Doggy kisses, given and received

Do you kiss your dog? And do you let your dog kiss you? People seem to be either all-in or totally opposed when the subject is doggy kisses.

It’s certainly a matter of personal preference. We tend to straddle the line a bit. While it’s not unusual for our dogs to get smacked regularly, we’re sort of done after we get a single lick. 

Pros and cons

Dogs aren’t the most sanitary creatures on the planet. Even if you’re one of the lucky ones and your dog doesn’t pick up all kinds of unknown stuff outside, most dogs will snuffle around in the dirt. It’s completely natural behavior. It’s also where they can come into contact with all kinds of fungi, yeast, and bacteria.

Medical professionals often advise washing up after playing with, or even petting your dog. It may be the most hygienic thing to do, but it’s just not practical. When you’re sitting on the couch and relaxing, with your dog next to you, it’s normal to pet your dog. When you come inside and your dog rushes up to greet you, you pet them. Most dogs regularly check in with their people. It’s only natural to give them a scratch or a pet when they come up to you. 

The doctors would advise that your next move should be washing up. As a matter of fact, years ago an allergist advised Hope to get rid of carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture, and pets. None of that happened. Life quality is a matter of balance. Would having fewer allergens around result in less itching and sneezing? Probably. But not having dogs would result in anxiety and depression.

Flip side

Research has shown that children raised with pets have fewer allergies and their risk of infection is lower. According to the UT Southwestern Medical Center, “One theory … is that dogs tend to bring bacteria found outside into the home, influencing the child's early microbiome (gut bacteria). This drives the immune system to mature and avoid developing allergies.

“A 2017 study found that babies whose mothers had dogs or cats in the home during pregnancy had higher levels of two gut microbes...which have been linked to lower odds of allergies and obesity.

”And a 2019 study found that infants who lived with dogs were 90% less likely to develop food allergies. Of the babies who lived with at least two dogs, none developed a food allergy.”

Use it or lose it

It makes sense that an immune system that’s tested gets stronger. Rather than discouraging us from kissing our dogs, it makes us wish that our parents had gotten dogs much earlier in our lives. 

One family we know has a one-year-old dog, and three children, six, four, and newborn. Their dog is allowed to lick the baby, anywhere but on her mouth. That sounds like an entirely reasonable line to draw.

What rules do you have for doggy kisses?