Pets' mouths contain bacteria that can cause illness in humans, especially vulnerable people with weakened immune systems.
Intestinal parasites like giardia, coccidia, hookworms and roundworms can be passed from pets to people through saliva.
Pets with dental disease or wounds in their mouth pose greater risk of transmitting bacteria through lip contact.
People allergic to pets will likely react with irritated lips, runny nose or rashes after direct contact with animal saliva.
Though rare, contact with the saliva of a rabid animal can potentially transmit this deadly virus to humans.
Allowing pets to lick your face promotes contact with fecal matter if they ingest feces or litterbox contents.
People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to zoonotic diseases from pets, especially through direct saliva contact.