Are Dogs' Mouths Clean? The Answer
Are Dogs Mouths Clean? The Short Answer
Let's get straight to the answer. No! Your dog's mouth is not sparkling clean, and it's certainly no fresher than yours. In fact, researchers have discovered that there are hundreds of bacterial species unique to dogs taking up residence in his saliva. Moreover, that same saliva can also be home to various kinds of parasites. Specifically, there are at least 600 different species of bacteria in your pup's mouth. While that number might sound shocking, consider that humans have even more, clocking in at about 615 different species and counting. If some of those germs are accidentally transmitted to you, they can cause a range of medical conditions. To stay on the safe side, it's best to stick to snuggles, not kisses!The Most Prevalent Kinds of Bacteria
It's estimated that only 2% of dog owners brush their pet's teeth on a daily basis, despite veterinarian's recommendations. Failing to perform this simple task can lead to more than just a bad case of halitosis. It can also cause plaque and biofilm to build up on your dog's teeth over time, which can lead to dental disease. If your dog has any form of dental disease (including mild), this can lead to excessive - and harmful - bacteria in his mouth. Other factors that help control the amount and kind of bacteria present include:- His diet
- His genetics
- His oral hygiene
- His environment
- Nasal cavity
- Sinuses
- Eyes
- Joints
- Ears
- Chest cavity
- Brain covering
- Salmonella
- Clostridia
- E. coli
- Campylobacter
That's a cute tongue you got there! Might not be that clean though...
Where Do the Rest of the Germs Come From?
Now we've covered the simple question, "Are dogs mouths cleaner than humans?" Still, if the answer is "no", then where do the rest of those germs come from? After all, your dog isn't exactly foraging in the wild. He's house-trained and lives a plush life, so his mouth shouldn't be that dirty, right? Turns out, it's exposed to more bacteria than you might think. During the course of an average day, your dog's mouth comes into contact with a variety of surfaces and materials, including:- Food
- Toys
- Fur
- Dirt
- Grass
- Feces
- Scratch a stubborn itch
- Fetch a toy
- Remove bugs, debris, or mats from their coat
- Lick a wound
- Bark and express affection
- Clean himself
Can I Contract My Dog's Germs?
As we've mentioned above, there are some instances in which you can come into contact with germs that live in your dog's mouth. However, it's important to notice that this contamination usually comes after you handle your dog's feces or are scratched by your furry pal. For the most part, it's uncommon to swap diseases with your dog orally. That's because, with the exception of Pasteurella, most of the bacteria that live in your dog's mouth are not zoonotic. In other words, a majority of them are incapable of passing from animals to humans. That means you're generally free to give your dog a big kiss without fear of becoming infected or inflicted with a disease. Of course, as with every rule, there are exceptions. If your dog is fed a raw meat diet, he's at a greater risk of contracting Salmonella and other zoonotic bacteria, according to the CDC. In addition, if he's used to getting into your kitty's litter box, he could be exposed to a variety of bacteria that live in her feces. In both cases, it's best to avoid direct mouth-to-mouth contact with your pup, however cute he might be!Maintaining Your Dog's Oral Hygiene
Now that we know a little more about what's behind his smile, let's talk about a few ways you can keep your dog's mouth as clean as possible. After all, while you might not actively lean in for a kiss, you never know when he's going to deliver a slobbery wake-up call, and you need to be prepared! If you don't fall into that aforementioned 2% of pet owners, it's time to start brushing your dog's teeth. Today, there are many tools and accessories you can buy to make this process a lot easier and quicker than it sounds. In addition to the work you do at home, it's also helpful to bring him into your vet's office for regular dental cleanings and check-ups. Taking these simple precautions can help you identify any issues with your dog's mouth. It can also help ward periodontal disease, so his gums are always as healthy as possible. If your dog is just a puppy, start brushing his teeth early. This will get him used to the routine and help set healthy habits, right from the very beginning. When you do so, make sure to only use toothpaste and toothbrushes designed for canine teeth. Human toothpaste might smell and look more pleasant, but it contains ingredients, such as xylitol, that can be extremely toxic to your dog.Stay Clean and Confident
By now, we've taken an in-depth look at the simple question, "Are dogs mouths clean?" As you've seen, the answer is far from straightforward. Depending on your dog's habits, diet, environment, and other factors, the number and degree of bacteria present can differ greatly. Naturally, you want to keep your dog's mouth as sanitary as possible. Doing so can help him live a longer, more comfortable life free of oral afflictions that can affect his entire physical makeup. In addition, making his oral hygiene a priority also keeps you safe! This way, if you do encounter the occasional, impromptu kisses from your pup, you won't have to think twice.
Category_Dog Knowledge
Lifestyle
