Amazing Benefits of Dog Saliva: 55 Surprising Facts!

Sanitizing Power

When it comes to bacteriakilling capabilities, it turns out that a dog's saliva is more effective than human saliva.

Human saliva typically has a pH range of 6.5 to 7, whereas a dog's saliva hovers around 7.5 to 8. This seemingly minor difference in pH levels translates into a striking contrast in their sanitizing effects.

The higher pH in a dog's saliva creates a challenging environment for bacteria to thrive, as the weak alkaline substances in the saliva help neutralize the acids produced by bacteria. This is why it's worth reflecting on your dog's oral health if you notice any signs of dental issues.

Aiding Digestion

While we're all aware that human saliva assists in digestion, dog saliva doesn't share this function. Dogs have such robust digestive systems that they can break down a wide variety of foods. In essence, a dog's saliva is more about facilitating the smooth passage of food into the digestive tract rather than aiding in digestion itself.

Preventing Tooth Decay

It's no secret that dog saliva can prevent tooth decay. With a pH range of 6.5 to 7 for human saliva and around 7.5 to 8 for dog saliva, the latter is similar to the saliva of many carnivorous animals, which is also slightly alkaline.

This weak alkalinity in a dog's saliva helps buffer the acids produced by bacteria, which are the main culprits behind tooth decay. As a result, dogs are less prone to cavities.

Sanitizing Again

Wait, wasn't this discussed earlier in the article? Well, it's worth revisiting. Dogs have an instinct to lick their wounds. Although we know it's not advisable to let them do so, as it can worsen the injury, dog saliva does indeed have antibacterial properties that can promote healing.

But why does it seem to make things worse when dogs lick their wounds? Researchers believe that the antibacterial components in a dog's saliva are "too lowgrade" to combat the "highgrade" pathogens of today's society. The diminishing effectiveness of this神奇 saliva might just be a possibility.