Pet Sitting Service should know – Kissing Your Dog a No-No

Once in a while our dogs are going to manage the odd lick across the face. You’ll be fine. It might even be really sweet and you’ll savor the memory. Important you and your pet sitting service are aware of the dangers.

Have you ever been present when a dog kissing enthusiast lets their dog slobber all over them, giggling and obviously thinking it’s the greatest thing ever? Medical professionals and virologists say they might be taking a risk beyond the affect it might have on their friendships.

Consider not just the saliva, but also where that cute little nose has been. While dog walking, you’ll notice they spend much of their time putting their noses in nasty places and hovering over dog droppings so their muzzles are hotbeds of bacteria, viruses and germs of all sorts.

When your Pet Sitting Service Asks: What’s the Problem?

A case in the UK found a woman in intensive care with multiple organ failure because of contracting an infection from her Italian greyhound’s affections. It began with slurred speech while on the phone with a
family member, who became concerned and called for an ambulance. The woman was in her 70s however had no underlying immune system issues but due to her age, they thought perhaps she was having life-threatening challenges. When the response team arrived, she was found slumped in her chair, unconscious. She briefly regained consciousness upon arriving at the hospital and her condition improved somewhat. They were able to sit her up and ask some questions and she stated she had no other symptoms, other than a headache the night before.

After four days of attempting to figure out what was up, her condition worsened and she presented with confusion, headaches, diarrhea, high fever, and her kidneys began to fail. She went on to experience reduced liver function and respiratory failure. Finally suffering from severe sepsis, or blood poisoning, she was found to be infected with bacteria found in the mouths of cats and dogs.

With no noticeable bites or scratch marks, the doctors were led to believe she contracted the bacteria from loving her dog a bit too much.

A rare result to be sure, however a cautionary tale for those who love those kisses. It took this poor woman two whole weeks in intensive care with antibiotic treatments to get her back on her feet. While the outcome is rare, the bacteria is very common.

Try a Vigorous Tummy Rub

Bottom line, no need to stress overmuch about those occasional kisses, but you shouldn’t up your odds by allowing your pet to regularly slobber all over you. While breaking the habit, be sure your dog
walkers and pet sitters are on board. They can help reinforce your rules! Always be sure to include your dog walkers, pet sitters and family members in any behavior modification practices you’re working on, to realize more success with your efforts. In the meantime, a good tummy rub will be appreciated just as much,
they’ll even come to demand them regularly, and maybe your puppy will enjoy one as well!

They are bound to get excited and of course love you lots so are going to try to lick you. Don’t panic! Gently sit them down and substitute a energetic tummy rub to satisfy their need for affection. They will eventually transfer their need to lick to a need to please in other ways as they get older. Just try not to establish the practice or let you dog walkers or pet sitters inadvertently sabotage your efforts or you may always have a challenge with it.

You’ll see adult dogs who craftily manage to sneak in licks at unexpected moments, and you can bet as puppies that was a big thing for their owners. When your happy puppy starts doing it, picture them
full-grown and slobbery. Do you really want that? Later in life you’ll feel badly forcing them off you, like you are depriving them of some affection! No worries, your puppy, and eventual dog, will know you love them even if you avoid letting them give you a kiss you so go ahead and break the habit before it becomes ingrained. Love your little friend right so he’s a pleasure for the whole family and not an annoyance when he becomes a full-grown companion.

Do you have any unusual stories about your pet experience? Come share with us at Love & Dogs Professional Pet Service!