X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Letting dogs lick your face could have lethal consequences

3 min read

Dogs are one of the most adorable animals on the planet. They’re also one of the most loyal and affectionate. Sadly, letting your canine friend show affection can be lethal given the wrong circumstances.

In Britain, a 70-year-old woman almost died of sepsis after her Italian greyhound licked her face.

According to a Daily Mail report, the pensioner ended up in intensive care with multiple organ failure after contracting a rare infection.

Because the woman often petted her dog and let it lick her face, it is believed that the bacteria which can live in dogs’ cavities was passed to her.

“British doctors detailed in the online journal BMJ Case Reports how the woman, who was a non-smoker and rarely drank, nearly died after the infection caused her to develop sepsis," the report said.

“The condition occurs when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive as it tries to fight an infection.”

Sepsis, also dubbed the “silent killer,” is a severe infection of the blood. It can lead to organ failure and death if not immediately treated.

The reports said that a woman’s relative, who she was speaking with on the phone, was alerted to her condition when she started slurring and grew unresponsive.

Arriving at her house, the paramedics found her slumped and semi-conscious in a chair. She was then rushed to the hospital.

At first she showed signs of improving, but later developed acute kidney failure and was moved to the ICU; her blood tests revealed that a bacteria called Capnocytophaga canimorsus had infected her, a bacteria found in the mouths of cats and dog.

“This is an interesting case because neither scratch nor bite was established, although close petting including licks was reported,” said the doctors who handled her case.

Elderly people are more susceptible to such infections because their immune systems are weaker, and also because they are more likely to own pets. Children and pregnant women are also likely victims.

The diseases that are transmitted by pets are often left undiagnosed. Now doctors are urged to be more alert for pets passing on bacteria which can cause sepsis, particularly in the elderly.

READ: The Rottweiler: A Safe Bet for Family Pet?

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below or check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful parenting news and tips . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Partner Stories
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist
Why Knowing Children’s Current Academic Ability Can Help them Advance in School
Why Knowing Children’s Current Academic Ability Can Help them Advance in School

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

James Martinez

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Child Safety
  • /
  • Letting dogs lick your face could have lethal consequences
Share:
  • 5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

    5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

  • Positive reinforcement parenting: 5 tips and things you should know

    Positive reinforcement parenting: 5 tips and things you should know

  • What is gentle parenting? 5 tips and benefits of gentle parenting

    What is gentle parenting? 5 tips and benefits of gentle parenting

  • 5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

    5 tips for a responsible parenthood you should know

  • Positive reinforcement parenting: 5 tips and things you should know

    Positive reinforcement parenting: 5 tips and things you should know

  • What is gentle parenting? 5 tips and benefits of gentle parenting

    What is gentle parenting? 5 tips and benefits of gentle parenting

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.