Kissing Pets Is it safe?

Jakarta, caring animal lovers can be demonstrated in various ways, one of which is kissing their pets. But safe is kissing a pet?

There are many myths circulating about the security of the pet smell. Some believe that the animal's mouth is cleaner than humans, while others think otherwise.

"Several types of bacteria in the mouth of a cat or dog is a type of bacteria the same as in humans. But if not treated properly can be a dirty pet health more than human," said Dr. Paul Maza, deputy director of the health center at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, as quoted by FoxNews, Saturday (03/12/2011).

Dr. Maza said if owners pay attention to oral hygiene of their pets as diligent brushing and cleaning the animal's mouth, then maybe a dog or cat's mouth is cleaner than human mouths.

"So long as the animal is well maintained kebesihan and oral health as well as his body, then it is safe for pet owners to kiss," he said.

Some diseases can indeed be transmitted from pets to humans such as toxoplasmosis or bartonella. But this is very rare and is usually transmitted through the feces of animals that ingested.

Yet for some people who have low immune systems, have HIV disease or other diseases that can lower immunity and the elderly, should not be too often kissing pets. This is because of his endurance has decreased making it more vulnerable to infection of bacteria or germs.

"In addition, infants who are ill also should not be too often contiguous with pets," said Dr. Maza.

To that end if you want to secure every time you kiss a pet, then brush the animal's mouth with a special tool and rinse it with water, do not let your pets eat leftovers in the kitchen or the trash, cleaning the feeding site on a regular basis and maintain a healthy body and cage.