Can Salmonella actually live in a dogs mouth? I've read that you can catch it from a dog licking you that has been fed raw and of all the arguments against raw feeding this one seems the most far-fetched but I can't find the answer.

This seems to be a question often asked and often used 'against' raw feeding esepcially with young children.

Dogs have an enzyme in thier stomachs that is 'stimulated' by eating raw meat. This enzyme then travels to the mouth and it is what breaks down the food to be digested. This enzyme is very powerful and it actually the reason why raw fed dogs have white teeth. It also 'kills' the bacteria etc in the mouth. It is where the saying 'a dogs mouth is the cleanest part of the animal', or " let your dog lick a sore to help it heal" comes from.

So, generally, I would say no one cannot 'catch' salmenella from the mouth of the raw fed dog. Having said that I am alway careful with my dogs after eating a meal. There most certainly can be some 'raw' meat on the side of thier mouth or on thier fur that can be harmful to a child, the elderly and/or someone whose body is immune surpressed.

In preparing my dogs meals I take the same precautions I do when I am preparing /handling raw meat for meals for myself. I don't have young kids around on a regular basis but I do have people with disabilities around often, so I do take the precautions with the dogs after they eat. They are fed right before 'my' bedtime, are then let out to potty and then brought in to sleep. They are generally not 'handled' or giving kisses to people after they eat (except maybe myself).

Thanks Shelley. That whole argument didnt seem believable to me but I couldnt find the answer. There's no going back now, he's all raw.

Thanks Connie.

WONDERFUL INFORMATION THANKS CONNIE AND SHELLY !!!!

Very sound practice I might add Shelly