Petting a dog can make you feel better and may even be good for your health, but if you stop there, you're probably missing a key step.
it's very important to wash your hands afterward, and if you don't, your health could be in danger.
In fact, a study done in 2009 found that dogs were more likely to get sick from their owners by petting them than by sleeping next to them in bed.
It's important to wash your hands after petting a dog to stop the spread of parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and more.
that dogs love to roll around outside and that parasites in the soil or grass can get on their fur. When you pet a dog, these parasites move from its fur to your hands, where they can then spread.
It's common for dogs to have bacterial infections, some of which can be passed on to humans.
"A dog's fur, mouth, and intestines can all carry different kinds of bacteria. These things can lead to stomach problems, like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever."