Claudia Winkleman made headlines last week after making a disturbing confession about her one-year-old King Spaniel, Skip.
The Traitors host, 52, revealed that she not only kisses her dog, but also opens his mouth and ‘sticks’ her tongue in.
While many dog owners will likely relate to Winkleman’s antics, veterinarians have now issued an urgent warning about locking lips with puppies.
A team of researchers from Penn State has warned that domestic dogs are “overlooked spreaders” of zoonotic pathogens.
Worryingly, this also includes antibiotic-resistant Salmonella, which can cause diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps and in some extreme cases even death.
“With Salmonella in particular, we’re thinking about the role of agriculture and transmission – we’re thinking about eggs, we’re thinking about beef,” said study author Sophia Kenney.
‘But the thing is, we don’t let cows sleep in our beds or lick our faces, but we do let dogs.
“We have a close relationship with companion animals in general, and we have a very close relationship with dogs.”
A team of researchers from Penn State has warned that domestic dogs are “overlooked spreaders” of zoonotic pathogens. Pictured: Emily Ratajkowski kisses her dog Colombo
Vets have now issued an urgent warning about locking lips with puppies. In the photo: David Beckham kisses his dog
Salmonella is a nasty bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting, while in some cases it can be fatal.
The most common way the bacteria spread is by eating contaminated food or drink, especially poultry.
However, what many people don’t know is that you can also get the bacteria from your pets.
‘Most pet reptiles and amphibians can carry salmonella. Dogs, cats and rodents can occasionally become infected,” the NHS explains.
In their new research, the team wanted to understand the true potential for Salmonella to be transmitted to humans from their dogs.
Using the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, they first identified all Salmonella strains isolated from domestic dogs between May 2017 and March 2023.
They then linked the timing and location of those 87 cases to strains isolated from humans.
Based on the findings, the researchers urge dog owners not to kiss their pets and to ensure they wash their hands regularly after contact.
Their analysis revealed 77 suspected zoonotic cases – meaning the bacteria went from a dog to a human – comprising 164 strains.
“Salmonella infections in dogs are uncommon, but we are aware of foodborne outbreaks linked to pet treats or through contact with contaminated pet food and improper food handling,” Ms Kenney said.
Based on the findings, the researchers urge dog owners not to kiss their pets and to ensure they wash their hands regularly after contact.
“Simple hygiene practices like hand washing are necessary to protect both our furry friends and ourselves – our dogs are family, but even the healthiest pup can carry Salmonella,” said Nkuchia M’ikanatha, co-author of the study.
“We must respect the continued threat of Salmonella and remain vigilant in preventing its spread within our families.”