UK Woman Loses Limbs After Dog Lick Triggers Sepsis: Signs, Symptoms And How To Stay Safe

Last Updated:February 26, 2026, 12:14 IST

A rare but alarming case highlights how bacteria from dog saliva can enter the bloodstream.

A 56-year-old woman of Indian origin, Manjit Sangha, lost all four limbs and suffered multiple cardiac arrests after developing sepsis — reportedly triggered when her dog licked a small cut on her skin.

A shocking medical case in the United Kingdom has raised serious concerns about infection risks from everyday contact with pets. A 56-year-old woman of Indian origin, Manjit Sangha, lost all four limbs and suffered multiple cardiac arrests after developing sepsis — reportedly triggered when her dog licked a small cut on her skin.

Doctors say such cases are rare, but they highlight an important health warning: bacteria in dog saliva can enter the body through broken skin and cause severe infection.

Here’s what you need to know about dog lick sepsis, including symptoms, risks and how to stay safe.

Can A Dog Lick Really Cause Sepsis?

Yes but only in rare situations.

Dogs naturally carry bacteria in their mouths. Most of the time, these bacteria do not harm healthy people. But if saliva enters an open wound, scratch or damaged skin, infection can develop.

Some common bacteria found in dog saliva include:

• Capnocytophaga
• Pasteurella
• Staphylococcus
• Streptococcus

If these bacteria enter the bloodstream, the body may develop sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection.

How A Simple Dog Lick Can Turn Dangerous

A dog lick is more likely to cause infection if it touches:

• Open cuts or wounds
• Cracked or broken skin
• Surgical stitches
• Eyes, nose or mouth area
• People with weak immunity

In some cases, symptoms can appear within hours. Severe infection can damage tissues and blood supply, sometimes leading to amputation.

Who Is At Higher Risk?

Not everyone who gets licked by a dog will develop infection. But certain people are more vulnerable:

• People with diabetes
• Cancer patients
• Organ transplant recipients
• Elderly individuals
• People with liver disease
• Those without a spleen
• People on long-term steroids
• Anyone with low immunity

For these groups, even minor skin exposure can be risky.

Early Warning Signs After A Dog Lick

Watch closely if a dog licks broken skin. Early symptoms of infection may include:

• Redness or swelling
• Pain or warmth around the wound
• Pus or discharge
• If infection spreads, symptoms may become serious:
• Fever
• Chills
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Extreme weakness

These may signal sepsis and require immediate medical care.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Seek medical help if:

• A dog licked an open wound
• You feel feverish or weak
• Swelling is increasing
• The wound is not healing
• You have an existing health condition

Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent severe complications.

How Doctors Treat Dog Lick Infection

Treatment depends on severity and may include:

• Antibiotics
• Intravenous fluids
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Intensive care in severe cases

Quick medical attention greatly improves recovery chances.

How To Prevent Infection From Dog Saliva

Prevention is simple:

• Do not let dogs lick open wounds
• Wash skin immediately if licked
• Keep cuts clean and covered
• Wash hands after contact with saliva
• Keep pets healthy and vaccinated
• Seek medical advice if immunocompromised

Good hygiene is the best protection.