Archive · 10 Aug 2025
Dog Licks and Illness: Understanding the Health Risks
Sometimes, when a dog licks you, it can make you sick.
This is because their saliva has bacteria.
Normally, your skin keeps the germs out.
But if you have any cuts, the germs can get in.
Recently, in the UK, a woman died because of this.
People with weak immune systems, kids, and the elderly are more at risk.
Always clean wounds, and keep your pets healthy by going to the vet and brushing their teeth!
This will help keep everyone safe and healthy.
Dog saliva can carry bacteria, posing a health risk to humans.
A UK woman died from sepsis after her dog licked a leg wound.
Risks are low with intact skin, but higher with open wounds or near eyes/mouth.
Those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and children are more vulnerable.
Regular pet health check-ups and hygiene are key to mitigating risks.
- Who
- People with open wounds, weakened immunity, and the elderly are most vulnerable.
- What
- Dog saliva can transmit harmful bacteria, potentially causing infection.
- When
- Recent incidents highlight the risks of dog licks.
- Where
- The risk is relevant anywhere dogs and humans interact.
- Why
- Dogs' saliva contains bacteria that can cause infection in susceptible individuals.
General Public
Medical Professionals
Severity of Risk
General Public
Dog licks are mostly harmless.
Medical Professionals
Dog licks can be dangerous.
- Bacteria in Dog Saliva
- Pasteurella multocida, Capnocytophaga, E. coli, Staphylococcus
- Vulnerable Groups
- Open wounds, weakened immune systems, elderly, children
- Fatal Case
- UK woman died from sepsis
- Prevention
- Hygiene, regular pet vet visits and vaccinations