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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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez