Vets Issue Urgent Warning About Kissing Your Dogs



While many dog owners kiss their dogs, vets are now issuing an urgent warning about locking lips with pooches. A team of Penn State researchers have warned that household dogs are overlooked spreaders for zoonotic pathogens — infections that spread between humans and animals. That includes antibiotic-resistant salmonella, which can cause diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and even death in extreme cases. Sophia Kennedy, author of the study, says we think about eggs and beef playing a role in salmonella, but we don’t let cows or chickens sleep in our beds and lick our faces. “We have this close bond with companion animals in general, and we have a really close interface with dogs,” said Kennedy. Most pet reptiles or amphibians can carry salmonella, but dogs and cats can occasionally become infected. Salmonella infections in dogs are not common but foodborne outbreaks related to pet treats or from contact with contaminated pet food and improper food handling does happen. Simple hygiene practices such as hand washing are needed to protect both our furry friends and ourselves.