Dog Licked My Food. Can I Still Eat It?

When you think of sharing, your dog might be the last being that comes to mind, right? Sure, you’ll gladly share a playful romp, a sunny afternoon walk, or even the warmth of your bed. But how about sharing your food… especially if it’s been “pre-tasted” by your furry friend? We’ve all been there: in the middle of enjoying a snack, your pup sneaks up, gives your food a quick lick, and walks away, leaving you with the quandary – to eat or not to eat?

In most cases, you can still eat the food your dog has licked without any problems. However, there are still potential health risks to be aware of. The main concern lies in the possible transfer of bacteria and parasites from your dog’s mouth to your food, which could potentially cause infections.

Moreover, the degree of risk is not the same for everyone. It can vary based on factors such as the health status of your dog, the type of food in question, and your health condition. Understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision next time your canine companion decides to test your meal.

What Happens If I Eat Something My Dog Licked?

Living with a dog is a joyful and rewarding experience. But the joys of pet ownership can come with some unexpected twists, like finding your four-legged friend sneaking a lick of your food when you’re not looking. In general, eating something your dog has licked doesn’t pose a significant health risk, but there are potential implications that are worth noting.

Gastrointestinal illness

Gastrointestinal illnesses can be one of the more immediate implications when consuming food that your dog has licked. Dogs are naturally curious creatures that use their mouths to interact with their environment. This exploration can lead them to ingest various types of bacteria and parasites which can then be transferred to your food through their saliva.

Some common bacteria that dogs might carry in their mouths include Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. These bacteria, when ingested by humans, can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

In addition to bacteria, dogs can also be hosts to a variety of parasites. Some of these, like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, can survive in the environment for long periods and may be picked up by dogs during their explorations. If transferred to humans, these parasites can cause giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis respectively, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, gas, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.

The impact of these illnesses can range from mild, causing a temporary upset, to more severe cases requiring medical intervention, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. Preventative measures such as regular deworming and maintaining good hygiene can minimize the risk of your dog picking up these harmful agents.

Periodontal Gum Disease

The oral cavity of dogs, particularly those not receiving regular dental care, can harbor bacteria that cause periodontal disease. When a dog licks your food, these bacteria can be transferred and potentially lead to gum infections in humans. Symptoms of gum infections may include redness, swelling, bleeding, or tenderness in the gums and even bad breath. If left untreated, this can progress to more serious conditions such as periodontitis, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Allergic Reaction

Although relatively rare, some people may be allergic to certain proteins found in dog saliva. If you are allergic and consume food your dog has licked, this may trigger an allergic reaction. Symptoms can range from mild, such as itching or swelling around the mouth, face, or throat, to severe cases of hives, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. In case of a severe allergic reaction, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Skin Problems

Dogs can be carriers of this fungus, and it can be present in their saliva. When your dog licks your food, there’s a potential risk of this fungus being transferred.

If consumed, you might not necessarily get a ringworm infection in your mouth or throat, as the fungus typically affects the skin, scalp, or nails. However, if you touch the licked food and then touch other parts of your body, particularly if you have cuts or abrasions, you might risk a ringworm infection.

Ringworm infections are characterized by a red, circular rash that’s often itchy. The rash might also have a more clear or normal-looking center, which gives it a ring-like appearance, hence the name “ringworm.” Besides being itchy, the affected area might also be slightly raised or scaly and can cause discomfort.

While ringworm infections are typically not serious and can be treated effectively with antifungal medication, they can be bothersome due to their itchy nature and can be spread to other parts of the body or other individuals. Therefore, it’s important to seek treatment if you suspect you have a ringworm infection.

What Should I Do If I Ate Food My Dog Licked?

Discovering that you’ve eaten food your dog has licked can be a surprising and potentially unsettling experience. Here are some steps to consider if you find yourself in such a situation.

Don’t Panic

Firstly, don’t panic. In most cases, consuming food that your dog has licked won’t cause any serious health issues. Dogs and humans have cohabited for thousands of years, and our bodies have adapted to handle many of the common bacteria and microorganisms found in a dog’s mouth.

Assess Your Dog’s Health

The risk of getting sick from eating something your dog licked is significantly higher if your dog is currently unwell, especially if they have a bacterial or parasitic infection. If your dog is sick and has been diagnosed with a condition that can be transferred to humans, it’s essential to practice good hygiene and avoid sharing food.

Are you keeping up with your dog’s deworming schedule and vaccinations? Regular veterinary care plays a critical role in keeping your pet—and by extension, you—healthy. You should also ensure good hygiene when taking care of your pet as this can play a big role in determining whether you are likely to be infected sharing food with your dog.

Concerns For Special Populations

Certain populations are at greater risk of complications from zoonotic diseases—those that can jump from animals to humans. These include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. These groups should be particularly careful about sharing food with pets.

Seek Medical Attention if Necessary

If you’ve eaten food your dog licked and start experiencing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes, or other unusual signs, it’s important to seek medical advice. While it’s unlikely to be a severe issue, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

In general, while the bond between you and your pet is precious, it’s a good practice not to share your food with them. Not only does this reduce the risk of potential infections, but it also discourages begging behavior and ensures your pet sticks to its nutritionally balanced diet.

Regular hand washing, especially before meals, can also go a long way in preventing the spread of bacteria and other microorganisms from your dog to you. By maintaining these healthy habits, you can enjoy the companionship of your pet while ensuring that both of you stay healthy.

Why Does My Dog Lick His Bowl?

Dog Drops Or Spits Out Food On Floor Before Eating: 12 Reasons & Solutions

It’s clear that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “Can I still eat my food if my dog has licked it?” The factors influencing your decision range from the health status of your dog to the nature of the food they’ve licked, as well as your immune system health.

While there’s a low risk of contracting serious diseases from a healthy pet in a clean household, it’s important to bear in mind that pets’ mouths are not necessarily cleaner than ours and they can still transmit bacteria and parasites that could potentially cause illnesses. As such, if you have a compromised immune system or the food is something that can easily harbor bacteria, it might be best to err on the side of caution and not consume the food.

Moreover, developing a habit of allowing your dog to lick your food could lead to some unwanted behavioral problems. To prevent any such issues, it’s advisable to encourage good eating habits in your dog from an early stage.