Your furry friend's 'kisses' may contain deadly superbugs

Big, sloppy kisses from your canine companion may certainly lift your mood and even relieve your sadness, but they could be sharing more than mere unconditional love.

According to a new study, a dog licking its owner's face could further the spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. But letting your dogs and cats lick your plate, as well as touching their waste (and then later your mouth) are believed to cause the spread of the drug-resistant bacteria, E. coli, common in the intestines of healthy people and animals. 

There are several different types of E. Coli, say the authors. While most of them are harmless, some can result in life-threatening infections, such as blood poisoning. More than 40 000 cases of E. coli infection are reported each year in England.