Guwahati, March 10 -- Jacqueline Boyd, Nottingham Trent University

Any dog owners reading this will know the joy of getting home and being greeted with utter delight by their pet - tail wagging wildly before enthusiastic but face-drenching licks. While some owners will push their pooches away playfully to discourage face licking, others positively revel in their dog's affection and may even offer up pursed lips for a canine kiss.

It's a heartwarming scene. But think of what that doggy companion has been licking throughout the day. Their food and water, their paws, their toys and chews - and maybe their bottom and genitals. Do those cute kisses seem a little less appealing now?

Not matter what pets have licked, many owners are so taken ...