Smooches from Fido: Yay or Nay?

July 6th was International Kissing Day (of the human sort). Later in the month, Care2 readers heard about a dolphin and a dog that kissed. But how about people and their pets—do they kiss?

Personally, I love getting kisses from my dogs. Gina gives them frequently and Sanchez, rarely (which is why I cherish the photo to the right). While I may be anthropomorphizing to think it’s their way of showing affection, I still welcome the experience. But not every dog lover does.

Let’s face it, dogs are dogs. They lick themselves and eat disgusting things off the ground, edible and not. Do you allow that to prevent them from kissing you? Can it even make you ill?

According to Veterinarian Lori Huston, the health risks are extremely minimal. And, in my opinion, the emotional benefits of being kissed by your pet (assuming you enjoy it) far outweigh the health risks.

Of course, use common sense, and never stick your face into the space of a dog you don’t know and teach your children to abide by that rule.

Do you enjoy kisses from your dogs? How about other pets? Thanks for taking our poll below and sharing your experiences in a comment.

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Photo Credit of Sanchez kissing Lisa Spector: Gracie Slegers

quick poll

vote now!

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no!
leaning no
leaning yes
yes!

no!
leaning no
leaning yes
yes!

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kathy P.

1:08PM PDT on Sep 27, 2012

my dog is a licker.. a chronic one. You step outside and she is licking your arm, your leg, your butt, your clothes. if you bend down she licks your face, your hair. it's a nuisance, especially to my 2.5 year old (who is her height and not so fond of the love). We love her and all, but the licking simply gets old. Especially when visitors come. She doesn't get the message.

September 27
send a green star

Teresa W.

7:25AM PDT on Aug 12, 2012

No. That's unhygienic.

August 12
send a green star

Nancy G E.

9:39PM PDT on Aug 11, 2012

A DOG'S MOUTH IS CLEANER THAN A HUMAN'S. IF YOU WERE BITTEN BY A HUMAN AND A DOG, WHICH WOUND WOULD YOU HAVE MEDICALLY TREATED FIRST? IF YOU DIDN'T ANSWER THE HUMAN BITE, THEN YOU ARE CHOOSING THE WRONG ONE TO WORRY ABOUT. A HUMAN'S MOUTH HAS MORE BACTERIA THAN A DOG'S AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS AS FAR AS GETTING INFECTED.

August 11
send a green star

LMj S.

12:46PM PDT on Aug 10, 2012

Thank you for sharing!

August 10
send a green star

12:45PM PDT on Aug 10, 2012

12:44PM PDT on Aug 10, 2012

Monica Q.

10:35AM PDT on Aug 8, 2012

that's nice to know since I've been a little finicky with that because I didn't know it wouldn't really affect health... From now on, kiss kiss!

August 8
send a green star

Teresa C.

6:12PM PDT on Aug 4, 2012

My animals aren't "kissy"--but when they want to be kissy, it's okay with me.

August 4
send a green star

Lucille M.

6:01PM PDT on Aug 4, 2012

I like critter kisses just fine. My semi-feral cat gives me a kiss before she gets her treats every morning. Three years ago she'd have tried to take my face off if I had put it within two feet of her. My current dog isn't kissy, but I've never had a problem with having my hands or face washed by a dog. If in doubt as to where that tongue has been....I know how to wash my hands and face afterward. (When the dog isn't looking, of course).