Dogs have a unique ability to lick the floor and not get sick due to several factors. One important factor is the difference in saliva composition between dogs and humans. Dogs have a higher pH level in their saliva, which means it is more alkaline compared to human saliva. This higher pH helps to kill or inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and pathogens that can make humans sick.
Additionally, dogs have beneficial bacteria in their saliva that can help protect them from harmful pathogens. These bacteria, known as normal flora, can outcompete and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. This natural defense mechanism helps dogs to ingest bacteria that would typically make humans sick without suffering from any adverse effects.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that many illnesses that humans can contract, such as certain types of food poisoning, are not easily transmissible to animals. Dogs have different digestive systems and immune responses compared to humans, making them less susceptible to certain pathogens.
Personal experience: I have witnessed my own dog licking the floor or other surfaces without falling ill. On one occasion, my dog licked up a small spill of milk that I had missed while cleaning the kitchen. I was initially worried that she might get sick, but to my surprise, she showed no signs of illness whatsoever. This incident made me curious about how dogs can lick the floor without adverse effects, leading me to research the topic further.
Dogs can lick the floor and not get sick due to their higher saliva pH, the presence of beneficial bacteria in their saliva, and their resistance to certain illnesses that affect humans. These factors work together to provide dogs with a natural defense mechanism against harmful pathogens.