How Gross is it Really… To Kiss My Dog? As an emotionally-unavailable 42-year-old man, kissing a male hound-mix mutt seemed about as likely as a Trump-Harris ticket, but in true nutty fashion, 2020 brought me a new baby boy and a whole new me. All of a sudden this buttoned up accountant transformed into a lip-smooching, baby-talking dog dad.
But now, eight months in (and another tragic, astounding COVID surge), I recently got to thinking: How gross is it really to kiss my dog on the lips?
It started with murmurs that you could potentially contract – or worse, transmit – COVID with pet contact. But caution fatigue set in, and I quickly resumed my morning, noon, and night bouche-bouche with Beau. But then, I don’t know – maybe the pandemic messed with my head, I became a hypochondriac, or worst of all, was my affection waning? But I started to wonder if I needed to rein it in a bit with the kisses. So I went to experts Dr. Google and Dr. WebMD and did some research:
“I love to kiss my dog”, 6 takeaways:
Takeaway 1: Foreign matter.
Dogs have about the same amount of bacteria in their mouths as humans do (400-500 bacteria, FYI). Problem is, it’s just not the same bacteria, leaving our immune systems wondering what in the world to do and vulnerable to infection.
According to Dr. Floyd Dewhirst, bacterial geneticist at the Forsyth Institute and professor of oral medicine at Harvard, “ If you look at humans and dogs, we only saw about 15 percent [of the bacteria] that are the same species,” he says. So, without much overlap, our immune systems and native bacteria can’t spring to action and fight the foreign bacteria.
Takeaway 2: Whoa, that’s kinda scary.
While it’s highly unlikely to get sick, the rare extreme cases are not for the faint of heart. Septic shock and amputations, flesh-eating bacteria and comas, severe diarrhea? Moreover, most of the bad stuff comes from well, poop particles in their saliva. Love you Beau, but below the neck cuddles may have to do.
Another famous, and former White House resident, Bo, reportedly has to forego the kisses too. “I still don’t let Sunny and Bo lick me, because when I walk them on the side lawn, some of the things I see them picking up and chewing on, I don’t want that, man,” said dad.
Takeaway 3: You’re not a bat in a market, but…
Zoonotic disease?! Sure, I never knew that term pre-pandemic, but in these times, I know it well enough to know that I don’t want to be Patient Zero.
Takeaway 4: Maybe just not so often?
Unless you have open wounds (pimples, razor burn count?) and a weakened immune system, the risk for something serious is not so high, according to a few expert opinions I read. Maybe I’ll just limit our kissing frequency. Limit the risk – I’ve been practicing that.
Takeaway 5: Get on acid.
It’s been reported, although research is slim, that perhaps canine saliva doesn’t survive in the lower-pH, more acidic environment of the human mouth. Maybe I just have an extra cup of coffee or OJ?
Takeaway 6: Monogamy’s the way.
My vet gets unprompted licks to the face all the time – and she sees hundreds of dogs a week. At least I’m monogamous. Surely I’ve built up an immunity to one dog’s bacterial batch.
Net-Net: What am I talking about – like I was ever going to stop? Listening to the experts – out. Makeouts, PDA, baby-talk – in. Definitely in.
Is It Gross to Kiss My Dog
The idea of kissing your dog may seem sweet, but from a hygiene perspective, it’s not exactly the cleanest habit. While dog saliva contains some antibacterial properties, it also harbors a mix of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms—some of which can be transmitted to humans.
Dogs explore the world with their mouths, licking floors, sniffing other animals, and sometimes eating things they shouldn’t. This means their mouths can carry germs like Salmonella, E. coli, and even parasites that could potentially be passed to humans through close contact. While the risk of getting sick from a dog kiss is relatively low—especially if you have a strong immune system—there are still some precautions to consider.
Here are a few ways to keep dog kisses as hygienic as possible:
- Avoid mouth-to-mouth contact – Let your pup lick your hand instead of your face.
- Practice good hygiene – Wash your hands after petting your dog, especially before eating.
- Keep up with vet visits – Regular checkups, deworming, and dental cleanings help minimize health risks.
- Brush your dog’s teeth – Maintaining their oral health reduces bacteria buildup.
At the end of the day, whether or not you kiss your dog is a personal choice. If you don’t mind a little slobber and your pup enjoys the affection, go ahead! Just be mindful of proper hygiene and your dog’s comfort to ensure a loving (but clean) bonding experience.
Do Dogs Like Kisses?
The answer depends on the dog! While some pups enjoy the affection and attention that comes with a kiss, others may find it confusing or even uncomfortable. Unlike humans, dogs don’t instinctively understand kisses as a sign of love. Instead, they rely on body language, tone of voice, and past experiences to interpret human behavior.
Dogs that have been socialized to associate kisses with positive reinforcement—like gentle petting, a happy voice, or treats—may enjoy the gesture. You might notice your dog leaning into you, wagging their tail, or even responding with “dog kisses” (aka licking your face). These are all signs that your pup is comfortable and receptive to your affection.
However, not all dogs feel the same way. Some may feel uneasy or stressed when a human leans in close to their face, as this can be perceived as a dominant or intimidating action in the canine world. Signs that your dog isn’t a fan of kisses include turning their head away, licking their lips, yawning, stiffening up, or moving away from you. If you notice these signs, it’s best to respect their boundaries and show affection in a way they prefer—such as belly rubs or a playful game.
Ultimately, whether a dog enjoys kisses depends on their individual personality, training, and past experiences. If you’re unsure, pay close attention to their body language and let them decide how they want to receive affection.
Stay tuned for our next “How Gross Is It Really….” highly scientific research adventure. Have an idea for us to explore? Send it to us at whatthepup@spotandtango.com
