Claudia Winkleman made headlines recently with a surprising confession about her one-year-old King Spaniel, Skip. The 52-year-old host of The Traitors revealed that she kisses her dog by opening his mouth and “inserting” her tongue.
While many dog owners might relate to Winkleman’s behavior, vets have issued a serious warning about the risks of such close contact. A team of researchers from Penn State has pointed out that household dogs can spread zoonotic pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant Salmonella. This bacteria can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and in extreme cases, can be deadly.
Sophia Kenney, one of the authors of the study, explained, “When we think of Salmonella, we usually think about contaminated food like eggs and beef. But unlike cows, which we don’t let sleep in our beds or lick our faces, we have much closer interactions with dogs.”
Salmonella is a harmful bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, and in some cases, it can be fatal. Most people are aware that it spreads through contaminated food, but fewer know it can also come from pets.
According to the NHS, pet reptiles and amphibians commonly carry Salmonella, but dogs, cats, and rodents can also occasionally be infected.
In a new study, researchers investigated how often Salmonella is transmitted from dogs to humans. Using data from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, they identified 87 cases of Salmonella in domestic dogs between May 2017 and March 2023. They then matched these cases with strains found in humans.
The study found 77 suspected cases where the bacteria moved from dogs to humans, involving 164 strains. Kenney noted that while Salmonella infections in dogs are uncommon, outbreaks can happen through contaminated pet food or improper food handling.
Researchers are now urging dog owners to avoid kissing their pets and to wash their hands regularly after contact. Co-author Nkuchia M’ikanatha emphasized, “Simple hygiene practices like hand washing are essential to protect both ourselves and our pets. Even the healthiest dog can carry Salmonella, so we must stay vigilant.”
