Should dogs be allowed to lick babies' faces?
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (377004)
Rockingham, Australia
April 10, 2026 3:08am CST
I know times have changed a lot since I was a youngster, but I was taught not to let dogs lick my face. I guess it was for hygienic reasons, yet I see dozens of video clips of dogs licking faces, sometimes of quite young babies.
I don’t like dogs licking me now but that’s just me. I have noticed that Jensen doesn’t lick which I appreciate. Maybe it’s because he spent his early years as a racing greyhound and didn’t have much to do with anyone other than his trainer.
What do you think about dogs licking faces?
Here’s another photo of Jensen.
17 people like this
16 responses
@augusta123 (8518)
•
11h
I don't think it's a good hygiene, dogs shouldnt be allowed to lick you because dog have bacteria in their mouths, they can cause diseases in humans like clostridium.
I don't allow my kids play with our dog or allow Benny lick them, it really harmful.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (377004)
• Rockingham, Australia
6h
@augusta123 I dodge getting licked if I can.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (117137)
• United States
11h
Well, a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth. They did an experiment on that science show, Mythbusters. Of course, humans aren’t licking the faces of other humans, but they do kiss.
I prefer only the dogs I know lick my hand or my arm. I know it is a friendly and/or comforting gesture, and add to that I just love dogs. I wouldn’t care if a dog licked my child, just not on the mouth.
I give my dog Greenies…they do a stellar job of cleaning a dog’s mouth.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (117137)
• United States
9h
@JudyEv When it’s my dog, I don’t think much of it. But a stranger’s dog? I don’t know their habits. I don’t know what they eat. I don’t let a stranger’s dog lick my face.
My dog, Sadie, doesn’t lick anyone’s face, not even mine. My previous dog, Annabelle, would only lick my ear.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (497925)
• Italy
11h
I think that dogs should not be allowed to lick babies faces and I do not like that they lick my face either. I am fine with my hands, that I rush to wash immediately after they did.
I know there is the myth that dogs mouth is cleaner than humans mouth, but it's just a myth, the kind of bacteria are different. The bacteria in a dog's mouth can pose health risks to humans.
I know there is the myth that dogs mouth is cleaner than humans mouth, but it's just a myth, the kind of bacteria are different. The bacteria in a dog's mouth can pose health risks to humans.1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (218602)
• United States
8h
I don't let dogs lick my face; and if they lick my hands, I get an antibacterial wipe and clean my hands after.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (377004)
• Rockingham, Australia
6h
I think it is gross too but you see all these YouTube clips with dogs licking babies' faces. I feel like commenting but I don't. 
@rebelann (116688)
• El Paso, Texas
3h
Until I got Roscoe I never had dogs that licked, I try to understand that it's a canine way to show affection but it is irritating.
@LeaPea2417 (39839)
• Toccoa, Georgia
16m
No, dogs should not lick babies faces or anybody's face. I think it is unsanitary.
@xFiacre (14521)
• Ireland
9h
@JudyEv And what did the dog lick directly before it licked you? How anyone can let a dog lick their face knowing where that tongue has recently been is beyond me. Unlike (most) humans, dogs can reach their toileting bits with their tongues and they spend a disproportionate time doing just that. So no.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (377004)
• Rockingham, Australia
9h
My ponies would lick my hands. I think they liked any salt or remnants of carrots. Cats have quite a raspy tongue, don't they?
@valherma00 (2407)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
32m
i've only had cats as pets but i also washed the sport where they licked me.
@changjiangzhibin89 (17198)
• China
6h
I always ”give a wide berth to dogs”,not to speak of letting them lick my face.
@wolfgirl569 (132559)
• Marion, Ohio
6h
I quick light lick doesn't bother me. Constantly doing it does.
