A dogs aftershave?

I live in central Canada, literally the center of canada, its my towns claim to fame. So last night it went down to about -20 (Degrees) which is actually quite warm for this time of the year. One of my favorite rituals is to have a great straight shave and go outside into the cold right after, I enjoy the cold brisk wind hitting my face and soothing it.

Now your probally wondering what does this have to do with aftershaves? well last night I had made fast work out of a five day beard with my Dovo; I then proceeded to do my usual step out into the cold wind, however, this time I was welcomed by my good friend Franklin (130 pound Bull Mastiff), needless to say we had a quick play session, with the end result of me having my face licked a few times by him. This got me to thinking, If your face was sliced up from a bad shave would a dogs saliva help you out? needless to say I am not going to sit outside and let my dog lick whole face up and down(clubmans isnt that expensive), but I thought it was an interesting concept. I immediately remembered my Grandfather telling me stories of his father, and how he owned and operated a lumber yard. One of his rituals after a day of moving wood was to come home and let the family dog lick his hands to heal all his slivers and cuts; followed by a beer.

I cant comment on if it really helped my face or not; I had a great shave with no cuts, plus aftershave had already been applied. I have not got a chance to research into the possiable healing properties of a dogs saliva, or if this is simply an old wives tale. What have other dog owners experienced? has your freshly shaved face ever crossed paths with your dogs version of aftershave?

Dog spit on wounds?! That has to be a wives tale. When an animal licks it's crotch, drinks urine, eats poop and puts it's mouth wherever else, the last place that tongue needs to go is an area where it can deposit who-knows-what directly into your bloodstream.

If I remember correctly, there are some anti-septic qualities to certain animals saliva, including dogs. It may be a case of an old wives tale with some basis in scientific fact. Either way, I'm not letting any animal get a taste of my blood. They may want more. :)

The dog saliva was surpassed by the anecdotal healing powers of beer.

I have a teacup chihuahua she would lick at scaps on my arms and nibble them off. Felt really weird. But after she did that they seemed to heal quicker. But I am with you not going to let her lick my face if i nick myself.

Jeff

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Originally Posted by Theseus

If I remember correctly, there are some anti-septic qualities to certain animals saliva, including dogs. It may be a case of an old wives tale with some basis in scientific fact. Either way, I'm not letting any animal get a taste of my blood. They may want more. :)

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Nope. No go. Dog saliva ≠ aftershave. If countless articles and commonly accepted facts aren't convincing, that's fine, we'll just have to agree to disagree.

It is a common belief here that dog saliva has certain healing properties, but i haven't ever tried. Well maybe as a kid.
It might be not wise to get your dogs to get used to the taste or scent of human blood.

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Originally Posted by Bubblehead

Nope. No go. Dog saliva ≠ aftershave. If countless articles and commonly accepted facts aren't convincing, that's fine, we'll just have to agree to disagree.

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Actually, the University of California did tests on dog saliva and found that it can inhibit and kill e coli among other bacterias: ScienceDirect - Physiology & Behavior : Antibacterial properties of saliva: Role in maternal periparturient grooming and in licking wounds

I think it's best not to rely on any type of saliva for real cleaning / healing. Human saliva also contains lysosyme, an enzyme that kills bacteria. But there are many bacteria that are immune to animals' antibacterial enzymes. Eggs and cysts of worms are also unaffected. And since dogs are constantly licking their butts or eating turds, and God knows what else, they tend to have all kinds of pathogens in their mouths.
If you want to treat your wounds with saliva, use your own. Unless you lick the same things your dog does, you'll be introducing fewer pathogens into your wounds.

I should probably start by saying I'm a little weird.

I love dogs; I have four. I feel dogs are 'pack animals', that is, they 'need' their pack. Their "masters" and their "masters'" families are their packs. So our dogs are inside dogs. But they are also 'in bed' dogs. My Dalmation actually sleeps IN my bed with me. I've always allowed my dogs to lick my wounds. My father (85 years old, born on a German villiage in Yugoslavia; it was almost 'middle ages' style) always said dogs licking wounds was good for the wounds. I also recall a Bible verse about dogs licking the wounds or sores of beggers outside the citie's walls (or something like that). I was always told dogss mouths are 'anticeptic'. Dogs seem to like licking wounds; and I don't feel it's simply to 'get some blood'. I think it's a 'caring' thing. We now know dogs can actually sniff out cancer in the body. I feel thay don't do this simply because it's an interesting scent, maybe also a 'caring' thing...

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Originally Posted by Theseus

Actually, the University of California did tests on dog saliva and found that it can inhibit and kill e coli among other bacterias: ScienceDirect - Physiology & Behavior : Antibacterial properties of saliva: Role in maternal periparturient grooming and in licking wounds

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That still doesn't make dog spit a substitute for aftershave. It never will. But if reeking like dog breath turns on some ladies, who am I to complain! ;) I'd much rather stick with my trusty Pre De Provence.

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Originally Posted by Bubblehead

That still doesn't make dog spit a substitute for aftershave. It never will. But if reeking like dog breath turns on some ladies, who am I to complain! ;) I'd much rather stick with my trusty Pre De Provence.

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Not disagreeing with you on the aftershave part. I was just stating the dog saliva has proven antiseptic/antibacterial qualities and that the old wives tale doea have some basis in fact.Oh, and by the way, nothing turns on a woman like a lick from a cute puppy.:)

Man, has this thread gone weird!

What's really weird is that I am enjoying it.

Might say it has gone to the "DOGS"

I think men that like the simple, pleasant act of shaving with a straight razor may commonly be the same sorts of men who enjoy the simple, pleasant company of dogs (and other animals).

Like Eddie Vedder says, "I'd rather be with an animal"...

I'd rather be...
I'd rather be with...
I'd rather be with an animal
why would you wanna hurt me?
so frightened of your pain...

On the other hand, I like Pinaud Clubman...

After reading this thread I think I just puked in my mouth a little.....:roflmao

yea, maybe we should go full bore here. Maybe put leeches on our faces or mosquito saliva or if we want since it's sterile maybe just some urine on it.

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Originally Posted by Ryan82

After reading this thread I think I just puked in my mouth a little.....:roflmao

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After reading that comment I think I just puked in my mouth a little...

Dog Saliva Has Healing Properties - AllPetNews

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Originally Posted by Theseus

Oh, and by the way, nothing turns on a woman like a lick from a cute puppy.:)

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Dog Germs !!!

I don't give a "spit" of what you guys think...DOG SLOBBERS IS GOOD STUFF. Why in the world would a veteran say that? It's good for the soul, end of discussion. I say that because I have two great friends who are always there & happy to see me. GSD's rule!

Attachment 84464 Buster licks his anus, drinks from the toilet and then wakes me with licks. I have never had any negative reaction. Quite the opposite applies!

Dogs lick you because they like you.
Cats lick you because they want to see if you (and your entire family) would be good to eat.

Cats really are just as social and affectionate as dogs ( they've done studies). What they aren't is as obedient as dogs. As to dog saliva as an aftershave? it's generally agreed that dog's mouths are relatively sanitary as such things go, and their saliva might have some antibacterial properties, but it's a safe bet that the alcohol in an aftershave is both cleaner and better at killing bacteria, so I think that I will pass. :>

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Originally Posted by oldschooltools

Attachment 84464 Buster licks his anus, drinks from the toilet and then wakes me with licks. I have never had any negative reaction. Quite the opposite applies!

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Buster looks like a good bird dog. Do you hunt him?