A retired woman from Norfolk died after contracting a bacterial infection from a dog’s lick on an open wound, a coroner’s court heard this week. June Baxter, 83, from Attleborough, passed away due to septic shock triggered by Pasteurella multocida — a bacterium commonly found in the mouths of domestic dogs.
The fatal sequence of events began Baxter injured her leg while using a commode in her home. At the time, she was alone. Later that day, her granddaughter Caitlan Allin arrived, accompanied by her dog. The animal is believed to have licked the wound on Baxter’s leg.
Subsequent tests identified the presence of Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium found in approximately 50 percent of dogs’ mouths. While generally harmless to canines, the bacteria can prove dangerous to humans — particularly those with compromised immune systems.
During the inquest at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, it was revealed that Baxter’s health had already been significantly impaired. She suffered from kidney, liver and heart problems and was described as being in frail condition. According to evidence presented, she began feeling unwell the day after the incident. Despite receiving medical treatment, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she succumbed to sepsis a week later.
Sepsis, or blood poisoning, occurs when the body’s response to infection causes damage to its own tissues and organs. In cases involving the elderly or immunocompromised individuals, the condition can escalate swiftly and prove fatal.
Health experts caution that although dog saliva is not typically harmful to healthy individuals, certain precautions should be observed — particularly when it comes to vulnerable groups. Medical professionals strongly advise against allowing dogs to lick the eyes, nose or mouth, as these areas are lined with mucous membranes, making them more permeable and susceptible to bacterial absorption. Open wounds should always be kept covered and protected.
“If anyone has an immune system weakened by age or other infection, they need to be wary of letting a dog slobber over them,” medical professionals warned. In Baxter’s case, her underlying health issues played a significant role in her body’s inability to fight the infection.
Licking is an instinctive behaviour in dogs, often seen as a sign of affection or submission. Experts note that it is linked to the comfort they experienced when licked by their mother as puppies. “Dogs lick as a way to show their love, deference and respect to humans as their pack leader,” one explanation reads.
The case has drawn comparisons to similar incidents involving elderly pet owners. According to The Times, an 85-year-old woman also died of septic shock after contracting Pasteurella multocida from her dog. In 2023, a case report published in the BMC Geriatrics journal stressed the importance of highlighting such incidents, especially given the growing number of elderly people living with pets and seeking medical care.
“This case is a reminder that while animals provide companionship, especially for older adults, they can sometimes pose unforeseen health risks,” the report noted.
The Norfolk coroner’s court has yet to issue any public health recommendations, but the incident has sparked renewed discussion among healthcare professionals regarding pet hygiene and the health risks associated with animal contact in elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
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