Can My Dog Lick Me After Eating Raw Food? were you worried after getting licked by your dog, who’s on a raw food diet? Have concerns about your health and want to know if you should let your dog lick you? As a practitioner veterinarian of over 5 years, I’ll answer all your queries related to your dog’s licking habit and how it can affect you in the near future.
Can My Dog Lick Me After Eating Raw Food?
Whether you let your dog lick you after eating raw food is completely a personal choice. Most dog owners argue that the chances of becoming unwell from being licked by dogs are very small, and the amount of happiness and sheer joy their playful licks cause easily outweighs the risk.
However, my advice as an expert veterinarian is that going against years of medical research and letting your dog lick you is unsafe. Licking not only transmits germs from the oral flora but also fecal germs or eggs of intestinal parasites, as the dogs also use the tongue for their intimate hygiene.
Bacterial contamination is a real concern when your dog is on a raw diet. Your dog isn’t just licking you; dogs are licking the floor, furniture, and other items around your home that will eventually make their way back to you.
That being said, the documented cases of humans being infected by raw-fed dogs are way less than those of humans being infected by dogs on packaged food. So, it all comes down to managing your risk. If your dog is high on hygiene and gets regular treatments against worms, the risks of contracting diseases transmitted by its licking will remain low.
Why Does My Dog Lick Me After I Feed Him?
Licking is an Instinctive behavior of dogs and comes naturally to them. While dogs and humans are historically considered best friends, these friends clearly have a communication barrier, as neither humans nor dogs can understand each other’s languages.
To make up for it, humans generally resort to stroking, feeding, and treating their pet friends with affection.
On the other hand, dogs use their playful tongue to express love and affection towards humans. They lick you after you feed them to tell you that they respect the bond you share with them and want to contribute actively.
Overall, it’s a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing them. Your dog may lick you to get your attention, release stress, or show empathy. But remember that excessive licking can sometimes mean your dog is in pain.
Risks of Feeding Raw Food to Dogs?
While feeding raw food to dogs has its potential benefits and can contribute significantly to their nutrition, experts generally argue that it Increases the risk of allergic reactions in dog owners.
As an expert in veterinary science, let me guide you about the practical risks of feeding your dog a raw food diet:
• Zoonotic Diseases
Some bacteria and parasites found in raw food can significantly Increase the likelihood of zoonotic diseases in humans. Zoonotic diseases are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Examples of these diseases go from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe illness requiring medical attention. These diseases can be transmitted to you through:
• Direct contact with the raw meat during preparation.
• Touching contaminated surfaces, utensils, and feeding bowls.
• Your dog licks you after eating raw food, potentially transferring bacteria from their mouth.
• Cross Contamination
The shared presence of raw dog food in your kitchen and home can lead to cross-contamination. Bacteria can spread to countertops, cutting boards, sinks, and other surfaces, posing a risk of infection to everyone in the household.
• Severe Invulnerability of the Weak
People with weakened immune systems, such as young children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, are at greater risk of illness from exposure to harmful bacteria and parasites in raw food.
• Veterinary Costs
If your dog becomes ill from eating raw food, it may result in increased veterinary visits and costs. Some illnesses, like bacterial infections, can be serious and require extensive treatment.
How to Maintain Hygiene with Raw Dog Food?
“How soon can my dog lick me after eating raw food?” Do you also have questions like these in your mind?
Here are all the measures necessary to safely feed raw food to your pet and also maintain hygiene side by side:
• Strict Hygiene
The FDA recommends thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after you handle the pet food or touch anything that came in contact with raw dog food.
• Proper Storage and Handling
Storing raw food properly in the refrigerator or freezer and defrosting it in a controlled environment can prevent bacterial growth. When it is defrosted, use a spoon to place it in your dog’s dish and watch him devour it in minutes!
Remember, raw food for pet consumption should only be used within 7 days; refrigerating it for more than a week is strictly prohibited and can cause serious illnesses in your pet.
• Designated Areas and Separate Utensils
Keeping raw food only in designated areas and using different cutting boards and utensils can significantly reduce the chances of cross-contamination.
Using a stainless-steel bowl is the best option as it is the easiest to clean.
• Limiting Contact and Disinfecting Surfaces
Prevent licks and touches from your dog after they have raw food, and wipe their mouth with a damp cloth. If the pet does not eat all of its raw food, refrigerate the leftovers to feed them at the next meal.
Do not leave raw food unattended. After cleaning your dog and dealing with the leftovers, disinfect countertops and all surfaces that raw food has touched with hot, soapy water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question “Can my dog lick me after eating raw food?” really boils down to the owner’s personal preferences. While the affectionate licks of a dog bring joy and strengthen the bond between pet and owner, they can also pose health risks. As a veterinarian, I recommend staying on the side of caution and adopting strict hygiene practices to minimize these risks.
By ensuring that your dog’s diet and hygiene are well-managed and that food is properly handled, stored, and cleaned, your dog can enjoy the advantages of raw food.
FAQs
What Happens If a Dog Licks Your Face?
While the playful licks of dogs increase the bonding and communication with their owners, clinically, it is advised to stop your dog from licking you around your nose and mouth as it severely increases the chances of cross-contamination among humans.
What Happens If a Dog Licks Inside Your Mouth?
A dog licking you inside your mouth can leave you with severe, life-threatening allergies and reactions.
That is why it’s advised not to let your dog lick you near face areas.
How Soon Can My Dog Lick Me After Eating Raw Food?
Your dog should not lick you until you have washed their face with a clean and damp cloth. Dogs’ faces contain micro-sized bacteria after eating raw food, which need to be safely removed and cleaned.
