Everyone knows how loving our pets can be, especially dogs. They establish a very close bond with their owners and many times they show their affection through "kisses" or rather, licks and it is that in addition to offering love when we are happy, dogs seem to perceive when we are sad or depressed and do everything possible (for example, suck our faces) to lift our spirits.
Are we then bad owners if we don't let ourselves be kissed by our furry friends?
It seems that the equation is not so simple, avoiding kisses from dogs does not mean not loving them, but it is a way to protect ourselves. But protect ourselves from what? Nothing more and nothing less than a battery that can be lethal, the Capnocytophaga.
What is Capnocytophaga?
La Capnocytophaga it is a bacteria that lives in the mouth of dogs. It is proven by studies conducted by Centers for Disease Control (CDC, for its acronym in English) that seventy-four percent of dogs have this bacterium, which is part of their natural microbiome.
The same can cause infections in humans, such as the one that was unleashed inside the body of an Ohio woman, whose legs and arms had to be amputated after her dog licked an open wound, which allowed the bacteria to spread through the rest of the body of its owner.
Infection by Capnocytophaga, a bacterium that is also found naturally in cats, occurs only rarely and predominantly among pregnant women, people suffering from cancer, alcohol drinkers or among those who take certain medications such as steroids or those who have lost their spleen, that is, among people with weakened immune systems.
However, and although specialists have highlighted this population as "at risk", the truth is that the Ohio woman did not meet these criteria and was also infected. In any case, it is not a matter of becoming obsessed, for example, thinking about everything that our dog puts in his mouth (garbage, own excrement and of other animals, etc..) but to be vigilant and prevent, if you want your pet to continue licking you, because at least make sure it is not on an open wound.
Warning signs
The signs that you should take into account to know if you have been infected by your dog's lick are many and varied, you may have vomiting, diarrhea and / or stomach pain, you may get blisters in the licked area, become red, swollen, painful or produce pus. In turn, you may experience a fever, headache, and / or confusion. Finally, another possible symptom is muscle or joint pain.
En general, the appearance of these symptoms occur between three and five days after the "kiss", but there are cases in which they appeared after a day and others, after 14. It is important to remember that you should go to the doctor immediately if you notice some of these reactions in your body, since it is possible that you have been infected.
Serious consequences of Capnocytophaga infection
There are many more serious complications than the aforementioned signs that are also produced by this bacterium, for example gangrene (what happened to the woman who had her arms and legs amputated), kidney failure and even heart attack. In addition, it is valid to clarify that on some occasions it is usually lethal and that is 3 out of 10 infected people die during the process. However and in the rest of the cases (most) a treatment with antibiotics is enough to recover fully.
How do I avoid an infection?
La dog bite it is usually associated only with rabies. However, the reality is that this, like licking, can cause Capnocytophaga infection. Do not let your dog or cat lick a wound and if it does, wash it with plenty of soap and water quickly. It is better to be cautious than then suffer the consequences of a carelessness! Also pay attention to any strange symptoms that you notice in the days after.
Reasons why your dog licks
There are numerous reasons why your dog decides to lick or lick you, this being one of the most representative and expressive behaviors of all dogs.
To know the world
The language (and therefore the taste and consistency of the objects and people that through them they can know) it serves as a means of knowing the world. In this sense, not only smell and sight serve them to investigate the environment that surrounds them day by day. That is why if you give them a new toy, the first thing they will do is suck it.
To get your attention
Dogs need attention at all hours. Therefore, if you are not lending it to them, they will let you know with a hickey saying “Look at me, play with me, I'm here"!
Because he associates licking with positive responses
This point is closely related to the previous one. If whenever he licks you, you return a caress, an affectionate word or start playing with him, your dog will understand that licking you has direct positive consequences and will repeat it without hesitation. In other words, do everything possible to seek your affection.
For a matter of taste
Specialists have found that dogs like the salty taste. So, although it sounds a bit disturbing, your dog may like how salty your skin is, specifically, your sweat.
Because he wants to taste what you have cooked
If you are preparing food and your hands are dirty with some kind of food, it is more than evident that the dog will want to lick you to eat some of that delicacy you are cooking. As much as you do not realize that you have traces of food in you, Your pet's incredible sense of smell will know without hesitation.
Because it's cleaning you
Just like his mother did to him when he was a puppy, your dog licks you to maintain your hygiene. It's a token of appreciation since he only does it with people with whom he has a special bond.
Because you are experiencing stress or tension
Another reason a dog may self-lick is because wants to calm down or calm down. This behavior is effective in achieving this goal as it releases endorphins.
Because a wound is healing
Lick too it can be a way for the dog to protect itself when it hurts, removing dirt and bacteria from your wound. Therefore, when you see him do it, do not repress it! So you know that if your dog licks you, it has its reasons, but you also have your reasons to watch out for their licks. Perhaps you can train your dog to show affection in other ways that are less risky for you.