Doctor On TikTok Warns Why Letting Your Dog Lick Your Face Might Be A Serious Health Risk

A gastrointestinal specialist has shared a pretty alarming message that might make you hesitate before accepting a lick from your dog again.

While it can be sweet and comforting to get a lick from your pup, doctors are now warning that even a small one might carry more risk than most people realize.

Despite being our loyal companions, dogs are still animals who often roam outdoors, sniff and lick just about everything, and that can make their saliva a little riskier than we think.

It might not seem like a big deal, especially if you're used to affectionate moments with your pet. But according to a doctor known as The Gut Doc on TikTok, it's something to think twice about.

In a short but eye-opening video, he explained that letting your dog lick your face can actually expose you to a dangerous bacterial infection.

The viral clip, which has already pulled in over 3.6 million views, shares this caution: "From a gastroenterologist: Did you know that letting a dog lick your face or near an open wound can expose you to Capnocytophaga, a bacteria that can cause a flesh-eating disease, sepsis, and even limb amputation?"

The doctor has warned people with weaker immune systems could be at risk from a dog lick Getty Images

He followed up in the caption of the post with this important reminder: "People with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk, including those with diabetes, liver disease, or cancer."

"So, if you're at high risk, avoid dog licks and wash the skin immediately with soap and water."

As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Capnocytophaga is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness, although it’s rare.

It’s most often transmitted through bites or if an animal’s saliva makes contact with a cut or broken skin.

The reason behind this concern is that dogs carry all kinds of bacteria in their mouths. These germs can sometimes lead to serious infections like sepsis, heart problems, kidney damage, and in extreme cases, gangrene that could require amputation.

Although humans can also carry Capnocytophaga in their own mouths, the risk is significantly higher for people whose immune systems are already compromised. Infections from this bacteria can also affect the eyes, gums, respiratory system, and other tissues.

The CDC notes that individuals who are more vulnerable include those without a spleen, people with alcohol use disorders, or those on medications such as chemotherapy that weaken the body’s immune defenses.

A simple 'kiss' could result in the infection entering your body Getty Images

Those with existing health conditions like diabetes, HIV, or cancer should be especially careful when interacting closely with pets. That said, most people who live with dogs or cats will never get sick from them.

Still, it’s good to know the symptoms. These can include swelling, blisters, pain, pus, fever, headaches, vomiting, confusion, or stomach issues like diarrhea or cramps.

If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, it could turn into sepsis. This may lead to serious complications like heart inflammation, meningitis, swollen lymph nodes, or brain membrane inflammation.

One real-life case involved Marie Turner from Stark County, Ohio. In 2019, after returning from a holiday, she was greeted with affectionate licks from her dog. Unfortunately, she had a small cut on her hand she wasn’t aware of at the time.

Soon after, she became seriously ill and was diagnosed with capnocytophaga canimorsus. The infection was so severe it eventually led to her having both arms and legs amputated to save her life.