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Elderly woman dies after dog lick infection in the UK

June Baxter, 83, died from septic shock linked to a dog licking her wound.

July 31, 2025 at 05:14 PM

Everything pet owners need to know as Brit woman dies after being LICKED by dog

An elderly woman in the UK died after a dog licked an open wound, leading to septic shock.

Elderly woman dies from infection after dog licks wound

June Baxter, 83, died on July 7 after developing septic shock, caused by an infection linked to her granddaughter's dog. The incident occurred at her Norfolk home on June 29. After suffering a leg injury, Baxter pressed a community call bell, alerting her granddaughter. Paramedics treated her at home, but two days later she felt unwell and was hospitalized. Tests revealed the presence of pasteurella multocida, a bacterium found in dog saliva. Baxter’s medical history indicated previous encounters with sepsis, raising concerns about the dangers of domestic animals. Health experts emphasize that while instances of severe infection from dog licks are rare, they serve as a reminder of health risks associated with pet ownership.

Key Takeaways

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Elderly individuals may be at higher risk from pets due to compromised health.

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Infections from pet interactions can lead to serious conditions like septic shock.

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Pasteurella multocida is typically harmless but can become dangerous in certain circumstances.

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Health risks associated with pet ownership need greater public awareness.

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Maintaining hygiene around pets is essential, especially for those with health vulnerabilities.

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Early medical intervention is crucial when signs of infection appear.

"The risk posed for serious infection from bacteria that are not normally pathogenic is incredibly low for most healthy people."

Dr. Andrew Conlan comments on the general risk of infection from dog licks.

"Most of the time these commensal bacteria will not cause any problems."

Dr. Conlan reassures that typical dog bacteria are generally harmless.

This tragic incident highlights a potential health risk that pet owners may overlook. Despite the rarity of severe infections from dog licks, the case underscores the importance of maintaining hygiene around pets, especially for individuals with compromised health. As people increasingly enjoy close relationships with their pets, awareness about animal-borne infections must be amplified. Health authorities should promote education about safe practices to prevent similar situations, showing that while pets can be loving companions, they also carry responsibility.

Highlights

Pet ownership comes with great responsibility, especially regarding health.
Infections from pet interactions, though rare, can turn fatal for the vulnerable.
Hygiene matters more than ever when pets are involved in our lives.
Awareness is the first step in preventing health risks associated with pets.