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.
However, it generally is not fatal or debilitating for the child, even if you do catch the dog licking the baby. You can get various parasitic infections or infestations, but transfer is rare. Just as a rule though, don't leave the baby where the dog can lick them.
Contact with dog or cat saliva through a bite or lick risks exposure to oral cavity commensal organisms such as Capnocytophaga canimorsus and P multocida. Allowing pets to show such affection for a newborn baby is best avoided.
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 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.
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.
If the baby is seemingly invading that territory, the dog may feel he needs to protect what is his with a bite to the baby. Dogs can also become jealous. Often with a new baby in the home, the dog receives less attention or has more restrictions placed on what he can do, where he can sit, and when he can play.
"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."
Infants and young children are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that animals can carry because their immune systems are still developing.
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.
Oftentimes, dogs lick babies, especially mobile babies, because they are asking for space or to be left alone. That type of licking has nothing to do with affection, these are not doggie kisses. How can you tell the difference? That means your dog is asking for space.
Most dogs are very gentle and good with children—even babies.
Children and babies have developing immune systems, so they are more likely to become sick from any viruses or bacteria present in your dog's mouth. The most important reason to discourage licking, however, pertains to dog safety.
You might see a dog sniff or lick a baby's face or rear end; don't let this behavior scare you as it's their way of checking the baby's health. These are things a mother dog does with her pups. In addition, canines have heightened, powerful senses thanks to their olfactory glands.
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.
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.
But dogs have plenty of bacteria in their mouths that you don't want in your mouth or on your face. Certain bacteria, such as campylobacter and salmonella, and parasites like ringworm, can be easily transmitted from your animal to you or your child.
Ringworm: Kids can get ringworm from touching infected dogs and cats. This can cause a dry, scaly round area with a raised red bumpy border and a clear center. Toxocariasis: The eggs of a parasitic roundworm in the intestines of dogs and cats can pass from their poop into soil where kids play.
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.
While our pets usually become very loving and protective siblings, initially the baby is a subject of great curiosity and mystery to the pet," says Devanshi Shah, Founder & CEO – PetKonnect. Most paediatricians will advise that pets be kept away from babies for at least a period of 2-3 months.
When dogs lick the face of children, it can be a sign of affection, appeasement or simply the act of cleaning food residue off their face.
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.
Dogs are extremely loyal members of the family and just like humans they can experience a variety of different emotions - including jealousy. This can especially be the case when someone new becomes a member of the family, such as a newborn baby and seems to get all the attention and affection.
Most incidents of dogs injuring babies occur within the first few hours or days of the infant's presence in the home or when a dog unexpectedly comes upon a new baby or child in an unsupervised situation. It is believed that predatory or hunting behavior is the motivation for the majority of attacks on infants.
Boredom and the desire for companionship can be behind the peculiar behavior as some dogs just do it for fun or to strengthen the bond with their human family member. Another reason for the unusual cuddles might be the canine's want for warmth, especially if the dog is short-haired and of a small breed.