The oral cavity of the dog contains billions of bacteria from hundreds of different bacterial species. Many of these are able to cause infection given the right circumstances.
Many Capnocytophaga germs are normal bacteria commonly found in the mouths of people, dogs, and cats. These germs sometimes cause opportunistic infections, which means under the right conditions they can cause an infection, such as in a person with a weakened immune system.
One type of actinobacillosis infection may cause an abscess similar to a tumor on the tongue of the dog. This can become very painful and the tongue may become visibly enlarged. Another type of actinobacillosis infection produces lesions in the soft tissue under or on the skin.
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.
While healthy adults will almost certainly survive being exposed to the viruses or bacteria in their dogs' mouths, there is a non-zero risk of gastrointestinal illness and oral diseases from puppy kisses. Certain parasites like giardia, roundworms, and hookworms can also be transmitted through licks.
But illnesses common among house pets — such as distemper, canine parvovirus, and heartworms — can't spread to people. 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.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) recommends daily brushing to destroy harmful bacteria in their mouths and prevent buildup from returning. Be sure to use products specifically intended for your pup since human toothpaste can be toxic for them — the VOHC has a handy list of recommendations.
Canine oral papillomas usually affect young dogs, under the age of 2. Young dogs are more susceptible to the papilloma virus because their immune system is not fully developed. As their immune system matures, they produce antibodies against the virus and the warts can eventually disappear.
If your dog's tongue is pale or white, it could indicate a severe health issue. It could be a symptom of trauma to the body from an accident, injury, or ingesting a toxic substance. It could also be a less invasive issue, such as poor dental health or oral papilloma.
A dark red, purple, or blue-tinged tongue could be a sign of heatstroke, toxin exposure, heart/lung disease, or electrical shock.
Inflammation of the tongue is called glossitis. It may be due to infection, irritation, wounds, disease, chemicals, or other causes such as electrical burns or insect stings. A thread, string, or other foreign object may get caught under the tongue.
In general, tongue, lip and mouth wounds in dogs tend to heal well due to the environment of the oral cavity. The nature of the oral mucosa and the ample blood supply in the mouth aid in a speedy recovery.
You can clean it directly by wrapping a cloth around your finger and gently wiping it out with salt water, baking soda or even coconut oil. Be careful not to gag your dog. Alternatively, you can add mouthwash to your dog's water or increase his natural saliva production with a dental chew.
A white tongue is usually a sign of bacteria build-up. A white tongue may be a sign of thrush or oral lichen planus. Rarely, it's a sign of leukoplakia, a condition that sometimes progresses to cancer. Yellow tongue: Dead skin cells build up on your tongue, causing the surface to look yellow.
A white film may appear on your tongue when bacteria and food get caught between the tiny bumps on your tongue's surface, called papillae. Your papillae are raised, creating a large surface area for debris to collect inside your mouth. The papillae may swell and become inflamed.
Ludwig angina is a type of bacterial infection that occurs in the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. It often develops after an infection of the roots of the teeth (such as tooth abscess) or a mouth injury. This condition is uncommon in children.
Treatment of Oral Injuries in Dogs
If your dog is suffering from a laceration in their mouth, they will need to be put under general anesthesia. While they are under general anesthesia, the laceration will be fully assessed, cleaned and sutured. A course of antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent infection.
Rotten teeth (aka tooth decay) are caused by severe periodontal disease, which is the damage and destruction of the ligaments and bone that keep teeth in the mouth. “In humans and pets, this is due to a bacterial infection in the form of plaque,” Dr. Burch told The Dodo.
Puppies and geriatric dogs are much more at risk of becoming sick because their immune systems are not as strong as adult dogs in their prime. Dogs who are sick with a bacterial infection usually have digestive upset (diarrhea or vomiting), a fever and are lethargic or cranky since they do not feel well.
Is your dog feeling itchy, or does his skin appear flaky, moist or crusty? He may have a bacterial or fungal infection. You may also notice, odor, inflammation or redness. Yeast dermatitis or staph infection can bring these symptoms, along with recurring health issues.
Viral infections such as rabies and norovirus and bacterial infections including Pasteurella, Salmonella, Brucella, Yersinia enterocolitica, Campylobacter, Capnocytophaga, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira, Staphylococcus intermedius and Methicillin resistance staphylococcus aureus are the most ...
Being Licked by a Dog Can Be Fatal: Capnocytophaga canimorsus Sepsis with Purpura Fulminans in an Immunocompetent Man - PMC.
Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them! Excessive licking can sometimes be a sign that your dog is anxious, uncomfortable or in pain.