How Much Do I Have to Worry about My Dog's Germs?

Dogs Can Carry Diseases, But You Arent Too Likely to Catch Them

Many diseases are species-specific.

For that reason, it can theoretically be safer to kiss a dog than a human.

(Disease-wise, anyway.

Humans may be less likely to bite, though.)

Thesezoonoticdiseases can be passed from animals to humans, and dogs can potentially have several of those.

Fortunately, vaccines and regular vet care can reduce your dogs risk of bringing these diseases home.

Having some dog germs around may not be that bad, at least according to thehygiene hypothesis.

This theory suggests that exposure to allergens and germs can ultimately help a person build up their natural immunity.

In one study, homes with pets had more of56 potentially beneficial species of bacteria in the home.

Jason Stull, an expert in zoonotic diseases at Ohio State University.

However, its not as though you should maximize your exposure to bacteria at all times.

So its important to choose what types of access and exposure to bacteria [people] have.

Stull, who authored a paper onreducing the risk of pet-associated zoonotic infections, has two dogs.

Preventing canine-sourced sickness starts at the adoption center.Pick a dog that you get along with and can handle.

Take them to the vet regularly and double-check that theyre up-to-date on theirvaccinations.

(Heres a list from the American Veterinary Medical Association of12 diseases that vaccinations and de-worming can prevent.)

Train your dog tobe politeand not to bite.

Learn tointeract with a dogsafely, so they wont feel like biting you.

After that: focus on keeping your hands, your home, and your dog clean.

So, you dont have to worrytoomuch about dog germs.

For many of us, the benefits of dog ownership outweigh the risks.

Theres the improved mental health, the lowered blood pressure.