Dog Kisses: A Love-Hate Relationship with Canine Saliva

Nicola Peltz Beckham's recent Instagram post sparked controversy when she shared a photo of her deceased Chihuahua, Nala, licking her face. While some sympathised with her grief, others focused on the unsanitary potential of canine saliva. This sparked a debate – are we right to be afraid of our furry friends' affection, or is the risk of infection overblown?

The author, Kate Spicer, admits to sharing a similar fondness for her Spanish hunting dogs, indulging in daily rituals of "kissing, biting and licking of ears, necks and faces." This, she says, is not merely a display of affection but a testament to her "unwavering love" for her hounds. However, she acknowledges the potential dangers, citing experts who warn of the presence of "parasites, viruses and fungi" in dog saliva.

Professors Luca Guardabassi and Peter Damborg, veterinary microbiologists from the University of Copenhagen, shed light on the specific risks. While dogs are not known to spread "bubonic plague or malaria," they can transmit "ringworm" and other pathogens through their love of licking their own rear ends and rolling in other animals' excrement.

These experts highlight the dangers of "enteric pathogens" like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, commonly spread through the infamous "backside lick." While the number of Leptospirosis (Weil's disease) cases is thankfully low, it remains a potential risk, though rarely fatal.

Despite the evidence, the author stands firm in her love for her dogs, drawing on the "old friends hypothesis." This theory suggests that humans evolved alongside animals and benefited from exposure to their microbes. Dr. Jack Gilbert, director of the Microbiome and Metagenomics Center at UC San Diego School of Medicine, highlights the role of dogs in shaping our immune systems. He argues that "exposure to dogs and their bacteria is beneficial to immune system development."

Ultimately, the author concludes that the benefits of close companionship with our pets outweigh the risks. While acknowledging the potential for transmission of pathogens, she points to the positive impact of pet ownership on mental and physical wellbeing.

While caution is advised, especially with unfamiliar dogs, the author champions the love and joy that dogs bring to our lives, ultimately declaring herself a "dog kisser and proud of it."