Should you avoid kissing your pets? Survey share insights

Kissing our beloved pets has long been a common expression of affection, but recent research suggests that it might not be as harmless as we once thought. A study conducted by The Conversation delves into the potential risks associated with kissing our furry companions.

Although numerous studies have highlighted the myriad benefits associated with pet ownership, including improvements in both our mental and physical health, it's important to acknowledge that pets can sometimes serve as carriers of infectious diseases that pose a potential risk to humans.

Zoonotic diseases are infectious conditions capable of transmitting from animals to humans, and data indicates that there are over 70 companion animal infections that can spread to humans.

These infections have the potential to be transmitted indirectly through contact with contaminated materials like bedding, soil, food, or water, as well as directly from pets to humans through the exchange of saliva, bodily fluids, and waste. Dogs and cats, in particular, are significant sources of zoonotic infections stemming from viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Also watch: Study finds over half of US dog owners hesitate to vaccinate their pets; know the reasons