Off The Record: Urgent Warning for Pet Owners After a 49-Year-Old Father of Two Dies from a Dog’s Lick

Following the untimely death of a father of two, pet owners have been alerted about the potentially fatal effects of allowing their animals to lick them.

Craig Jones contracted a rare but deadly illness from his dog’s saliva and was rushed to the hospital.

Before medical help arrived, the 49-year-old’s wife discovered him cold and purple, prompting immediate emergency intervention.

Despite doctors’ efforts, Mr. Jones suffered six cardiac arrests, and his body ultimately failed to respond to treatment. He tragically passed away due to multi-organ failure.

Further examinations confirmed that Mr. Jones had developed sepsis, an extreme immune response to infection. The infection was linked to a bacterium commonly found in dogs, known as Capnocytophaga canimorsus.

How the Infection Occurred

Shortly after his pet beagle licked an open wound on his leg in December 2022, the horrifying chain of events began.

Mr. Jones had a pre-existing skin condition, psoriasis, which often leads to scaly patches, wounds, and open sores. The condition, caused by an overactive immune system attacking healthy skin cells, had left him with an exposed gash.

Medical experts believe that the deadly bacteria entered his bloodstream when his dog’s tongue made contact with the wound.

Since his death, a coroner has issued a formal warning about the risks associated with allowing pets to lick wounds, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and wound care.

The Rarity and Danger of the Infection

A medical microbiologist who testified during the inquest called the infection “extremely rare,” affecting approximately one person per million worldwide.

Dr. Eoghan O’Neill stated, “It’s a highly aggressive bacteria with a 33% mortality rate once it enters the bloodstream.”

Mr. Jones’ vulnerability may have been exacerbated by his medical history. At age 24, he had his spleen removed, an organ crucial for filtering out infections. Without a spleen, his immune system was significantly weakened, making him more susceptible to severe infections.

Despite this, his family insists he was in good health, describing him as “fit as a fiddle” and an enthusiastic runner who rarely had medical issues.

Public Health Warning

According to Coroner Cróna Gallagher, Mr. Jones’s sepsis was directly caused by a bacterial infection potentially spread by the family pet. She strongly urged pet owners to adopt stringent hygiene measures when interacting with animals.

“The tragic passing of Mr. Jones highlights the importance of proper wound care and awareness of potential risks,” she said. “Good hygiene is essential when handling pets, especially if you have an open wound or a weakened immune system.”

Other Cases of Sepsis Mismanagement

Mr. Jones’s case is not the only recent tragedy linked to sepsis. A separate inquest revealed that 17-year-old Cyrus Perry died after an emergency call handler failed to recognize the warning signs of sepsis.

Cyrus waited eight hours for a callback from NHS 111 after initially reporting symptoms of severe illness. His mother, Hayley, later spoke out against the healthcare system, expressing her disappointment over the lack of timely intervention.

The Takeaway for Pet Owners

While the risk of infection remains rare, experts urge pet owners to:

• Avoid allowing pets to lick open wounds or broken skin.

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling animals.

• Seek immediate medical attention if any unusual symptoms develop after contact with a pet.

• Be extra cautious if they have a compromised immune system, such as a history of organ removal or chronic illness.

Craig Jones’s tragic story serves as a stark reminder that even small, seemingly harmless interactions with pets can carry serious risks.

By raising awareness, experts hope to prevent similar incidents and encourage responsible pet care practices.