So, even though it may look cute, a dog licking a baby's face should not be allowed. In fact, I don't recommend it even for healthy adults. If your dog likes to give the adults in the family “kisses,” let them lick your hand and then immediately wash your hand thoroughly afterward.
With consistency, training, and management, your dog can learn it is okay to lick you and not the baby. However, it is important to understand that if this behavior has been allowed and rewarded (even unintentionally), a negative reaction from you when they try to lick the baby, may be confusing to your dog at first.
Veterinarians say that licking can be a submissive gesture, but that when domestic dogs lick humans, it usually is just what we like to think it is: a sign of affection. If you don't like it, you've got to train your dog not to lick you or your children.
Dogs lick because they are nervous, to show dominance, or just because something, or someone, tastes good. None of these are reasons to encourage or condone your dog licking your baby. In addition, there are health hazards associated with your dog's baby-licking behavior.
Should You Allow Your Dog To Lick You? For most healthy people, a dog licking faces or other body parts should pose minimal health risk. If you are concerned, then do not let dogs lick your mouth or anywhere near an open skin wound.
"Because both dogs and children are unpredictable in their behaviors, it is not a good idea to establish a relationship with the family dog licking the child's face," he says. Dr. Leavey's final piece of advice: "When poochie wants to smooch, offer your hand—and then wash it thoroughly before doing anything else."
Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a bacterium transmitted through the saliva of dogs. An infection can cause severe sepsis with acral necrosis and is potentially fatal. Here, we report the case of a 41‐year‐old man who was infected through a wound that was licked by his dog.
Introducing your dog to your new baby will be a gradual process requiring patience and consistency but it will be well worth it. Remember, NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY AND DOG TOGETHER UNSUPERVISED, even if you trust your dog.
They're showing affection
Licking plays an important part of how they bond with others, causing them to release dopamine and endorphins that help make them feel relaxed, calm and happy.
This instinct is ingrained in their DNA, dating back to their days as wild animals. In the past, dogs were responsible for guarding their pack, and this instinct has not disappeared. In a family setting, a dog sees its human family members as its pack and, therefore, needs to protect them.
It's usually because there is something going on around them that they perceive as a threat. Dogs who are licking their lips are usually sending the message that they are worried. Dogs lick their lips to appease and soothe a person or animal they see as a threat in order to ward off aggression.
They Play Together. Over time, and as your pet realizes the baby isn't going anywhere, you might notice them sharing toys or playing together. If that isn't love, I don't know what is.
Canines are smitten with babies and can form strong connections because of the amount of time spent together. Both a baby and a dog, especially a young pup, have a common desire for a playmate and someone who will give them attention.
It is commonplace for close family members of a pack to groom one another. With places like the ears being particularly difficult to groom, another member of the pack would step in and lick the ears clean. Some domesticated dogs still feel this need to assist other family members with their grooming.
Keep the dog on a leash during their first meeting.
When you bring the baby inside, keep calm and relaxed, so your dog follows your cue. Let the dog observe and sniff the baby from a distance. Each day, allow the dog to come closer and closer, so the dog learns proper boundaries with the baby.
“In general, if a dog licks you, they are showing affection. However, if the dog licks someone who is agitated or excited this could be a symptom of stress. By licking that person, they are trying to relieve their stress because they know this is a welcome gesture.
When you are petting your dog, and he puts his paw on your arm or leg, it is kind of like petting you back. While most dogs can't do an actual stroking action, laying their paw on you is a sign of affection, closeness and trust This is his way of creating a special bond with you.
Dogs may lick your feet for various reasons, such as affection, curiosity, grooming, tasting salt, submission, attention-seeking, anxiety, playfulness, conditioning, or even as a sign of a medical issue.
They're showing you affection.
As puppies, dogs will lick their mother's mouth and be licked by the mother. They can retain this comfort as they get older. It can also be a submissive action, showing you respect by licking you.
Most "normal" (non-rescue, non-abused) gently introduced dogs can and do sense that babies are harmless. They may be jealous, so introduce them gently, preferably on neither the dog nor the baby's home territory. That does not mean that the dog will leave the baby alone.
Generally speaking, it's all right to allow your pet near your new baby, as long as the pet is well behaved and you are there to supervise.
But some types of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that pets can carry can make people sick though a bite or scratch, or if someone has contact with an animal's waste, saliva, or dander.
Simply put, humans are not meant to tolerate some of the bacteria dogs carry in their saliva. "It's best to avoid them if you can." You don't need to stop letting your dog lick you entirely, but you should try to keep your face and any open wounds off-limits.
The good news is, it's not super common for that wet doggy kiss to cause health problems. “It is rare to get sick this way, but it does happen," she says. "This is more likely in people whose immune systems are suppressed." (Here are 7 ways you're making your immune system weaker.)