Most notable potential affects are gastrointestinal problems, including food poisoning and salmonella.

The best way to avoid any potential illnesses is to make sure all animals are up to date with vet appointments. Even then, people younger than 5 and older than 65 are most susceptible to health concerns, Sykes said. It's uncommon for healthy adults to get sick from kissing their dogs.

Overall, having dogs as pets is more advantageous than dangerous.

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Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo