Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Some forms of affection towards your pet can be downright bad for both you and your furry friend.
According to a recent study from the Archive of Oral Biology, the one thing we should never do is kiss them. With that innocent little peck, master and pet can exchange harmful mouth bacteria that can result in gum disease and tooth decay for both.
A significant majority of dogs suffer from periodontitis – an inflammatory disease of the mouth tissue, though only five percent will ever develop a cavity.
Last year, researchers took a look at dog owners in Japan and assessed the prevalence of ten human periodontitis-related bacteria in their pets. Most strains were detected then – two with extremely high frequency.
They also analyzed an oral microbe normally found in dogs, but not humans and discovered it in 16 percent of owners.
And no surprise, those bacteria were found most in those who had close contact relationships with their dogs.
