K-STATE EXPERT SAYS DOG KISSES CAN GIVE BACK MORE THAN LOVE

K-STATE EXPERT SAYS DOG KISSES CAN GIVE BACK MORE THAN LOVE

MANHATTAN -- "Eeewh! Dog germs!" Lucy says after receiving a wet kiss from Snoopy in the "Peanuts" cartoon series. According to a Kansas State University microbiologist, sloppy kisses and slobbering licks may be a sign of love from your dog, but the result can be the passing of germs from pet to owner.

"The difficulty arises if there is a break in the skin, or if an individual already has a small cut or a lesion on their hand," said George Marchin, associate professor of microbiology. "In those cases there might be a transfer of bacteria from the animal to the person.

"In the situation of a dog bite you always hear that superficial bites are less severe than deep ones, so the same thing would apply to the superficial lick and kisses from animals," he said. "You just have to be wary of the introduction of organisms deeper into the tissue."

Most often dog owners aren't concerned about diseases if their pet has had regular vaccinations. However, Marchin points out that there are other germs to be aware of.

"The germs dogs carry are not much different than the germs normal people carry," Marchin said. "So in a dog's mouth you would find streptococcus or staphylococcus.

"One particular organism that you don't normally find in people's mouths, and is associated with dog bites, is an organism called pasterella multocida," he said. "It is a more serious organism in terms of superficial infections."

Marchin adds, with a normal, healthy animal, the risks of becoming ill are fairly minimal. However, he says it a good idea to be aware of the diseases that are out there, and know how to handle a situation where infection could occur.

"I think a precautionary measure would be to wash your hands with soap and water after dealing with animals," Marchin said. "It's just common sense to be careful around animals that are exposed to the same germs you are."

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