Q: Is it Safe for Dogs to Lick Faces?

Getty Images

Q: Is it ok if my dog licks my face or should I be worried about germs? Can I catch any canine illnesses from her?

A: Fortunately, you don't have to worry too much if your dog licks your face. Most dog germs are pretty specific to them. In some cases, dogs can actually get germs from you!

If anyone in your household has strep throat they should not let the dog lick them. The bacteria that cause strep throat in people won't get your dog sick but your pet can harbor it. Your pet can then serve as a source of infection to other members of your household. Dogs and people do not get the same flu viruses so there is no need to worry about sharing that.

There are certain parasites, like Giardia, that can be shared between humans and pets. Because of this, it is important to have a fecal sample checked at least once a year by your veterinarian.

Learn more about zoonotic diseases (diseases people can catch from pets) >>

Dr. Lauren Brickman Dr. Brickman started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to…

Filed Under: Health & Home, Parasites
Tags: Dogs, canine illness, dog, dog bacteria, dog licks face, germs, giardia, zoonotic diseases

Enter your information below or log in to skip these fields.
No account? Sign up here.

* indicates a required field.

For your protection, ensure that no personally identifiable information (like full name or email address) is submitted.

Trust is a cornerstone of our corporate mission, and the success of our business depends on it. P&G is committed to maintaining your trust by protecting personal information we collect about you, our consumers.

Our Privacy Policy