“My dog is so tame, if an ax murderer walked through that door right now, she’d probably just lick him to death!”
We’ve heard the term “licked to death” to describe the more docile breeds known as man’s best friend, but…could there actually be some truth to that saying?
Could a dog’s lick really kill you? It’s possible. Dogs carry different bacteria in their mouths than humans, and our immune system might not be prepared for some of them.
Wisconsin resident, Greg Manteufel, discovered this a little too late, and paid for it with his limbs! The trouble started when Greg contracted a rare and dangerous bacterium after a simple lick from his beloved pet.
The bacterium, Capnocytophaga canimorsus, caused a rare blood infection that resulted in a complete shutdown of the normal circulation to his limbs.
At first, Greg and his wife believed it was just a sudden and severe bout of the flu, but when he went to the emergency room, medical specialists quickly realized they were dealing with something much more serious.
Although doctors did their best to save Greg’s limbs, the only way to save his life was by amputating both of his arms and legs.
What is this Deadly Bacterium?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the bacteria Capnocytophaga live in the mouths of 74 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats, and, unlike us, the animals are completely immune to it!
This means your pet could be a carrier, and you would never know it until it’s too late!
Some Myth-Busting First
Can a dog lick heal wounds? That’s a popular myth often taken a bit too literally by some animal lovers.
Let’s get straight to the point. A dog’s saliva has antibacterial properties against some pathogens, like Escherichia coli and Streptococcus canis, but having a dog lick your open wound isn’t like putting Neosporin on it. While dog licking is a hygienic function among dogs and their puppies, it doesn’t have the same effect on humans.
Even though a dog lick can neutralize a few pathogens, a dog’s mouth contains hundreds of bacteria at the same time. These bacteria are not always harmful to dogs unless they are eating something they shouldn’t, but they could be quite aggressive in humans.
Think about it for a moment. When a dog bites you, a doctor may prescribe vaccines and antibiotics to heal your wound. Why is that? Where do the bacteria come from? Not from the dog’s teeth, but mainly from the saliva. A dog licking your open wound would have the same effect as a dog biting you and leaving his saliva all over your body.
More Dangerous Bacteria Lurking in Your Pet’s Mouth
Now, let’s take a closer look into your dog’s mouth. What other bacteria is hanging around in there?
Pasteurella
Most wound infections involve P. multocida and P. dagmatis. They can cause wound infection, which can be further complicated with osteomyelitis (a rare bone infection) if you’re especially unlucky.
Bacteroides
Bacteroides species commonly cause a localized infection, similar to Pasteurella. But in large wounds, they may come in contact with your bloodstream, causing bacteremia (bacteria in your blood) that’s been reported to trigger a severe blood-clotting problem that may cause your kidneys to shut down.
Streptobacillus moniliformis
It’s associated with rat-bite fever, but when dogs eat rodents (and they often do when you’re not looking) they may have these bacteria in their mouths, as well.
Similarly, a dog’s mouth may contain other unexpected bacteria, depending on their habits.
How Do I Protect Myself and My Family?
Those with a weakened immune system and individuals over 40 are at increased risk of contracting an infection from their pets. However, it is rare, and can easily be prevented by using hygienic measures with your pets at home.
This means washing your hands after coming into contact with your pet’s saliva, keeping cuts clean and bandaged (and away from your dog’s mouth), and strictly adhering to your pet’s vaccination schedule.
However, it is important to note that in scientific literature, there are also reports showing that pets who receive antibiotics, usually known as well-groomed and well-cared for pets, may still have antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their mouths.
More than likely, you’ll never develop a serious infection caused by your pets, but it has happened, and it could happen to you. So, don’t let your pet literally lick you to death. Practice proper hygiene and wound care, and you’ll be able to enjoy the love and companionship of your pets unscathed for decades to come.
