What does it mean when a dog licks a person's hand? Does a dog lick a person's hand contain bacteria?

When a dog shows its affection and love to a person, it will stick out its tongue to lick the owner's hand. Sometimes it will also express its hunger and hope that the owner can feed it. Many diseases and bacteria are transmitted through contact and saliva. So, are there bacteria when a dog licks a person's hand? Will it be infected with any disease?

What does it mean when a dog licks your hand?

Dogs often lick their hands to show their love for their owners. Secondly, dogs also mark their owners with saliva. The surface of the human body will have volatile sweat and odor, and the surface of the body is usually salty, which will attract dogs to mark, so dogs will smell and even lick to express. In addition, dogs will lick their owners' hands and feet because they are hungry. When dogs are fed, they are fed directly by hand. The dog will remember this action, and when it is hungry, it will send a signal to the owner to eat by licking the fingers, forming a conditioned reflex. The other is to express obedience and loyalty, telling you that it is not dangerous and you can get close to it.

Do dogs pick up bacteria when they lick people's hands?

There will be bacteria. If it is normal and not damaged, just clean and disinfect it after being licked by a dog. If it is damaged, try not to let the dog lick it, just like being bitten. It is best not to let dogs develop the habit of licking people to reduce the occurrence of rabies. Many disease pathogens are mainly transmitted through contact, especially saliva, droplets, urine, feces, blood, etc.

How to train a dog not to lick your hands

When the puppy licks your hands and face, you should clearly refuse to let the dog lick and gently reprimand it. But this is not a severe punishment, because licking is a sign of obedience for the dog, and it will be overwhelmed after the severe punishment, causing it to lick more fiercely to apologize. In addition, when the dog kisses and licks your arm crazily, you should first push the dog away and let it calm down. If the dog obeys the command, it should be given some rewards.

What should I do if my hand is licked by a dog?

It is recommended to immediately rinse with soapy water for about 15 minutes, and then disinfect with iodine. If the dog is regularly vaccinated with rabies vaccine at home, then the owner does not need to go to the hospital for vaccination; if the dog has not been vaccinated with rabies vaccine, it is recommended that the owner first receive rabies vaccine at the hospital, and then observe whether the dog has any abnormal performance within 10 days. If not, the vaccination can be stopped.