the warnings, some individuals remain unperturbed by the risks and continue to engage in such affectionate interactions with their pets. While some advocate for refraining from kissing pets to avoid potential dangers, others defend the practice, claiming their love for their animals surpasses any associated risks.
The article continues below the videos:
“They brought them here to the hospital twice so I could see them and it put the biggest smile on my face,” she told CNN.
In past cases, the discovery of Capnocytophaga infections in individuals with no direct animal bites raised concerns over the transmission and severity of these infections, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.
