Often times we see dog owners being smothered in love by their canine pal. This love is normally erratic bark of happiness. The tail wagging, jumping, skipping and doing back flips. But one of the most famous and common ways your dog will show you affection is by taking its tongue and wash you down with some nice doggy saliva by licking your face, mouth and even your ears. But is this safe to do? Is it really safe to allow your dog to lick your face? Well let's dig into the science of saliva in your dog's mouth to find out.

What Is In Your Dog's Saliva?
Dog saliva is antibacterial. “Dog saliva does contain chemicals that are antibacterial and it’s very unlikely that saliva by itself would be a direct cause of infection,” says Harvey. “You often see dogs licking wounds and that is a cleansing action and an antibacterial action to promote the healing of a superficial wound.” Of course licking won’t cure all superficial infections in dogs, so veterinary visits are still often necessary.

Dog Saliva Can Transfer Bacteria.
Just because dog saliva has antibacterial properties does not mean that dog “kisses” are clean and humans should let their guard down. Dr. Edward R. Eisner, the first veterinarian to become a board-certified specialist in Veterinary Dentistry in Colorado, notes that it’s possible for bacteria to be transferred from pets to humans. One study published in Oral Biology in 2012 found that there can be a transmission of periodontopathic species of bacteria between dogs and their owners.

Dog saliva may produce allergies in humans.
While many people believe that pet fur is the culprit of allergic reactions to dogs, many of these allergies actually stem from proteins found in dog saliva. According to a study published in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, dog saliva contains at least 12 different allergy-causing protein bands. When dogs lick their fur, the saliva dries, and these proteins become airborne. Researchers who conducted the study concluded that dog saliva has greater potential as an allergen source than dog dander.

Conclusion
Licking and smooching with your canine pal me be all nice and dandy at the moment you are deeply enjoying each others affection. But not all dog owners have been lucky to escape those smooches without bacteria transfer.

So you have just finished your beautiful flower garden. Your little seedlings have grown and you are quite happy to see their elegance and beauty. Then while sitting and beaming at the beauty of your work your canine pal just comes right along and sprays the best flower in your garden with urine. Say what? Yes, apparently your dog does not see a flower garden the way you do and simply sees it as a part of his territory which needs to be marked. But this can have devastating effects on your plants, here is why.

What's In A Dog's Urine.
The concentration of urea in your dog is way too much for plants and grass to handle. The urine also contains potassium and salt which can have negative effects on your plants and grass, but the read deal is the nitrate in the dogs urine which is devastating to plant life. When dog's pee, especially large male dogs, the volume tends to be plenty, while of course smaller dogs will have less urine. Female dogs normally tend to pee in one location while male dogs will pee in several locations for territorial reasons. Male dogs also tend to pee standing up which causes the urine to be deposited directly on plants and can easily soak to roots and kills the plant.

Conclusion
Remember the main focus is saving your plants. But at the end of the day if your dog has to go it just has to go. Try creating an environment which is conducive for growing your plants and vegetables and an area where your dog can pee with a smile and everyone will live happily ever after.

Dogs are capable of coming under stress and anxiety just like us humans. There feelings and emotions play a vital part in the dogs mental state. So how does a dog owner knows if his dog is going under stress and anxiety ? What really causes your dog to be stressed out and what are the most common tell tale signs of your pooch being stressed out? Well let's take a look.

What Causes Anxiety and Stress in Dogs?

Illness
If your dog becomes ill, it can induce stress simply because the dog just doesn't feel like itself and it is wondering what the heck is going on. The dog may become weak and may not be able to function at full capacity and unable to do the natural things it used to do such as running, jumping, and even eating.

Mistreatment
Dogs will become extremely stressed if they are treated badly. They become withdrawn and fearful and will either act cowardly or aggressively towards people and other dogs. 

Lack of Attention
Your dog will always want to solicit your love daily and as such will become stressed and depressed when he or she is ignored.

Too Much To Do
​Some dogs which live on farm homes have a lot to do daily than most other dogs which live in the suburbs.  Some dogs are used as cattle and hunting dogs and have to go out daily to perform their task, kind of like a daily job. Even though the dogs may look as though they may be enjoying this labor at times, too much labor can become quite stressful for the animal, just like us humans.

Passing of Owner
When a dog's owner dies, it can drive the dog into deep stress, anxiety and depression. The dog is suddenly thrust into a place where he/she is no longer receiving the love and care of the passed owner. The dog is left wondering why his owner has suddenly left him all alone and probably wondering what he did wrong for this to happen.  The animal will feel like his owner just doesn't love him anymore and has gone elsewhere. This can push the dog into deep depression. 

Signs of Stress and Depression in Dogs

• Lack of appetite
• Lack of mobility
• Sleeps more than usual
• Barks much less
• Not interested in play

What To Do When Your Dog is Stressed

1. Vet Time

• Get your dog to a vet to ensure that the dog is physically and mentally stable and that there are no underlining ailments which causes anxiety and stress within the animal.

2. New Toy

• Give the dog something new which will be of interest and add some flare and excitement  in your stressed dog life. New things always brings new interest.

3. Spend More Time 

• Spend more time with your canine pal. Play with your dog, pet and rub the animal down. Go out somewhere new and bring your pet. Let your dog enjoy the fresh air of a new atmosphere.

4. Massaged and Groomed

• Stress seems to always go away after a good massage and grooming. Give you canine a treatment at the doggy spa and have her groomed and massaged.  

5. Talk to Your Dog
You would be surprised at what kind words can do. Your dog will understand  phrases like, "Good boy, I love you, great job, or just a general talk like you would an individual.