Can dog saliva infect me?

[kishiro]

Hello!
[I think] I accidentally ingested my dog's saliva while I was feeding him.
Earlier I tried to give him a piece of bread that I was eating. He just puts it in his mouth then spits it out. I picked up the saliva-covered piece of bread and gave it to our cat then I resumed eating my bread. I touched my bread using the same hand that I touched the saliva-covered bread that my dog spitted out. I finished eating my bread and that's when I realize what I just did.

I'm taking medications for a mild respiratory problem and I'm worried if maybe a bacteria from what I touched would compromise my immune system. Am I gonna be okay??

[rascal1997]

Hello Kishiro. I believe that you will be fine, Kishiro. However.......it is always a good idea just to "check" with your doctor wheres you said your immune system is compromised, also. It was always said that a dog's saliva had much less bacteria in it than our own!! None of us really know. So, with that said.......I would just make a call at least to your doctor and explain what happened and see what your doctor has to say, ok?? I do believe you will be alright, though. But, still do at least that. Take care.....ok?! Happy Holidays and please let us know how you made out!     Sue

[Jumong]

Well then it depends on what kind of disease the dog has. Some are transmissible to humans ( eg. rabies) while others are not.

[kishiro]

I forgot to mention.
My dog had a poor appetite for almost a week now and he's not that energetic anymore so I was thinking maybe he's sick that's why I'm more worried because his saliva might be dangerous.

[Jumong]

It may be that your dog is healthier than you :)