Veterinarian Mikhail Shilakov reported that dog saliva contains bacteria that can cause infections, including some serious zoonotic diseases.
The doctor refuted a common myth regarding the antiseptic properties of saliva.
Veterinarian Shilakov told the Russian news agency RIAMO: "There is a protein called lysozyme, which has antibacterial properties, and it is found in saliva as well as in abundance in tears. This is why it is believed that saliva has a disinfectant effect, but in reality, the mouth is the most contaminated part of the body, whether in humans or animals, as we breathe and eat through it. It is true that lysozyme and other substances limit the reproduction of bacteria, but they do not eliminate them completely."
The report states that the highest concentration of bacteria is found in the oral cavity, therefore dogs should not be allowed to lick wounds, as a number of zoonotic diseases can be transmitted through saliva.
The doctor explained that dogs, being predators, have a higher ability to resist infection compared to humans.
The expert said: "It can eat carrion and drink from ponds, and its body can handle that."
He pointed out that zoonotic diseases can be transmitted through saliva, the most dangerous of which is rabies, with the risk of infection remaining even if the probability is low.
Shilakov added that even surgical sutures after operations in animals are specially protected from licking, because that slows down wound healing.
