Dear Hungry: Your question highlights one of the classic “two camps” trains of thought on dog saliva (aka slobber). Some say it is filled with disease and others say it has incredible healing powers. I can think of many things cleaner than a dog’s mouth, but compared to a human’s mouth, dogs are cleaner. Studies have shown that human saliva grew far more bacteria than the dog’s saliva in the laboratory and that human bites (on humans) tend to get more infected than dog bites.

In a 1990 study conducted by the University of California at Davis, scientists found that, “dog saliva killed e. coli and streptococcus canis” bacterium. This may explain why mother dogs lick their own nipples before puppies nurse (nature’s equivalent to an alcohol wipe) or why dogs lick their own wounds.

Scientists also agree that humans are immune to most dog germs. The majority of germs found in the dog’s mouth tend to be species specific. However, there are the “zoonotic” diseases that can be transferred from canines to humans, and in the case of rabies, specifically through saliva.

To eat or not to eat … that is the question.

Many of these diseases such as rabies, canine cough or Leptospirosis have canine vaccinations. So if your dog is up-to-date on all his shots then you should be safe. I would be more concerned with where the dog was just prior to the slobber attack. Was he outside left unsupervised? Did he dig in a wild animal’s den, eat a carcass or lick something that was disease ridden? Coming into the house with fresh bacteria still lingering in his saliva might be more of a concern.

Another factor to consider is your own health. Experts say that infants, young children and those with serious illness or compromised immune systems are more likely to get sick from bacteria transmitted during a doggie “kiss.”

My dogs routinely lick my face in admiration of my status as alpha bitch of my doggie pack. They are current in vaccinations, never run loose and aren’t allowed to mingle with wildlife. I have no fear of catching anything from their saliva. However, after I have handled any dog (mine or others) I always wash my hands to reduce the risk of transmission into my mouth from my hands.

As for your tempting sandwich, (was it roast beef or tuna?) I would say the risk is very slight that you’d catch something from projectile saliva landing on your lunch. Hey, this may have happened before and you just never noticed!

Bon Appetit.

Lisa’s Pick of the Litter

Welcome to the 21st century, where dogs are replacing kids at an alarming rate. And in a society where 50 percent of all marriages still end in divorce, I’ve found the website for those in a dispute about who “gets the kids.”

The website – www.petcustody.com – boasts the slogan “we’re family too!™” and has all the “legal forms & news for the ‘other’ family member” at your disposal.

There is a download section for legal forms with the pet in mind, such as wills and trusts, adoption, guardianship, the ever-popular, “pre-nup” agreement, separation or divorce and even visitation. In addition, there is a section for lawyers who wish to contribute pet-related cases to build case law as well as a place for citizens who need an attorney referral.

There is also a news and features section on such issues as guardian versus owner, a hot topic among legislatures currently, and how to contact lawmakers and ask for pet friendly laws to be passed in your state.

Lisa Peterson, a breeder and exhibitor of Norwegian Elkhounds, is a Delegate to the American Kennel Club. Lisa can be reached at www.lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.