Picture this scene for a moment. Your precious little one is lying peacefully in their bouncy seat when your loyal golden retriever walks over and plants a big, wet lick across their tiny face. Your heart melts at the sweet gesture, yet something in your gut tells you to pause.
You’re not alone in this moment of uncertainty. Nearly every dog parent wrestles with this question when a baby enters their world. The truth is, those adorable slobbery kisses aren’t quite as innocent as they appear. So let’s get started on this fascinating journey where science meets snuggles, and where protecting your baby doesn’t mean banishing your beloved pup.
Why Dogs Want to Lick Your Baby
Dogs have fascinating reasons for wanting to lick your little one, most of which stem from their natural instincts. Licking serves as a way for dogs to show affection, empathy, or submission, while babies offer interesting new tastes that are different from adults, making dogs naturally curious about exploring these new family members.
Your dog might also be trying to gather information about this tiny human. Dogs use their mouths much like we use our hands to explore and understand their world. This behavior can actually be rewarding to your dog as licking releases endorphins in animals’ brains, creating a feel-good sensation.
Sometimes the licking behavior represents your dog’s way of accepting the baby into their pack. However, it’s worth noting that this acceptance isn’t always guaranteed to remain positive as circumstances change.
The Hidden Health Risks You Should Know
Babies and immune suppressed adults are at increased risk of contracting infections and parasites from dogs, making it especially problematic when dogs lick a baby’s face. Dogs use their tongues as toilet paper to cleanse themselves, and the variety and quantity of pathological microbes that can be conveyed with a slurp is astounding, with many bacteria being resistant to multiple antibiotics.
Zoonotic diseases, which are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, remain a relatively small but real risk, with dogs potentially carrying bacteria like bartonella or pasteurella. This bacteria, including E. coli and campylobacter, can be the source of diseases in humans, and dogs can also pass parasites such as worms to infants.
When Baby Faces Are Most Vulnerable
Experts recommend avoiding kisses for babies under the age of 1, as the chance of acquiring a serious infection decreases as the child gets older. Babies have developing immune systems and are more vulnerable to infections, with germs from a dog’s mouth potentially leading to gastrointestinal problems, skin infections, or more serious complications if transferred to the baby’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
While adults may choose to shower their pup with kisses, a newborn’s immune system is not yet as effective as an adult’s, despite the myth that “a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s” being far from the truth.
The reality is that neither dogs nor humans are particularly sanitary specimens when it comes to mouth bacteria. Your baby simply doesn’t have the defenses needed to handle this microbial exposure safely.
Raw Food Diets Create Extra Concerns
Many pet owners are feeding their dogs raw diets these days, including raw chicken, which puts the dog at risk for salmonella, and if the dog makes contact with a human’s mouth, that person is at risk for contracting the infection too. Raw-fed dogs pose the most threat to children due to the risk of transmission of salmonella and E.coli.
If a dog with an active infection has feces in their mouth from licking their bottom and then licks your baby, there’s a risk of transmission. This creates a direct pathway for dangerous bacteria to reach your vulnerable infant.
Raw feeding has its benefits for dogs, but it does increase the stakes when it comes to human contact. Extra precautions become essential in these households.
The Serious Bite Risk Nobody Talks About
The most obvious reason why you should not let your dog lick a baby is the risk of the dog attacking, as not a month goes by without a press report somewhere of a dog attack on a baby, and no matter how much you trust your dog, it’s simply not worth the risk.
All patients 5 years of age and under in one study had head and neck injuries from dog bites, with children under 5 years of age suffering the most devastating injuries. The majority of dog bites occurred in children 5 years of age or younger, with almost all of the dogs being known to the children.
Imagine your dog licking your baby’s face when the baby moves suddenly and the dog reacts with a bite – that’s a fatal accident waiting to happen, as babies and dogs are both unpredictable and should not be allowed to mix in close quarters.
Training Your Dog to Respect Boundaries
To prevent face licking, establish clear boundaries by gently but firmly redirecting the behavior when your dog approaches your baby’s face, using commands such as “leave it” or “off,” and immediately rewarding your dog with a toy or treat for the correct behavior.
Consistency is crucial – correct your dog every time, because if your dog continues to get away with the behavior, it will become a habit. Another effective strategy is to tell your dog to go to their dog bed and reward them for staying there BEFORE they approach the baby.
With consistency, training, and management, your dog can learn it is okay to lick you and not the baby, though it’s important to understand that if this behavior has been allowed and rewarded, a negative reaction from you when they try to lick the baby may be confusing to your dog at first.
Creating Safe Spaces for Everyone
Use baby gates or playpens to create safe zones where your dog and baby can interact at a safe distance, keeping dogs off sofas and beds where babies are likely to rest, and always supervise their interactions.
Physical barriers don’t mean emotional barriers. Your dog can still bond with your baby from a respectful distance. Set up comfortable spots where your pup can observe and be near the baby without direct contact.
Consider creating a routine where your dog has designated times for attention and interaction that don’t involve the baby’s face or hands. This helps maintain their sense of inclusion while keeping everyone safe.
The Surprising Health Benefits of Dog Ownership
Here’s where things get interesting. While direct licking poses risks, having a dog in your home can actually benefit your baby’s health in remarkable ways. Prenatal and early-life dog exposure is associated with an altered gut microbiome during infancy and supports a potential mechanism explaining lessened atopy and asthma risk, with altered early immune development in response to changes in the gut microbiome among dog-exposed infants.
Research at the University of Alberta shows infants from families with dogs showed higher levels of two types of gut microbes associated with lower risks of obesity, with researchers suggesting that babies exposed to dirt and bacteria from fido’s fur or paws can develop a better gut microbiome which helps stave off obesity and allergies.
Finnish researchers found that babies who grew up in homes with pets were 44% less likely to develop an ear infection and 29% less likely to receive antibiotics, compared with pet-free babies.
Cleaning Protocols That Actually Work
If your dog does lick the baby, especially around the eyes or mouth, make sure to clean the baby’s skin thoroughly. Use gentle baby wipes or a damp washcloth to remove any saliva immediately.
Regular vet visits and monthly broad-spectrum heartworm preventatives that treat and control common intestinal parasites are essential, along with training your dog to poop in a designated area and picking it up as soon as possible, and cleaning food bowls promptly if your dog eats raw food.
Maintain your dog’s hygiene with regular baths and dental care. A clean dog poses fewer risks, though remember that even the cleanest dog’s mouth contains bacteria that can be harmful to babies.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you believe the licking may be a compulsive disorder because you find it very difficult to redirect or discourage, reach out to your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist. Some dogs develop obsessive licking behaviors that require professional intervention.
Watch for changes in your dog’s behavior around the baby. Excessive interest, anxiety, or protective behaviors may indicate stress that could escalate into more serious problems.
Don’t hesitate to consult both your pediatrician and veterinarian if you have concerns. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and help you create a safe environment for everyone.
Building Positive Relationships for the Future
Babies grow into toddlers very quickly, and toddlers are naturally curious, so it’s important to teach respectful behavior early on. Help your child recognize signs that a dog might be overstimulated or annoyed, such as yawning, turning away, licking lips, or trying to walk away.
Start teaching basic dog safety rules as soon as your child can understand simple commands. “Gentle touches,” “ask first,” and “give space” become valuable lessons that will serve them throughout their lives.
Remember that the goal isn’t to create fear between your child and dog, but rather mutual respect and understanding. This foundation will lead to a beautiful relationship as your child grows.
Conclusion
The question of whether to let your dog kiss your baby doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer, but the evidence clearly points toward caution, especially during those crucial first months. While the image of your furry friend giving your little one sweet kisses might warm your heart, the health risks and safety concerns are simply too significant to ignore.
The beautiful news is that dogs and babies can absolutely coexist safely and even beneficially when proper boundaries are established. Your dog doesn’t need to lick your baby’s face to love them or be part of their world. With consistent training, smart management, and a focus on safety, you’re setting the stage for a wonderful lifelong friendship between your child and your four-legged family member.
What do you think about it? Tell us in the comments how you’re navigating this delicate balance in your own family.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
