You know that friend. The one who lets their dog lick their face, their neck, even their mouth. And when you give them that "are you serious?" look, they always have the same response: "Dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths! Everyone knows that!"

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But is it really true? Have you ever looked at your dog, all drool and farts, and questioned whether his mouth is actually cleaner than yours? Let's explore the facts.

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Germs: Type? Quantity? Does it really matter?

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When it comes to germs, it's not just about the quantity, it's about the type. Not all germs are created equal. For example, C. canimorsus, a germ commonly found in the mouths of dogs and cats, doesn't make our pets sick, but in rare cases, it can make humans very ill, even leading to death. While your dog has "fewer" germs in his mouth than you, the ones they’re carrying could still pose a risk to you. To put this in context, every year, between one in twelve to one in six instances of dog bites to humans become infected each year. The number of germs in a dog's mouth can vary greatly depending on their size, health, and age.

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So, is your dog's mouth really "cleaner" than yours? Probably not. But it really also depends on what you mean by "clean."

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While it's true that dog saliva can carry germs, a healthy dog's mouth usually has far fewer levels of harmful bacteria. Imagine going about your day, touching various day to day objects, like money, doors, etc and then eating something with your hands without washing them. In essence, a dog’s mouth is like our hands - so letting them lick you might not feel like the cleanest thing, but it’s also unlikely to kill you. 

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Just like us, regular brushing and dental cleanings can keep their mouths as clean as possible. Does that mean that you need to constantly disinfect everything your dog touches? No. Clean their things regularly, just like you clean your own stuff. The only exception is porous items like rope toys, dog beds, and squeaky toys. They create a moist environment that's perfect for bacteria breeding. Ideally, these items should be disinfected or replaced every few months.

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And it’s great to note, a bad smell coming from your dog's mouth is typically a sign of potential problems. Gum disease is a common issue in dogs and can lead to difficulty eating. If your dog loses teeth due to rot or extraction, it becomes even harder for them to get the nutrients they need. Regular dental care from a vet is crucial for your dog's health, helping to keep them happy and healthy, and keeping bad bacteria at bay in your shared environment.

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Love your dog, care for their teeth, and it’s up to you if you let them lick you or not!

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