Many dog owners like having their pets lick them.

While it may not be the most hygienic item in the world, most people believe it to be relatively safe.

However, when one woman had her limbs and legs amputated, veterinarians advised owners not to put their health at risk.

Marie Trainer of Stark County, Ohio, returned home from a trip in 2019 with a minor cut on her hand.

When her dog greeted her with “kisses,” she didn’t give it much thought.

She soon became unwell, however.

The situation rapidly deteriorated.

Marie told FOX News: “Four days later, I wasn’t feeling well and just got sicker and sicker.”

Her husband Matt took her to the hospital because he thought she had the flu.

Medics were unsure what was wrong, but her coma confirmed it wasn’t the flu.

Doctors diagnosed her with capnocytophaga canimorsus, a bacterium common in both feline and canine saliva.

If it penetrates the human body, it can cause a strong immunological reaction.

In the worst-case situation, blood clots might form, cutting off circulation in the limbs.

To stop the infection from spreading further, amputate the limbs when this happens.

Marie had both of her arms and legs amputated.
What are the health hazards associated with kissing your dog?

Vets have cautioned that dogs are ‘overlooked spreaders’ of zoonotic infections.

The term “zoonotic” indicates that the disease spreads from animal to human.
A team of Penn State researchers issued a warning about being cautious around dogs.

Antibiotic-resistant salmonella was of particular worry to them, as it may cause diarrhea and even death in severe circumstances.

Sophia Kenney, the study’s author, stated, “Especially with salmonella, we think about the importance of agriculture and transmission—we think about eggs and meat.

“The problem is, we don’t allow cows to sleep in our beds or kiss our faces, but we do allow dogs.”

“We have this close bond with companion animals in general, and we have a really close interface with dogs.”

According to Falls Village Veterinary Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, dogs are known for being very indiscriminate in what they smell, lick, and consume. As a result, germs such as E. coli, campylobacter, and salmonella may readily thrive in their mouths.

These germs are zoonotic, meaning they may easily spread from one species to another.

“While healthy individuals are practically assured to survive being exposed to the viruses or germs in their dogs’ mouths, puppy kisses represent a non-zero risk of gastrointestinal sickness and oral illnesses.

Licks can transfer certain parasites such as giardia, roundworms, and hookworms. These germs can cause significant stomach discomfort and digestive issues in both canines and humans.

Marie has been on a difficult path to rehabilitation following her quadruple amputation. She has endured rehabilitative treatment with prosthetic limbs.

She remarked, “It’s been difficult. Learning to walk was the most difficult thing, but I’m OK; I’m doing well.”