Kisses.....getting sick??

[tasillo]

I have always heard that dogs saliva is unique in a way where it can heal wounds.
Now I have never said NO to Nina's kisses on me or my 3 kids.
My aunt just called me to make plans for xmas and i told her that we have Nina and she has been an amazing addition to our family....i went on and on.
And she began to tell me to always wash my hands after touching the dog...never eat after touching the dog...never let them lick your face...and on and on...how my kids can get sick....C'MON....I think this is old mentality here....Should i become paranoid now??
Just wanted to see what all you boxer lovers think.

 

[Erica&Riley]

I don't know much about dog bacteria (I think I once heard that a dog's mouth is actually cleaner than a humans?), but I love when Riley kisses me so I hope what your aunt said isn't true. There's been a few times that Riley (who is a big licker) has managed to plant one on me when I was talking or had my mouth open...so I got the puppy's tongue right on mine! So let's hope our wonderful babies don't have any icky things in their mouths!!!!

 

[lillys7]

Some people just are not dog people...my cousin freaks, she doesn't like his bare bottom to touch the floor...I just laugh! ...and tell her she's nuts!

 

[BeckyNC]

I've heard the same about a dog's mouth being cleaner than a human's. I wonder if that counts, though, after the dog has cleaned certain areas? LOL

I let Tae kiss me everyday and since getting her I have not been sick more than before. Of course, being an adult, my immune system is more developed than a child's...

 

[Rlr.Giraffe]

Oh man, if dog saliva is bad for you, I am in big trouble! I'd have to wash my hands and face every minute of the day if I adhered to your aunt's rules... my skin would be rubbed raw. I have gotten my fair share of boxer french kisses too, and am no worse off for it. (well, physically anyway! ) I agree... I think some people aren't dog fans. I have to admit, I got used to another level of "clean" when Willis came into my life... I don't get nearly as worked up about a few paw prints on the floor and hair on my sheets. :D

 

[tasillo]

thanks

That is what i thought so too. I LOVE Nina's kisses....she just loves to lick my face and the kids all the time.
Nina has also tought me to be so much less stressed about having the PERFECT home. Believe it or not even with three kids i always stressed about having the kitchen floors OHH so shiny and the sinks spotless in the washrooms.I have not let it all go....but i have realized that i AM fighting a loosing battle and there WILL ALWAYS be dust somewhere that i have not gotten too....Nina at 15 weeks tought me a valuable lesson....TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND JUST ENJOY LIFE!!!!

 

[Mama_Zookeeper]

In all the 34 years I have been alive I have had 1 or 2 dogs and I am still alive and kicking! My kids regularly swap food with my pups and cats too...they are also alive and well. Me thinks it is your aunt!

Dora

 

[Cami]

The "myth" of a dogs saliva healing wounds is not entirely correct....
The continued licking of a wound allows for harmful bacteria to be removed, hence aiding a wound to heal quicker.
Of course, dogs licking at their own wounds excessively can do more harm than good.
As far as getting tongued by a Boxer....well that's just to be expected seeing how they are such lovers!

Susi & Cami

 

[Gruntsmom]

If Grunt's saliva contained a lot of harmful bacteria, I'd be sick all the time. It must have some kind of disinfectant properties, though, when you come to think of all the things they lick, and how we don't get sick. I do wash my hands a lot though, especially if I'm preparing food, and Grunt and I have just had a kissy session. Has anyone noticed that if your baby licks a particular patch of skin for a long time, that afterwards, that area is very smooth and soft, almost like you put lotion on it?

 

[Jade010103]

I have also always heard that their mouths are clean and I think even a vet told me that once. I think the reason why their own wounds don't heal from all the licking is because they never give it a rest and it never has time to get enough dry air to help it along. Jade is CONSTANTLY giving my son kisses and he is never sick. The rest of us get kissed all the time too but my son is the one who is always asking her for them throughout the day everyday. There's nothing like being french kissed by your baby.

As for them licking in the same spot for awhile making your skin smoother, I've never noticed that but I'm going to have to try, maybe Jade's tongue can help my husband with his awfully dry hands. It's worth a try.