Yes, it is highly recommended to wash your face with soap and water after a dog licks you to remove bacteria, viruses, and allergens that can cause infections or skin irritation. While often harmless, dog saliva can transfer zoonotic bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella) that pose risks, particularly to the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Should I wash my face after my dog licks it?

If you choose to let your dog kiss you, it's a good idea to wash your face and hands afterward so that potentially irritating bacteria don't linger. In lieu of kisses, consider showing love in other ways, like scratches behind the ears, belly rubs, or playtime with a favorite toy.

What should I do if a dog licks my face?

Instead of giving either positive or negative attention, try moving the part of your body that's being licked away from your dog. Don't say anything or make eye contact, but remain neutral. If this doesn't work, try moving away from your dog, or leave the room entirely.

Should I wash my hands if my dog licks me?

Wash your hands whenever your dog licks them, especially if he just ate. This applies to all food, not just raw, but is especially important with raw.

What can you catch from a dog licking your face?

Leni K. Kaplan, of Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, told the Times that pet owners shouldn't let their dog kiss a person's mouth, nose, and eyes, through which certain pathogens, including salmonella and E. coli, can be transmitted.

Health risks from a dog's licks

How to identify if a dog has rabies?

Symptoms of Rabies In Dogs

1. Barking differently.
2. Excessive drooling.
3. Uncharacteristic aggression, fearfulness, or even affection.
4. Overreaction to touch, sound or light.
5. Biting at the site where they were exposed to the virus.

Why do dogs lick their owners on the face?

Dogs usually lick things that taste or smell good to them, but licking can also show how they're feeling. Licking is one way dogs communicate. Also, dogs might lick your face because they're stressed, anxious, or just having fun, says Russell Hartstein (CPDT), a certified dog trainer with Fun Paw Care Dog Training.

Is dog saliva safe for humans?

Capnocytophaga bacteria are commonly found in the mouths of dogs and cats. Capnocytophaga germs can make people sick if they're bitten or the dog or cat's saliva (spit) gets into an open wound or sore. Most people who have contact with a dog or cat do not become sick.

Are dog licks clean?

No, dog licks aren't inherently clean; their mouths contain bacteria and germs, and while the risk to healthy people is generally low, it's best to avoid letting dogs lick faces, open wounds, or mucous membranes, especially for vulnerable individuals like the elderly, young children, or those with compromised immune systems. A dog's mouth has a different microbiome than a human's, and while they can transmit bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Capnocytophaga canimorsus, serious illness is uncommon for most. 

Do dogs get offended if you don't let them lick you?

While licking you is a way for a dog to bond and promotes affection, stopping it will not compromise your relationship. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek your pup may be persistent in trying to lick you but won't get offended if you take steps to prevent this.

What are the benefits of dogs licking you?

Studies have shown that licking releases endorphins in a dog's brain. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that make dogs (and us!) feel calmer and more relaxed. This then leads to a release of dopamine, another neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation.

What to do after a dog lick?

So, whenever they start licking you, others, or themselves, invite them to learn how to shake paws, roll around, or do other easy tricks. Introduce Lick Mats: Although it may cause you some amount of discomfort, it is not right to always inhibit a dog's licking behaviour.

Do dogs feel rejected when you tell them to stop licking you?

A veterinarian has now suggested that dogs may actually experience feelings of rejection when they're not allowed to lick their owners, which could give pause to anyone inclined to push their pet away. This discussion was reignited by a TikTok video posted by Amaya Kianna, which quickly went viral.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

How long does 1 hour feel to a dog?

An hour for a dog doesn't pass like it does for humans; due to their faster metabolism and perception, a human hour feels much longer to a dog, with some suggesting it's closer to 7 minutes of their time, making a work day feel like days, and explaining their intense excitement when owners return from seemingly short absences. They sense time through routines, smells, and body changes, not abstract clocks. 

Do dogs sense sadness?

Dogs can detect changes in human scent linked to stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, and respond accordingly. When they sense sadness or distress, many dogs naturally offer comfort by sitting extra close, nudging your hand, or resting their head in your lap.

Do house dogs have rabies?

Indoor dogs still need rabies vaccinations because domestic and wild animal interactions are possible. Rabies is not only transmitted through bites but can occur through contact with mucous membranes or open wounds.

Where is rabies most common in the United States?

Midwestern United States

The most widely distributed reservoir of rabies in the United States, however, and the source of most human cases in the U.S., are bats. All five of the human rabies cases in the Midwest from 2009 to 2018 were identified genetically as strains of rabies from bats.

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