Dogs are mankind's loyal companions. However, experts says that they could be a serious risk to our lives.
Vets warned that many people are overlooking the potentially deadly diseases we could catch from our pets. It is not just what is carried in saliva. Dogs spend half their life with their noses in nasty corners or hovering over dog droppings so their muzzles are full of bacteria, viruses and germs of all sorts.
Those viruses and germs can cause conditions that are pretty damaging to human health.
If dogs come into contact with a meat infected with the bacteria, they can develop tuberculosis and pass the potentially deadly lung disease on to you.
A ringworm infection is one of the easiest diseases for your dog to pass onto you from smooching. If the ringworm bacteria is around their mouth and you engage in kissing, ringworm for you too.
While most are harmless, one potentially deadly species called echinococcus is putting people at risk in many countries. After dogs eat their eggs in infected animal carcasses, the worms grow to adulthood in their guts and shed eggs in dog feces. Dogs spread the eggs to people by licking their faces after cleaning themselves.
* SERIOUS FOOD POISONING
Dogs usually shove their faces into anything smelly including dead birds and animal carcasses. As a result their mouths and guts can be a breeding ground for salmonella, the food poisoning bacteria that can be dangerous for young children and the elderly.
If your skin is itchy and your dog is suffering from mange, he may have given you scabies — tiny mites that burrow under the skin in an attempt to lay eggs.
You Can Prevent It
It may sound like your dog is a walking disease but most of it can be prevented with vaccinations and spot-on medication. Just be sure to always wash your hands and avoid sharing kisses, beds and dinner plates with your dog.